Trump - Xi may meet in June; Many Venezuelan lawmakers hide in foreign embassies

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on May 12 that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to meet at the G20 summit in Japan in late June to discuss trade, but he added that no new discussions are currently planned between Washington and Beijing.

In a televised address, Kudlow said China had backed away from a number of commitments in recent weeks and now was the right time to ensure Beijing made the changes it had promised. After Trump and Xi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina in December 2018, a trade truce was reached. The two sides agreed not to impose additional tariffs on each other until March 1.

DPRK Today, a North Korean propaganda website, published an article on May 12 urging South Korea to resume operations at the Kaesong inter-Korean industrial complex, emphasizing that the issue does not require approval from the US. "The resumption of the industrial complex is not a matter that requires Washington's approval. South Korea is just looking for an excuse for foreign forces to interfere in inter-Korean cooperation projects when it mentions approval or sanctions," the North Korean propaganda website wrote.

South Korea has long hoped to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang tourism program in North Korea to promote the peace process between the two countries. However, Seoul's wish has not been realized due to international sanctions against Pyongyang. Seoul closed the Kaesong Industrial Complex in February 2016 in response to North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests.

Many Venezuelan lawmakers hide in foreign embassies

Congressman Americo de Grazia. Photo: Reuters

At least three opposition lawmakers in Venezuela have sought asylum in foreign embassies in Caracas after losing their immunity, the BBC reported. Specifically, two lawmakers, Americo de Grazia and Mariela Magallanes, sought asylum at the Italian Embassy, ​​while Richard Blanco went to the Argentine Embassy. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ms. Magallanes, whose husband is Italian and is in the process of naturalization, will be “protected.” Italian officials also confirmed that Mr. Grazia is at their embassy in Caracas.

Meanwhile, El Nacional newspaper quoted Mr. Blanco as saying that he went to the Argentine Embassy after the arrest of former National Assembly Vice President Edgar Zambrano, the right-hand man of opposition leader Juan Guaido. Mr. Blanco accused President Nicolas Maduro of carrying out a “purge” of those suspected of being behind the failed coup on April 30.

Israel fears risk of attack from Iran if tensions increase

Mr. Yuval Steinitz, Israeli Minister of Energy. Photo: Time of Israel.

On May 12, the Israeli Energy Minister warned that Iran could directly attack the country if the confrontation between the US and Iran continues to escalate. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Mr. Yuval Steinitz, Israeli Energy Minister, said that things in the Gulf are heating up. If there is a conflict between Iran and the US, between Iran and its neighbors, it is not excluded that Iran will fire missiles towards Israel.

The United States is increasing economic and military pressure on Iran. US President Donald Trump on May 8 called on Iranian leaders to negotiate with the United States on abandoning its nuclear program and said he did not rule out an armed confrontation. Just hours later, Mr. Trump issued an executive order imposing sanctions on two key Iranian industries: mining and metals. The White House warned that Iran would face “further measures” unless it changed its behavior.