EU-US summit Brussels and Biden – the sticking points

Status: 15.06.2021 2:04 p.m. Subsidies, punitive tariffs or relations with Beijing – the European Union and the USA are still fighting over a whole range of explosive problems after the change of power in Washington. An overview. The United States and the European Union are clearly trying to improve their relations again after the Trump presidency. Disputes in economic and geopolitics have been simmering for years. The new US President Joe Biden is as tough on some issues as his predecessor Donald Trump. On other questions, however, he showed a willingness to compromise in advance. When he meets EU leader Ursula von der Leyen today, these issues will be the main focus:

Subsidy dispute over Airbus and Boeing

For 17 years, the EU and the US had been fighting because they accused each other of improperly subsidizing their aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing. Since Biden took office, there was a kind of armistice until July 11th. In the run-up to the summit, both sides had hoped to be able to resolve this dispute. In fact, the EU and US reached an agreement at today’s meeting. There is a breakthrough on the subject, said EU Commission President von der Leyen. This will open a new chapter in relationships – with cooperation instead of legal disputes. During Trump’s tenure, the United States had received permission from the World Trade Organization (WTO) to impose punitive tariffs of $ 7.5 billion on goods and services from the EU. Airbus aircraft were subject to a tax of 15 percent. A year later, Brussels also received WTO approval to impose punitive tariffs on US imports totaling four billion dollars.

October 18, 2019

Punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum

At the meeting between Biden and the EU leaders, the trade conflict over steel and aluminum will also come on the table. The commission hopes that the guest from Washington will agree to lift the punitive tariffs of 25 percent on European steel exports to the USA by December 1st. After Trump was voted out of office, Brussels decided not to raise its tariffs on whiskey, jeans or Harley-Davidson motorcycles as planned on June 1. Now it is up to the USA to turn words into deeds, says Deputy EU Commission President Valdis Dombrovskis. Trump had accused the EU of unfair trade practices and imposed punitive tariffs on imports in this area in June 2018. As a result, European steel exports to the USA rose by 25 percent and exports of aluminum by ten percent.

05.03.2021

Digital tax and data security

Brussels also sees a need for discussion regarding the taxation of digital content from US technology companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook. The EU accuses companies of skilfully shifting their sales and profits to avoid tax payments in the EU. A Europe-wide tax for digital corporations has therefore been discussed in the EU for years. France and other EU countries have already introduced national digital taxes. In the meantime, both sides within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have agreed to start negotiations on the taxation of digital content. Brussels and Washington are also looking for a new agreement to enable the exchange of personal data from the EU to the US. This is important for the business models of the US digital corporations. The European Court of Justice overturned the so-called Privacy Shield Agreement last year because it did not adequately protect European data from access by US authorities and secret services.

11/25/2020

Further consideration for Nord Stream 2?

The German-Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2, which is supposed to double the capacity of Russian deliveries through the Baltic Sea, could also cause some tension at the meeting. She wasn’t just a thorn in Trump’s side. Biden also rejects the almost finished project – but obviously does not want to jeopardize the transatlantic partnership, which has just recovered. The US fear that Moscow has a means of political leverage in the pipeline. The planned start of Nord Stream 2 was delayed by US sanctions under Trump. In a gesture to Berlin at the end of May, Biden’s government decided not to impose sanctions on the operating company Nord Stream 2 AG and its German managing director. Washington wanted to create space for talks with the federal government.

analysis 05/20/2021

Relations with China

As far as relations with China are concerned, things seem to have calmed down a bit. The fact that the EU reached an investment protection agreement with Beijing without waiting for Biden’s inauguration to coordinate with the new US president was clearly disapproved in Washington. There one expects more support from the Europeans against the Chinese rival. The EU has since put the deal with China on hold and is unequivocally opposed to unfair trade practices and human rights abuses. After the EU imposed sanctions on the situation of the Muslim Uyghur minority in the Chinese province of Xinjiang, Beijing responded with sanctions against EU politicians and scientists. The European Parliament then refused to ratify the agreement. With information from Matthias Reiche, ARD-Studio Brussels

07/30/2020

The German government remains committed to completing the Nord Stream 2 project despite strong objections from Washington. Photo: AP According to Bloomberg, Foreign Minister Maas affirmed that it is too early to conclude that the US will not impose additional sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project. Maas emphasized, in fact, in US politics, neither Democrats nor Republicans have a positive view of the gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. However, Minister Maas expects that the gas cooperation project between Moscow and Berlin will no longer be a conflict in US-German relations. The US has repeatedly voiced its objections and continuously put pressure on the implementation of the Russian gas project. Most recently, Washington imposed sanctions on 13 Russian ships and 3 companies related to the project, but lifted sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG – the company operating the Stream project. The North 2, and CEO Matthias Warnig. Speaking at a press conference on May 19, Foreign Minister Maas said the US decision was “a constructive step”, and affirmed that Berlin would continue to dialogue with its partners in Washington. The German government remains committed to completing the Nord Stream 2 project despite strong objections from Washington, and asserts that this pipeline will help ensure Europe’s energy security and is completely a economic project. In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4 said that the Nord Stream 2 project is ready to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Moscow is pursuing normalization of relations with Washington and called on the US to also take responsibility in these efforts. (Source: Press TV) In the context that the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden will take place in a week in Geneva, Switzerland, Deputy Minister Ryabkov said: “This is really an important event in the world. international agenda. We hope this event will answer many questions.” The Russian diplomat said that he did not know after this contact whether a sustainable trend towards solving problems and normalizing relations could be guaranteed, but Russia would pursue this. . This is the crux of all the tasks Russia is trying to solve today, Ryabkov said, calling on the Biden administration to be “as responsible and capable as Moscow” to achieve it. this. The Russian Deputy Minister said that at the current stage of development of international relations, time passes faster than what the two countries have done, referring to the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START). The Russian diplomat said that, despite just renewing the Treaty, “the US midterm elections are approaching and the countdown to the 5-year extension of New START is happening very quickly”, so need not waste time and focus on achieving a certain new modern paradigm of arms control. “We need not only to find a solution to the question of whether there is an opportunity to de-escalate tensions, but also to the problem of a new ‘security equation’ in relations between the two countries. Russia is also ready for this.” (according to TASS)

Chef Bun Lai prepares to make deep-fried cicada sushi at Fort Totten Park, Washington, USA. Photo: AFP Cooking cicadas is becoming fashionable in the US this summer, when billions of cicadas like Brood X have just emerged from the ground after 17 years of cyclical “hiding”. US authorities have warned curious people to think twice before eating this dish. On Twitter, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned: “Do not eat cicadas if you are allergic to seafood, because this insect is related to shrimp and shrimp. lobster”. The warning comes as people are sharing millions of recipes for ticks. At a park in Washington, people flocked to catch ticks after tasting deep-fried cicada sushi prepared by the hands of Bun Lai, a chef who supports the sustainable food movement. Cyclically, this year comes a time when billions of ticks have lived underground since 2004, when they were still larvae, swarm to the surface, molt, find a mate, lay eggs and die. The chirping sound of ticks is the male’s way of attracting females. Swarms of these fuzzy-winged red-eyed insects have appeared in US states such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana and Tennessee. This year, the ticks appeared unevenly and later than usual due to cold weather conditions and heavy rain in some places. However, that does not reduce the love of enjoying dishes made from ticks.

JBS USA, the US arm of the world’s largest meat supplier JBS, was targeted in a cyber attack last weekend. Photo: AP “Discussed about the cyberattack on JBS meat processing group took place yesterday through the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy in Washington. As far as we know, the US authorities are also involved directly with the Russian government on this issue,” Deputy Minister Ryabkov said. The White House announced on June 1 that the United States was in contact with Russian officials, because the ransomware attack “potentially stemmed from a criminal organization based in Russia”. In a statement on May 31, JBS USA said it detected an organized cyberattack that affected several servers that support the corporation’s information technology systems at its North American facilities. and Australia. The headquarters of meat processing group JBS in Brazil has shut down the systems affected in the attack and notified the authorities. The company also convened a team of its own and third-party information technology experts to coordinate handling the case. JBS Group said it will take a long time to resolve this issue, and as a result some transactions with customers and suppliers may be disrupted. Meanwhile, JBS facilities in Australia were also affected following the attack, forcing about 10,000 workers to take unpaid leave. Australian Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said authorities were aware of the incident. The White House said on Monday that JBS had notified the US government that it was a ransomware attack by a criminal organization possibly based in Russia. JBS is the world’s largest meat processing company, with operations scattered in many countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the UK. Previously, in early May, Colonial Pipeline – the largest oil pipeline operator in the US was also attacked by ransomware and forced to close some systems. Colonial Pipeline has publicly confirmed paying a ransom of up to $ 4.4 million to be able to restore the computer network. Meanwhile, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified DarkSide as the hacker group behind the attack.

Research conducted in conjunction with the Technology and Public Purpose Project at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, found that 53% of drivers surveyed felt less safe while riding. share the road with self-driving pickup trucks, and 47% feel less safe sharing the road with other self-driving vehicles. The AAA notes that 38 states and the District of Columbia have pilot projects testing self-driving cars. In California and Nevada particularly, this project is actively lobbied for. In fact, only 35% of survey respondents know that some states allow testing of self-driving cars on public roads. Additionally, 34% of those surveyed said they support self-driving pilot programs while 36% are against. Self-driving car test project is applied in many places in the US Of those opposed to the program, 77% said they were concerned about the safety of sharing the road with self-driving cars while 62% worried about who would be responsible for collisions with self-driving cars. . More than half also believe that the public needs to know the safest way to be on the road with self-driving test vehicles. The study also revealed that this problem could be overcome if self-driving test vehicles were easier to identify. In fact, 62% said they would feel safer if such vehicles were clearly marked. Meanwhile, 60% said they want a dedicated lane for self-driving cars. The AAA also recognizes that regulators should establish signs to make such vehicles easier to identify. Solutions have been put in place for self-driving cars to “integrate” into public transport

Chef Bun Lai’s cicada sushi invites Washingtonians to enjoy it for free on May 23. Photo: AP Accordingly, the number of cicada species “Brood X” has emerged from the ground for the first time since last weekend after 17 years hidden deep underground. The largest population of cicadas is believed to be in the eastern states of the United States such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana and Tennessee. With this in mind, a chef in Washington DC took the initiative to “take advantage” of this rare insect invasion as an opportunity to show off his talent for processing cicadas into a new dish. Hong Kong-born American chef Bun Lai said his actions fit an aspect of food ethics. Accordingly, chef Bun Lai, a supporter of the sustainable food movement, invited locals to go catch cicadas in city parks, then prepare and invite them to enjoy fried cicada sushi made by himself. he created. This chef also teaches people how to catch, prepare and prepare dishes from cicadas as a way to talk about alternative food sources. Fried cicadas and wrapped with rice with vegetables. Photo: AFP “In a world where humanity is suffering from a multitude of diet-related diseases – we will have to take a revolutionary approach to eating habits,” said Bun Lai. On his personal tweeter, the chef constantly “invited” Americans to go hunting cicadas and enjoy free dishes from this “nearly 20 years old” insect. Stella Roque, a 36-year-old local resident who grew up with a fear of all insects, said she wasn’t too eager at first but took the opportunity to overcome her phobia. “I came here today because of Bun Lai’s invitation to try cicadas over the fire, and I thought it would be an interesting experience. I decided to join the event because I had previously heard about the mysterious day of the cicada “Brood X” occurring in the area.” Chef Bun Lai and local people catch cicadas that have just escaped their bodies to be processed into dishes. Photo: AFP Magazine The Washingtonian In the end, she’s not alone in trying out some of the macabre dishes, and hopes cicadas will become a staple on restaurant menus. Responding to the press, chef Bun Lai happily warned not to let cicadas become “food for gourmets”, for fear that they would be “slaughtered” for food like humans did. with so many species that we’ve been obsessed with. Under the guidance of chef Bun Lai, the harvested cicadas are washed and salted before being fried in a pan and turned into sushi along with rice and vegetables. This cicada dish is gluten-free, high in protein, low in fat and macronutrients (carbs), the chef says. After enjoying the cicada sushi, Ms. Stella Roque said: ‘I was expecting the worst, but then I was “pleasantly surprised” by how delicious it was. An American citizen enjoys cicadas cooked into sushi at Fort Totten Park in Washington DC on May 23, 2021. Photo: AFP Brood X cicadas are creatures that spend 17 years living underground, unlike other breeds with a life cycle of 13 years. They suck the sap of tree roots for food but do not harm people, except make noise. In their 17th year they will emerge from the ground in billions, if not more. According to entomologist Michael Raupp, cicadas have come to the surface earlier in recent years because of climate change. In the pre-1950s, they usually appeared at the end of May, but now they appear a few weeks earlier.

Now that the famous billionaire couple has filed for divorce, if this mansion is put on the real estate market, they will surely have many difficulties to find a buyer. With an area of ​​​​more than 6,100 square meters – the same size as the White House – with a large room just for children to play on a trampoline, and a price of about 130 million USD, many real estate brokers find it difficult to sell this mansion. Billionaire Bill Gates and his wife divorced after 27 years of marriage “We are all very impressed with this home,” says Ernie Carswell of Douglas Elliman, a Los Angeles-based brokerage with more than 25 years selling some of the city’s most extravagant and most expensive properties. Its owners are too rich, and they are all respected people in the world.” “They have a great house,” he said. But now if it is for sale, it is a difficult problem for brokers.” This mansion is named Xanadu 2.0, although in the records it is referred to more simply as the Gates Mansion. This is the main residence of Bill Gates and his wife. Located on the shores of Lake Washington near Seattle, Xanadu 2.0 is the crown jewel of Bill Gates and his wife’s huge real estate collection worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The Microsoft founder once confided on Reddit in 2019: “I have a beautiful house. It has a room to play trampoline, for my children to release energy.” Details about this fortress-like house were revealed only gradually over time, a little bit at a time. A Microsoft intern who visited this place in 2007 recorded: “The driveway to Mr. Bill’s house is like the entrance to a Jurassic park, long, windy, deep and luxuriant with trees.” Xanadu 2.0 is the most precious gem in the huge real estate collection worth hundreds of millions of dollars of Bill Gates and his wife. Of course, this mansion serves all the needs of enjoyment, rest and living of the owner: spa room, swimming pool, gym paved with stone taken from the mountain top in the Pacific Northwest, a stream. stream for salmon and other fish. The swimming pool is located in a private building over 360 m2, has a unique design that allows swimming under the glass wall to move to the outside corridor. Every device in the house is equipped with high technology, from the sensor system to the lighting… The massive area of ​​Xanadu 2.0 currently exceeds all properties available on the market in Washington state. According to Mansion Global, a house built according to the owner’s design, the largest and most luxurious in the area, can be very difficult to sell. The Chicago mansion of former NBA star Michael Jordan is a prime example. At more than 5,200 square metres, Jordan’s home is three times the size of the largest homes in the area and has been specially designed to suit the owner’s taste and lifestyle. So there’s a standard basketball court, an infinity pool. The basketball legend was originally listed for sale for $29 million in 2012 and to this day this mansion is still on the list for sale for a much lower price: $14.8 million. In the case of Bill Gates’ house, Mr. Carswell said: “The house will only appeal to a very small number of customers who are served by a maid. You must be able to afford to maintain an area of ​​more than 6,000 square meters. Who’s going to sweep and clean the dust?” Last year, Bill Gates paid $1.13 million in property taxes for Xanadu 2.0. And finally, real estate experts say, if Bill Gates or Mrs. Melinda want to sell it, it is unlikely that they will put it up for sale publicly, but will only offer it in a narrow range. Because they know who can afford to buy.

Fuel will be transported by road to Washington DC and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee , Texas, Virginia. Colonial Pipeline is the largest oil pipeline operator in the United States On May 7, the leading US fuel pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline announced the shutdown of its entire network following a cyber attack by ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malware designed to lock down a system by encrypting data and demanding a ransom from the victim to regain access. Colonial Pipeline asked a cybersecurity company to coordinate with federal law enforcement agencies to investigate this cyberattack. The shutdown of the largest fuel pipeline network in the United States will cause the price of this item and related products to spike. According to some sources, a hacker group called “DarkSide” is suspected of causing the attack. This is a group of hackers that have carried out many cyber attacks that have cost many Western countries tens of billions of dollars in the past 3 years.

Health workers give people a COVID-19 vaccine in Seattle, Washington, US, March 13, 2021. Photo: AFP/VNA As vaccination programs accelerate, Washington’s famous Smithsonian museums and zoos – as well as shops, restaurants and more – will be fully deregulated. Limited on 5/21. However, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office said that bars, nightclubs, major entertainment venues as well as sports stadiums will have to wait until June 11 to reopen. completely. People who gather in closed spaces when not eating or drinking must still wear masks. Washington has recorded a single-digit daily rate of new COVID-19 infections per 100,000 people since a January 2021 peak of more than 40 per 100,000 people. lowest level in 10 months. Similarly in the states of Virginia and Maryland, the number of COVID-19 cases per day also tends to decrease. The District of Columbia of Washington has fully vaccinated 226,566 people out of a population of about 700,000. The US capital began easing pandemic-related restrictions on May 1, allowing stores to increase capacity from 25% to 50% and restaurants with a capacity of 10 people per table. According to a survey conducted in March 2021 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 25% of Americans aged 18 to 29 have a “wait and see” attitude towards vaccinations. President Joe Biden wants 70% of adults nationwide to get at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine by Independence Day on July 4, and Washington has joined a number of other cities in introducing new measures. Incentive measures to overcome people’s hesitation about vaccination.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qin Cuong. (Photo: Xinhua) Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Qin Cuong is said to be preparing luggage to go to Washington to replace Cui Thien Khai, a veteran diplomat who is about to finish his job after more than 8 years in the position. The information that Mr. Tan Cuong moved to the US appeared earlier this year when Mr. Thoi, 68 years old, was about to retire. The reports say that Cui is being asked to work a few more months for Beijing to consider how to deal with the new US administration of President Joe Biden and to choose Cui’s successor. Only 55 years old this year, Mr. Tan Cuong is the youngest of the four deputy foreign ministers to assist Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Moving up from the position of Head of the Reception Department, Mr. Qin was in charge of the schedule of Chinese President Xi Jinping during all state visits and was responsible for organizing talks, receptions, and events. Other receptionist activities. Mr. Qin is repeatedly seen accompanying Xi on tours, including visits to the US in 2015 and 2017. Articles say that Mr. Tan’s meticulousness in managing and arranging visitors Inviting to help ensure few incidents occur outside of a diplomatic scenario when Xi visits countries. Mr. Qin was also a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, praised by Chinese netizens for his tough and straightforward speech. With that style, Mr. Qin is often indecisive in speech that harshly criticizes the US and the West. The official’s tough statements come before the emergence of “warrior diplomacy”. In a 2014 press event, after then-US President Barack Obama ended his visit to Asian allies and reportedly turned down Beijing’s invitation, Mr. Qin was known for his statement that China Quoc will remain there and hold his stance whether the US president visits or not. “We would welcome (Mr. Obama) to visit China, but being friendly to the US in exchange for a visit is the last thing Beijing will do and the US should give up all delusions,” said Mr. Tan, during the second relationship. The country is not as tense as it was during the Trump era. In the current role of deputy foreign minister, Mr. Tan is in charge of both EU affairs and relations with each member of the bloc. He worked in the Chinese Embassy in London from 2010-2011. Mr. Qin is considered the “rising star” of Chinese diplomacy, especially trusted by Mr. Xi for his achievements on the diplomatic front. A cultural attaché at the Chinese embassy in Mexico City and formerly with the Americas Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Mr. Qin was one of the few candidates selected to fill the ambassadorial positions. in the US, UK and United Nations. The attaché said that it was not known whether Mr. Tan’s lack of experience with the US would be a plus or a minus point. “The delay in Beijing’s delay in bringing Mr. Qin to Washington could be a sign that no official decision has been made yet, given the fact that Mr. Qin rarely engages in Chinese-US interactions.” in addition to arranging Xi’s two state visits to Washington, “the diplomat said, who did not want to be identified. “The current ambassador and former ambassadors of China to the US are both senior and experienced officials, possibly the Director of the North American Department or a veteran of Sino-US relations, but he Qin is not like that and his appointment as an ambassador to the US will disrupt tradition, “the diplomat said. If Mr. Qin is to truly become Beijing’s most important relations manager, this would be a change in Xi’s overall thinking about relations with the United States and how the leader is, the diplomat said. convey the message. Appointing Mr. Tan to Washington should also not be understood as downgrading relations with the United States, because Mr. Tan still holds the rank of deputy minister, the diplomat said. Beijing’s appointment of Zheng Zeguang, who worked in the US for many years, as head of the embassy in London, is seen as a sign that China is looking to turn diplomats around. Minh Bao , the Chinese-language newspaper, speculates that the appointment of Mr. Zheng and possibly Mr. Qin suggests that knowledge and experience may no longer be the most important factor, but the focus is now on those who have witnessed. demonstrated the ability to implement policies and directives from Beijing. Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official and now professor of public policy at the National University of Singapore, told reporters that Cui, the outgoing ambassador, has acted as a diplomatic buffer amid US tensions – Trung surged in the past few years. “It is difficult to find anyone who underestimates Mr. Cui in Washington DC,” Mr. Thompson said. He wondered whether Mr. Qin, a man who often had a tough tone and had a close relationship with Xi, was judged like this in Washington, during a period when the relationship continued to deteriorate.

The US President will have his first overseas trip next June. Photo: CNBC On April 24, White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced that President Joe Biden made a trip to emphasize Washington’s commitment to restoring the alliances, restoring transatlantic relations, and merging. Work closely with allies. The announcement comes as President Biden has just concluded a summit on climate change, marking the resumption of efforts related to climate issues by the US. President Biden on April 22 announced it would reduce at least 50% of US emissions by 2030. According to the White House announcement, Mr. Biden will attend the Summit of the Group of 7 leading developed industries in the world (G7) in Cornwall (UK) from June 11-13, where he will have meetings. bilateral meetings with leaders of G7 countries, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “President Joe Biden will work to“ advance major US policy priorities on public health, economic recovery and climate change, while demonstrating solidarity and sharing value among major democracies ”, the White House statement said. After that, the US leader will travel to Brussels to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit on June 14. Expectedly, one of the topics at the NATO summit could be the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine in recent times. In addition, NATO members can discuss the withdrawal of their military forces from Afghanistan.

Mr. Joe Biden will have his first overseas trip as US President in June next. Photo: AFP AFP news agency (France) quoted the White House on April 23, saying that President Biden will come to the UK to attend the summit of the world’s leading industrialized countries (G7). Next, the US leader went to Brussels to attend the meetings of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated that Mr. Biden’s first visit would highlight the leader’s commitment to restoring the alliance, revitalizing the transatlantic relationship and acting to align with multilateral allies and partners to solve global challenges, while ensuring American interests. According to AFP, former President Donald Trump has made decisions that affect the relationship between the US and its allies in Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, Mr. Biden has focused on the urgency of rebuilding traditional allies and bringing Washington back to the center of groups like the G7. The White House did not mention whether President Biden would hold a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on this trip. However, on April 13, the US leader offered to meet directly with President Putin in a third country in the coming months with the aim of reducing bilateral ties. The G7 summit is scheduled to take place June 11-13 in Cornwall, UK. Ms. Psaki said President Biden will “reaffirm his commitment to multilateralism, strengthen U.S. policy priorities on public health, economic recovery, climate change and justify costs. common values, solidarity among the democratic countries ”. The G7 summit is also an opportunity for leaders of member countries to hold bilateral meetings. Regarding the NATO summit on June 14, Ms. Psaki said that the White House boss Biden would “reinforce the US commitment to NATO, transatlantic security and collective security”. In addition, Ms. Psaki emphasized: “NATO leaders will discuss this approach to orient the military bloc against future threats and ensure effective burden sharing”. Ms. Psaki said President Biden also plans to attend the US-EU summit to “emphasize the US commitment to the transatlantic partnership based on the sharing of values ​​and benefits”.

Last week, the administration of US President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on Russia. (Source: Getty) On April 23, White House top international economic aide Daleep Singh said that the US sanctions imposed on Russia last week had achieved “pretty close” results. Washington, amid tensions between the two countries over Ukraine, seems to have eased. “Our intention is to act adequately, to focus on our approach, as well as to signal that we are likely to cause greater losses if Russia continues,” Mr. Daleep Singh stated. To date, the results of the sanctions are quite close to our expectations. ” Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had begun withdrawing military units from the Crimean Peninsula to its permanent bases after deploying tens of thousands of soldiers near the Ukrainian border area, causing concern. afraid of war. Last week, the administration of US President Joe Biden imposed sanctions against Russia for “intimidating” Ukraine, meddling in the US election in 2020, cyber attacks and other actions. . Mr. Biden passed provisions to make it easier for officials to extend sanctions in any sector of the Russian economy in response to future aggression. However, Mr. Biden also stressed that he did not want to escalate tensions with Russia.

This year, many places in Japan have seen cherry blossoms blooming abnormally early. In Kyoto, this is the earliest blooming time since 812. The reason is believed to be due to the global warming phenomenon. Source: AFP Empty image in Inokashira Park in Tokyo, Japan. Source: AFP Although the Covid-19 pandemic restricted the enjoyment of the cherry blossom season, Japanese people can still enjoy the flower viewing in a number of locations. Korean people also love this flower. In the photo is a cherry blossom tree blooming in a park in Seoul. Source: AP At Ngoc Uyen Dam Park (Beijing, China), people enjoy taking pictures of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Source: AP No one wants to miss the chance to save the best pictures with cherry blossoms. Source: AP The cherry blossom season in Washington DC (USA) always attracts crowds of people and visitors to enjoy. Source: AP Around the Tidal Basin in Washington DC, there are a lot of Yoshino cherry trees, this is a gift that Japan gave to America. Source: AP Dutch people also have the opportunity to admire the cherry blossoms, with beautiful gardens on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Source: AP Cherry blossoms bloom at Cherry Blossom Park in Amstelveen, in the Amsterdam metropolitan area, Netherlands. Source: AP A woman watching flowers while jogging at St James Park, London, UK./.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos – the owner of the world’s largest e-commerce group Amazon – currently tops the list of the richest people in the world (according to Forbes magazine). Possessing assets of hundreds of billions of dollars, Jeff Bezos holds many giant real estate blocks, including a penthouse on 212 Fifth Avenue, downtown New York, USA. Inside the large penthouse there are up to 12 comfortable bedrooms. Billionaire Jeff Bezos owns a residence in Medina, Washington, worth about $ 53 million. Jeff Bezos’ residence in Medina is close to the home of Bill Gates and many other famous businessmen. Jeff Bezos generously spent up to $ 23 million to renovate his Medina mansion. Billionaire Jeff Bezos also has real estate in the “rich house” in Beverly Hills, California. In 2007, Amazon boss spent $ 24.45 million to buy a Spanish-style villa in Beverly Hills. 10 years later, Jeff Bezos spent $ 12.9 million to buy a house next door. Also in Beverly Hills, Jeff Bezos has bought more real estate blocks “giant” once owned by billionaire David Geffen. Billionaire David Geffen bought it in 1990 for $ 47.5 million. Jeff Bezos aggressively spent $ 165 million to buy one of the most expensive mansions in Los Angeles. In 2016, Jeff Bezos bought a textile museum in Washington DC for $ 23 million. The Amazon CEO immediately bought two buildings that make up the largest residential complex in Washington DC. He spent $ 12 million to improve his house and the surrounding area. In 2020, billionaire Jeff Bezos buys the opposite building to ensure privacy for the largest housing complex in Washington DC. The house at 212 Fifth, New York City was bought by Jeff Bezos for $ 80 million. In addition, the Amazon boss also bought 3 apartments in an ancient building in Manhattan’s busy street, heading to Central Park for $ 7.65 million since 1999./.

The head of the White House said in a phone call earlier this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin he made a clear stance that the US and Russia may have “gone further,” emphasizing that Washington “did not want to arrest. the beginning of a cycle of escalation and conflict “with Moscow.

Mr. Biden asserted that after direct communication between him and Putin, the US and Russia could establish “a more effective relationship” and the Kremlin boss “agreed” with this view.

According to Biden, his proposal to hold a summit with his Russian counterpart this summer in Europe will be an opportunity to launch a stable strategic dialogue.

Putin has yet to react to the White House boss’s invitation, but Biden said his cabinet is discussing the possibility now.

Before that, despite President Biden proposing a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart, on April 15, the US still announced economic sanctions against Russia and expelled 10 foreign diplomats. This was in response to actions that Washington alleged was “interference” by the Kremlin in US elections and large-scale cyber attacks.

In addition, the US Treasury Department also announced sanctions against 8 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

For its part, the Kremlin vowed to respond adequately to any new illegal US sanctions against Russia and noted that any new sanctions would reduce the chances of a meeting. two sides summit.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

“Such an act of aggression will be strongly opposed. The response to the sanctions will be inevitable … The responsibility for what is happening completely belongs to the US “- Ms. Zakharova said in a press conference.

According to Ms. Zakharova, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry to have a “difficult” conversation with the US side.

“We have repeatedly warned the United States about the consequences of their hostile actions, which represents the degree of confrontation between the two countries” – said Ms. Zakharova – “Such a (political) process. do not serve the people’s interests of the two leading nuclear powers, which are historically responsible for the fate of the world.

“In a phone call with the Russian President, Mr. Joe Biden expressed interest in the normalization of Russia-US relations. However, the actions of his administration showed the opposite “- the spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized.

Earlier, the United States imposed anti-Russia sanctions and expelled 10 diplomats in response to accusations of Moscow’s election meddling and cyber activities.

US President Joe Biden said he is ready to take further action if Moscow continues to “interfere in our democracy” but at the same time still hopes to improve relations with Russia.

Specifically, over the past several months, representatives of the US administration led by President Joe Biden have repeatedly threatened Russia that it will pay a “very high price” for the situation in the Donbass.

Moscow responded to Washington on warning of ‘it will cost money for the Donbass’. Illustrative image / Reporter

Before the above developments, Moscow gave an official response. Specifically, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Washington’s aforementioned statements are unacceptable. Russia will continue to defend the self-proclaimed republics of the Donbass, as well as the interests of its Russian-speaking residents, and threats from the other hemisphere of the planet will only convince Moscow of the correctness of the planet. my movement.

“They talked about a high price, but they never specified. What they have done so far, first we have done enough research, second we have adapted to this” …

Ryabkov noted with regret that the current Ukrainian authorities and their Western patrons have concluded that the field situation is not helping to become more positive.

In addition, Deputy Minister Ryabkov mentioned the fact that the military alliance of NATO, the United States and a number of other countries are deliberately promoting Kiev to confront the Russian Federation, assisting Ukraine in increasing military pressure. declaration in the East.

In related developments, the NATO Air Force has deployed more fighter jets to countries close to Ukraine as a readiness move for the worst case scenario.

Earlier, President Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, invited US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan to discuss this issue.

Mr. Ushakov stressed to Ambassador Sullivan that Moscow will react seriously if the US takes “unfriendly actions” such as imposing sanctions.

President Joe Biden has proposed holding a summit with Putin

On April 13, US President Joe Biden held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, underlining Washington’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and expressing concerns about the concentration of the military. of Russia near the Ukraine border. Mr. Joe Biden also proposed a summit between the two leaders in a third country.

In March, Joe Biden still warned Moscow to pay the price for meddling in the US presidential election, but so far, no sanctions have been announced.

F-35 fighter jets. Photo: AFP / VNA

After President Biden came to power in January, the US State Department asked to reconsider the deal passed under former US President Donald Trump. Previously, there was a lawsuit asking to block the deal on the grounds that the UAE was involved in a conflict in Yemen and supported General Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Libya. In this regard, the US State Department said it planned to conduct a candid and continuous dialogue with the UAE.

In the statement, the State Department spokesperson stated that the US administration intends to launch the sale of fighter jets to the UAE, along with reviewing the details, consulting UAE officials to ensure said the two sides to understand the UAE obligations before, during and after delivery. The handover deadline will be in the next few years.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks has expressed concern about the deal. According to this congressman, since the handover of the aircraft will not take place soon, the National Assembly will have plenty of time to evaluate whether to proceed with the deal, as well as whether to impose terms or arguments do not have any restrictions.

If the deal is enforced, the UAE will be the first Arab country to receive F-35 fighters, aircraft capable of gathering intelligence, attacking deep into the territory of the target and combat in the air. Under the plan, the UAE will receive 50 F-35s, equivalent to the fleet size of Israel.

The United States and three European powers, Britain, France and Germany, oppose Iran’s decision to increase the purity of enriched uranium to 60%, the news agency said. Reuters said.

US Foreign School Antony Blinken said the decision to increase uranium enrichment was a “provocative” move and raised questions about the seriousness of Tehran with nuclear talks.

“We take their (Iran’s) provocative statement very seriously regarding their intention to start uranium enrichment at 60%. I must say that this step raises the question of the seriousness of the uranium level.” of Iran for the nuclear talks “- Mr. Blinken said.

American Foreign School Antony Blinken. Photo: US Department of Foreign Affairs

Britain, France and Germany – the three countries of the P5 + 1 group that signed the historic nuclear deal – made a joint statement, concerned about Iran’s raising uranium enrichment levels and earlier mass activation of the machine. Advanced centrifugation at the Natanz (Iran) factory. These three countries said that Tehran’s moves were “contrary to the constructive spirit and goodwill to discuss”.

“Iran’s announcements are particularly unfortunate because they come at a time when all parties are involved in the deal and the US has begun substantive discussions, with the aim of finding a diplomatic solution. quick to renew and reinstate agreement “- UK, France, Germany wrote in a joint statement.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Archbishop Ali Khamenei criticized that the United States was trying to impose terms favorable to Washington during the negotiations, while Europe was said to be “bowing to people. America and does not act independently “.

Khamenei reiterated Iran’s stance, demanding that the sanctions be lifted before Tehran can fulfill its commitments to the P5 + 1.

The decision to begin enriching uranium at 60% was announced by Iran on April 14, just three days after the Natanz nuclear plant was “under terrorist attack”.

Before Iran made this decision, Iran enriched uranium at 20%, which is 3.67% higher than as bound in the nuclear agreement but much lower than the 90% required to be usable. in nuclear weapons.

However, both the US and Iran confirmed that they would continue to pursue the dialogue. On April 14, the White House Press Secretary said the indirect negotiations between the US and Iran would be resumed from April 15.

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