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Lutnick minimizes the impact of the tariff court decision on US-EU talks
In an interview conducted on Sunday, U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said that talks with the European Union were still ongoing despite the legal uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs. Lutnick was asked on "Fox News Sunday" about a report that quoted an unnamed EU official involved in negotiations, who claimed the uncertainty surrounding tariffs within the U.S. provided the EU with "extra leverage." Lutnick stated, "You cannot listen to stupid people making stupid comments." "All the countries who are negotiating with US understand Donald Trump's power and his ability protect American workers." In a broad ruling issued last week, a U.S. Trade Court blocked the majority of President Trump's new tariffs. The court found that he had exceeded his authority in imposing duties across-the board on imports coming from U.S. Trading Partners. The U.S. Federal appeals court suspended that ruling the next day, allowing tariffs to be implemented while the Trump administration appealed. Lutnick stated that the ruling may have cost a "week, but everyone came back to the table." Trump and his advisors said that on Friday, many countries have been in contact since the court decision and that talks are moving forward. In late May, the Republican president threatened to impose 50% tariffs on all European products by June 1. However, a few days later he delayed this date to July 9, to give more time for negotiations. Trump said also on Friday that he will increase tariffs for imported steel and aluminium to 50%, from 25%. The European Commission responded on Saturday by saying it may consider countermeasures. Kevin Hassett, White House economist and economic adviser to the President, said on ABC News "This Week" that U.S. national security was at risk due to China's steel production. Hassett stated, "We must show strength." We need a steel industry ready to support American defense. (Reporting from Ted Hesson, Washington; Additional reporting done by Doina chiacu; Editing performed by Caitlin Berkrot and Bill Berkrot.
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Lutnick minimizes the impact of the tariff court decision on US-EU talks
In an interview with Fox News Sunday on Sunday, U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said that talks with the European Union were still ongoing despite the legal uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs. Lutnick was questioned about a report that quoted an unnamed EU official involved in negotiations, who claimed the uncertainty surrounding tariffs on the U.S. market gave the E.U. "extra leverage." Lutnick stated, "You cannot listen to stupid people making silly remarks." "All the countries who are negotiating with US understand Donald Trump's power and his ability protect American workers." In a broad ruling issued last week, a U.S. Trade Court blocked the majority of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The court found that Trump had overstepped his powers by imposing duties across-the board on imports coming from U.S. Trading Partners. The U.S. Federal appeals court suspended that ruling the next day, allowing tariffs to be implemented while the Trump administration appealed. Lutnick stated that the ruling may have cost a "week, but everyone came back to the table right away." Trump threatened in late May to impose 50% tariffs on European goods by 1 June, but a few days later he delayed this date to 9 July to give time for negotiations. Trump said also on Friday that he will increase tariffs for imported steel and aluminium to 50%, from 25%. The European Commission responded on Saturday by saying it may consider countermeasures. Kevin Hassett, White House economist and advisor to ABC News' "This Week," said that the U.S. must protect its steel industry from national security concerns in view of China's steel manufacturing. Hassett stated, "We must show strength." We need a steel industry ready to support American defense. (Reporting from Ted Hesson, Washington; Additional reporting provided by Doina Ciacu; Editing done by CaitlinWebber in Washington).
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Treasury's Bessent: Trump and Xi are likely to discuss the minerals dispute soon
U.S. Treasury Sec. Bessent believes that President Donald Trump will be speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping soon about trade issues, including a dispute regarding critical minerals. Donald Trump accused China on Friday of violating a bilateral agreement to reduce tariffs and trade barriers for vital minerals. "What China does is that they hold back products which are essential to the industrial supply chain of India and Europe." Bessent told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that this is not the behavior of a reliable partner. "I'm confident that President Trump and Party Chairperson Xi will have a conversation, which will resolve this issue. The fact that some products are being withheld that were agreed to be released during our agreement could be a glitch or intentional. We'll know more after the President talks to the party chairman." Trump said that he was certain he would talk to Xi on Friday. China stated in April that Xi and Trump had not spoken recently. Bessent responded, "I think we'll be seeing something very soon." (Reporting and editing by Doina chiacu)
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In France, two people were killed and 500 arrested during the celebrations of PSG's win
The interior ministry reported that more than 500 people had been arrested during the Champions League celebrations. Two people died and 192 were injured, it said, as Sunday's festivities were to continue. Paris St Germain's first-ever Champions League victory was celebrated in the French capital, and even beyond. On Sunday morning, the interior ministry estimated that 559 arrests had taken place, with 491 of those in Paris. This led to 320 individuals being held in police custody. Of these, 254 were in Paris. A young man in his 20s died after colliding with a car, said police chief Laurent Nunez. In the southwest city of Dax a 17-year old died due to stab wounds. "A judicial inquiry will determine if it (the death in Paris) is related to the festivities. Nunez stated that at this point, the incident appears to be related to the celebrations. The Champs Elysees, a boutique-lined avenue, was shattered by bus shelters and projectiles were hurled towards riot police who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. On Sunday, the interior ministry reported that hundreds of fires had occurred. More than 200 vehicles were also destroyed. Around 22 security personnel and 7 firefighters were injured. Nunez warned more skirmishes may occur on Sunday, as PSG parades on the Champs-Elysees and celebrates the title at the Parc des Princes Stadium with its fans. Nunez stated that "we're at the half-time mark, in a sense, because this afternoon, we have a parade on the Champs-Elysees." Only those who are attending the parade can enter. The maximum number of attendees has been set at just over 100,000. Anyone beyond this limit will not be permitted to enter. This evening there will also be a party at the Parc des Princes. We expect a gathering around the Place de la Porte de Saint Cloud. We will also respond in a measured, but firm manner if there are any attempts to block or attack law enforcement officers, or cause additional damage. Nunez said that Paris had deployed 5400 officers to prepare for celebrations after a PSG victory. (Reporting and editing by Juliette Jabkhiro, Julien Pretot and David Holmes).
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In France, two people were killed and 500 arrested during the celebrations of PSG's win
The interior ministry reported on Sunday that more than 500 people had been arrested during the Champions League celebrations. Two people died and 192 were injured. Paris St Germain's first Champions League victory was celebrated in France and elsewhere on Saturday evening. However, skirmishes between police officers threatened to ruin the celebrations. As of Sunday morning, the interior ministry estimated that 559 arrests had taken place, with 491 of those in Paris. This led to 320 individuals being held in police custody. Of these, 254 were in Paris. The Champs-Elysees was a scene of violence as riot police fired tear gas, water cannons and other projectiles at the crowds. On Sunday, the interior ministry reported that hundreds of fires had occurred. More than 200 vehicles were also destroyed. Seven firefighters and 22 members of security forces were injured. (Reporting and editing by Kirby Donovan; Juliette Jabkhiro)
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The death toll from the Indonesia quarry collapse is now 17.
The search and rescue agency Basarnas announced that Indonesian authorities would continue their search on Sunday for the eight people who are trapped in the rock collapse of a West Java quarry, where 17 have died, with six others injured. In a late-night statement, the agency stated that the toll reported by victims' families is only provisional. West Java Governor Dedi Mullyadi wrote on Instagram that the site of the Friday's collapse is dangerous, and "doesn't meet safety standards for employees". In a press release, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry stated that it would investigate the cause and assess the potential for further landslides. Muhammad Wafid said that Cirebon Regency was prone to soil movements, particularly when rainfall is above average. The area where the collapse occurred also has a steep slope. Wafid stated that the steep slope and undercutting technique used in the open mine area may have also played a part in the collapse. Wafid stated that "rescuers" should pay attention to weather conditions and steep slopes and avoid carrying out any activities in the area during or after heavy rain because the area is still prone to further landslides, which could hit and bury officers. (Reporting and editing by William Mallard in Jakarta, Bernadette Cristina in Jakarta)
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide financial support for Syria's government employees, Saudi Foreign Minister says
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud announced on Saturday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will offer financial support jointly to Syrian state employees. Bin Farhan, speaking at a press briefing in Damascus with Asaad Al-Shibani, his Syrian counterpart, said that the kingdom and Qatar would provide joint financial support for state employees in Syria. He did not give details about the amount of financial support that Riyadh or Doha will provide. It echoes the sentiments of a Similar Move In a joint statement released by Saudi Arabia on Saturday, the two countries said that they would provide financial support over a period of three months. The move was a result of an earlier contribution Saudi Arabia and Qatar settled Syria's outstanding arrears to the World Bank of approximately $15 million in April. The Saudi Foreign Minister's visit follows a U.S. surprise announcement made on Lifting sanctions On Syria's islamist-led government that overthrew former president Bashar al Assad in December. U.S. president Donald Trump The decision was made during his recent Middle East visit. It was said to be at the request of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, whose nation was the main advocate of lifting sanctions. Recent economic sanctions against Syria were also lifted by the European Union. Bin Farhan spoke of his country's contribution to the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria and said that Saudi Arabia will continue to be a major supporter of Syria in its efforts to rebuild and recover economically. He claimed that a high-level delegation of the Kingdom's economic sector was accompanying him to "hold discussions (with the Syrians) to strengthen aspects of cooperation in different fields". He said that Saudi businessmen would visit Syria in the next few days to discuss investment in energy, agriculture and infrastructure, among other sectors. After the fall of Assad, the Syrian leadership wants to improve ties with Arabs and Western leaders. The state hopes that a flood of aid and investment from Gulf neighbors after the lifting of sanctions will help rebuild a country ravaged by conflict. The Syrian President's Office reported that Sharaa, the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to visit Kuwait this Sunday, upon an invitation from Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The source stated that Sharaa will discuss various aspects of economic and political cooperation during his first official trip to Kuwait. Menna Alaa and Muhammad Al Gebaly, Menna Alaa and Jaidaa THA (Reporting and Writing)
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Wildfire smoke exposure may shorten lung cancer survival
A large California study, presented on Saturday at a major medical conference, found that exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer patients dying, especially among non-smokers. However, certain cancer treatments may mitigate this effect. Researchers followed up on more than 18000 people diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. This was between 2017 and 2020. Researchers found that those who lived in areas with high levels of air pollution caused by wildfires in the first year following their cancer diagnosis had a higher risk of dying from the disease. Researchers reported that patients who inhaled high levels of small particulate matter, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns and can penetrate deep into the lungs, had a 20% higher risk of lung cancer death. Researchers found that people with advanced cancer stage 4 who have never smoked are particularly affected. Researchers found that their risk of death from cancer increased by 55% if they were exposed high levels of air pollution caused by wildfires. This study relied on advanced modeling to estimate the daily air quality of patients' homes, using data from satellites. weather models, smoke predictions, and air quality monitors. Researchers also found that wildfire exposure did not have a significant impact on the survival of Stage 4 lung cancer patients who had smoked in the past and were being treated with immunotherapy drugs. Researchers said that this surprising trend indicates that changes caused by smoking in the body could interact with certain treatments. Further study is needed to understand this phenomenon. Smoke from wildfires is more toxic than air pollution. It contains soil particles, biological materials and traces of metals, plastics, and other synthetic materials. Surbhi Singhal, a researcher at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, said: "As wildfires are becoming more intense and frequent in California and elsewhere in the U.S. we need to develop targeted health strategies that protect cancer patients as well as those with other serious health issues." Reporting by Nancy Lapid, Editing by Bill Berkrot
Tough right desires more EU power to reflect likely election gains
From his workplace in a. remote annexe, French rightwing lawmaker JeanPaul Garraud has. his sights set on a spot much closer to the decisionmaking. heart of the European Parliament.
The chair of France's Rassemblement National (REGISTERED NURSE) lawmakers. anticipates nationalist and eurosceptic celebrations to surge in the June. 6-9 EU assembly election, providing a first taste of impact. in Brussels and Strasbourg, if other right and centre-right. parties work with them.
Polls forecast extreme ideal celebrations will acquire throughout the EU,. consisting of France, Germany and Italy where lots of seats are at. stake, as voters annoyed by a cost of living and energy. crisis, illegal migration, and rattled by a changing. geo-political landscape look for options beyond mainstream. celebrations.
We will be in a various position and will not be. obstructed ... We might have positions in the committees or a. president or vice-president in the European Parliament, Garraud. told , preparing for brand-new influence as the chamber. thinks about concerns important to the far-right.
What I am sure of is that we will have a majority in a. certain variety of votes, Garraud stated, including this could permit. the blocs of far-right celebrations to thin down green policies or. restrictions of open market. And above all, less migration,. he said, highlighting an essential concern for the radical right.
Surveys anticipate the 2 extreme ideal groups Identity and. Democracy (ID) and the European Conservatives and Reformists. ( ECR) will include 30-50 seats, to increase to 22-25% from 18% now.
Assistance is not restricted to a traditional base of dissatisfied. older males. A recent German survey showed 22% of under-30s would. choose the nation's far-right AfD. Registered nurse's president is. 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, a telegenic poster on TikTok, the. brief video platform little bit utilized by the mainstream.
A number of the parties are heavy users of social networks, which. mainstream groups alert will bombard EU voters with lies.
In the French port of Dunkirk, long a leftwing bastion, some. moms and dads fret about what messages young people are exposed to.
Jean-Francois Engrand, 53, stated his two step-children were. tempted to vote registered nurse by messages about immigrants getting cash. for nothing. It's scary. They're being bombarded. They do not. examine the info they get on their phones, he said.
DIFFICULT RIGHT SHUT-OUT
Corina Stratulat, associate director of think tank the. European Policy Centre, said radical, populist celebrations were. filling a growing gap in between the mainstream and distrustful. voters in an age of perma-crisis from pandemic to war in. Ukraine and energy rate spikes.
Efforts to fill the space have backfired. French President. Emmanuel Macron's party is polling at about 16%, half that of. REGISTERED NURSE. Critics state his highlighting of migration and crime has. helped the right and repelled left-leaning voters.
Green policies, heralded in 2019 after school environment. strikes, have also become a right-wing target.
Individuals are aware the green deal can bite which the next. five years will be important for its implementation, said Armida. van Rij, senior research study fellow at Chatham House.
The centre-right European Individuals's Celebration (EPP), the Social. Democrats and the centrist liberals have up until now locked out the. hard right, dividing up top EU jobs and forging policy. agreement. They are anticipated to have a majority, albeit reduced,. after the 2024 vote.
Garraud says a shut-out will not be possible this time,. while Nicola Procaccini, co-chair of the ECR group, sees Italy's. government of his and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Sibling. of Italy, the more right Lega and centre-right Forza Italia. as a model.
I think this is the way to go, he stated, pointing to a. circumstance in which the hard right would have far higher state on. policy and who personnels the European Commission.
CHINA, RUSSIA LINKS?
The EPP, most likely to stay the greatest group in parliament,. has eliminated dealing with the AfD. Its parliamentary chief. Manfred Weber stated he would tell citizens of its true nature as. ambassadors of Putin and of Xi.
Garraud said accusations that his celebration and ID allies such. as the AfD were pro-Russian or accepted cash were merely. efforts by rivals to demonise the right.
Last month saw the arrest of an aide of the AfD's lead. prospect on suspicion of spying for China and a report that its. second got cash from a site with links to the. Kremlin, an allegation he rejects.
The message about foreign interference is starting to. resonate, with a German poll showing 75% of respondents seeing. it as a threat. AfD support has actually given that somewhat dipped.
At the AfD's EU election campaign launch in Donaueschingen,. numerous of the 500-odd attendees were particular the arrest was. timed to injure the celebration's chances. In the rich corner of. southwest Germany, many advocates railed against an. out-of-touch mainstream that had actually backed COVID-19 lockdowns and. mask mandates.
It was the coronavirus pandemic that radicalised me, stated. Justus, a besuited production engineer in his early 20s with a. neatly cut beard, who arrived with similarly dapper good friends in. a BMW convertible.
Van Rij stated it was very important to compare the AfD. along with its diverse ID allies like registered nurse and the broadly less. radical ECR, likely to be steered by Italy's Meloni, whose. support European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen might. require to protect a 2nd term.
The ECR might have a larger impact, she stated.
Stratulat stated the EPP would play a central function. It might. partner with the difficult right on a couple of concerns, such as migration,. or merely shift rightwards itself, such as over green steps.
The Greens say the future of green policies and European. security will be important election problems.
Do you want Russian and Chinese impact and weakening. Europe? ... For them a strong Europe is the greatest danger. So. they want to weaken Europe. And let's be honest, the far best. will deteriorate Europe, Greens co-leader Bas Eickhout said.
(source: Reuters)