Stories for March 9th 2018

Friday, March 9th 2018 - 17:44 UTC
An opening — nothing more — with North Korea (*)

After meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, South Korean officials have reported that North Korea is willing to hold talks with the United States about its nuclear weapons program. If true — and there is much to be confirmed — the offer should be pursued. Caution must be the watchword of any discussions, however. Talks are welcome, but their goal must be the rollback and eventual elimination of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Negotiations can never legitimate Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions or accept its status as a nuclear-weapon possessing state.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 17:31 UTC
China, Russia and Japan applaud the announced Trump-Kim Jong Un meeting

China, Japan and Russia have cheered an impending meeting between United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “significant first step” towards the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 11:39 UTC
Sharp reaction from Asian nations to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum

Major Asian nations reacted sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Friday, warning of damage to relations amid industry calls for retaliation.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 09:57 UTC
Cristina Fernandez to face trial on charges of covering up terrorist bombing

Former Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will face trial on charges she covered up the role of Iranians in a 1994 terrorist bombing at a Jewish center in Buenos Aires, judicial authorities announced.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 09:48 UTC
Brazil downplays latest chapter of the “Weak Flesh” investigation

Brazil does not face any risks of countries instituting new bans on Brazilian meat imports after the latest phase of the “Weak Flesh” investigation into companies accused of committing fraud to avoid safety checks, Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said on Wednesday.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 09:41 UTC
Global shipping rules to cut sulfur pollution anticipate higher volatility in fuel markets

Global hydrocarbons companies and traders are bracing for higher volatility in fuel markets as they expect refiners to process more light crude oil in the lead-up to new rules aimed at slashing the use of dirty high-sulfur fuel oil in global shipping.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 09:34 UTC
Eleven Asia-Pacific countries signed a Trans-Pacific Partnership in Chile

Eleven Asia-Pacific countries have just signed the trade pact formerly known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Although the US pulled out last year, the deal was salvaged by the remaining members, who signed it at a ceremony in the Chilean city of Santiago.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 09:22 UTC
EC demands £2.4bn from HM Customs because of 'undervalued' fraud of Chinese shoes and textiles

European Commission has written to the UK government saying the UK owes €2.7bn (£2.4bn) in customs duties on shoes and textiles imported from China. The UK is accused of doing too little to prevent fraud after it was warned about the problem by the EU's watchdog Olaf in 2017. It begins a legal process which could end at the European Court of Justice.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 09:08 UTC
Open Skies agreement between Brazil and US: 30% surge in flights expected

Brazil’s Senate on Wednesday approved an Open Skies agreement between Brazil and the United States that clears the way for a partnership between American Airlines Group Inc and LATAM Airlines Group. The treaty will be sent to President Michel Temer, who is expected to sign it into law.
Friday, March 9th 2018 - 04:49 UTC
Falklands' fishing victims of UK Brexit deal, claims Fortuna

“The UK has sold out Falklands fishing for a Brexit era deal,” fishing company Fortuna Ltd Director James Wallace told Penguin News this week. He was replying to much general speculation as to why a Falkland Islands company with a long history of participation in the South Georgia toothfish fishery was refused licenses this season.