* China and the United States will hold their eighth round of high-level economic and trade consultations in Beijing from March 28 to 29, the Ministry of Commerce (MOF) saidon March 21. * European Union's (EU) 27 members unanimously agreed to Art. 50 extension until May 22 if Withdrawal Agreement is approved next week by Britain's House of Commons, President of the European Council Donald Tusk said on Twitter on March 21. * French President Emmanuel Macron on March 21 said Britain would face a disruptive departure from the European Union (EU), if British Prime Minister Theresa May loses a third parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal next week. * Ahead of the European summit starting on March 21, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated her will to fight for an orderly Brexit "until the last day, until the last hour". * Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared two days of national mourning following the devastating Cyclone Idai which has killed 139 people and left a trail … [Read more...] about World News in Brief: March 22
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Venezuela’s funds transfer blocked, opposition lawmaker says
Venezuela's funds transfer blocked, opposition lawmaker says Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido speaks during a meeting with business leaders to discuss economic development plans under a transition government in Caracas, Venezuela February 5, 2019 – PHOTO: REUTERS CARACAS (REUTERS) - A bank in Portugal has blocked Venezuela’s attempt to transfer US$1.2 billion to Uruguay, a lawmaker said on Tuesday as the opposition to President Nicolas Maduro warned of the theft of public funds, while the United States sent food and medical aid to the Venezuelan-Colombian border. Pressure is building on Maduro, a socialist, to resign amid an economic crisis marked by widespread shortages and hyperinflation, with the United States and a growing number of other nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate president. Pope Francis on Tuesday expressed willingness for the Vatican to mediate Venezuela’s mounting crisis if both sides seek … [Read more...] about Venezuela’s funds transfer blocked, opposition lawmaker says
Venezuela’s Maduro expels US diplomats, rejects sanctions
Viet Nam News CARACAS — Venezuela ordered the expulsion of the top two US diplomats in the country Tuesday, charging it was the victim of a "political and financial lynching" after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro’s re-election. Maduro announced the expulsions in a televised speech after being officially proclaimed the winner of Sunday’s election in the South American nation mired in an acute economic. The Venezuelan president declared US charge d’affaires Todd Robinson and deputy head of mission Brian Naranjo "personae non gratae." "They must leave the country in 48 hours in protest and in defense of the dignity of the Venezuelan homeland... Enough of conspiracies!" he said. The United States immediately threatened to retaliate. A State Department official told AFP that Washington had "not received notification from the Venezuelan government through diplomatic channels," but that if the expulsions are confirmed, "the United States may … [Read more...] about Venezuela’s Maduro expels US diplomats, rejects sanctions
Three die in growing Venezuela protests
Protests against the Venezuelan government left at least three people dead and dozens injured, prompting President Nicolas Maduro to declare he would not fall as he ordered a clamp-down in cities across the country. CARACAS: Protests against the Venezuelan government left at least three people dead and dozens injured, prompting President Nicolas Maduro to declare he would not fall as he ordered a clamp-down in cities across the country. Thousands of students accompanied by opposition leaders marched through the capital Caracas and other cities on Wednesday, demonstrating over poor security, inflation and a lack of basic commodities, in a further escalation of university protests that took place two weeks ago. At least 80 people were detained as rival protests exploded into violence. "There will be no coup d'etat in Venezuela; you can rest assured. Democracy will continue, and the revolution will continue," Maduro, facing the biggest test since taking over from the late Hugo … [Read more...] about Three die in growing Venezuela protests
Maduro says no chance of coup after deadly Venezuela demos
President Nicolas Maduro vowed Wednesday to tighten security in cities across Venezuela after protests against his government turned deadly, killing three people and injuring 26 others. >> Two dead, 23 hurt in Venezuela protests CARACAS: President Nicolas Maduro vowed Wednesday to tighten security in cities across Venezuela after protests against his government turned deadly, killing three people and injuring 26 others. "There will be no coup d'etat in Venezuela; you can rest assured. Democracy will continue and the revolution will continue," Maduro said on national television. "I have given clear instructions to state security agencies to secure the country's main cities. Anyone who goes out to try to carry out violence will be arrested." At least 30 people were arrested as rival protests linked to his country's deepening economic crisis exploded into violence. A pro-government demonstrator and two student protesters were killed as rallies both for and against … [Read more...] about Maduro says no chance of coup after deadly Venezuela demos