News | 25 September 2018

EU tries to bypass US Iran sanctions +++ Swedish PM loses confidence vote +++ Kurz criticises FPÖ Interior Ministry

EU tries to bypass US Iran sanctions +++ Swedish PM loses confidence vote +++ Kurz criticises FPÖ Interior Ministry +++ SPÖ to nominate first woman leader +++ Gaza economy ‘near collapse’ +++ Kavanaugh defends himself on tv +++ The weather

26. Oktober 2018, 02:00

News | 25 September 2018

Joanna King

EU tries to bypass US Iran sanctions

Five world powers and Iran have agreed to establish a financial facility in the European Union to maintain business with Iran and bypass US sanctions. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini announced the plan after talks at the UN with the remaining members of the Iran deal - Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia: “In practical terms this will allow European companies to continue to trade with Iran in accordance with European Union law and could be open to other partners in the world. “ Analysts have said the Trump administration, which withdrew from the Iran deal in May, could modify its sanctions to undercut the plan. President Trump is expected to address Iran when he speaks to the UN General assembly later today.

Swedish PM loses confidence vote

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven of the Social Democratic party has lost a mandatory confidence vote in parliament, meaning he will step down, after an election earlier this month stripped him of his majority. The nationalist Sweden Democrats backed the vote to remove Lofven, but it remains unclear whether they will support a government of the centre-right opposition Alliance. Both the main political blocs have refused to cooperate with the nationalists.

Kurz criticises FPÖ Interior Ministry

Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz has criticised reports the Interior Ministry, under Herbert Kickl of the FPÖ, has contemplated restricting access for its critics in the media. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Kurz said a free and independent press is essential to keep government and public institutions in check.

SPÖ to nominate first woman leader

Austria’s Social Democrat party managing board is expected to confirm the nomination of former health minister Pamela Rendi-Wagner as party leader. She would be the first woman to lead the Social Democrats. Rendi-Wagner will stand for election at the SPÖ party Congress in late November.

Gaza economy ‘near collapse’

The World Bank is calling for urgent action by Israel and the international community to avoid the immediate collapse of the economy of the Gaza strip. It cites cuts in aid, particularly by the US, and says unemployment is now over 50 percent.

Kavanaugh defends himself on tv

President Trump's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court Brett Kavanaugh has appeared on Fox tv to defend himself against allegations of sexual misconduct. Three women have now come forward to accuse Kavanaugh.