General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the Transition Council, said the military wants 'a real democracy'. — AFP photo KHARTOUM — Sudan's army rulers and protest leaders remained locked in talks early today to finalise a new governing body that would replace the generals who took power after ousting longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir last month. The resumption of talks comes following pressure from world powers to reach an agreement over an interim government that would be civilian-led -- a key demand of demonstrators. The talks began at around 9 on Sunday and were still continuing in the early hours of today, an AFP correspondent reported from the presidential palace where the negotiations were being held. "The meeting is still on to discuss the transitional body," the Sudanese Professionals Association, which initially launched the nationwide protest campaign against Bashir, wrote on Twitter. "We are not in a hurry for the crucial victory ... whatever … [Read more...] about Sudan army rulers, protesters in talks over new governing body
Alan bennett talking heads
US-China trade talks head into 2nd day as new tariffs hit
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (left) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin wait to greet Chinese Vice Premier Liu He for trade talks. — AFP Photo WASHINGTON — Critical US-China trade negotiations were heading into a second day on Friday, under the shadow of steep new tariffs on Chinese goods that took effect just after midnight. President Donald Trump got a briefing from his trade negotiators, but made no move to hold off on the tariffs -- dashing hopes there might be a last minute reprieve as the negotiations continued. The punitive duties on US$200 billion in imports from China now will more than double to 25 per cent -- a move Beijing has vowed to retaliate against. Locked in a trade dispute for more than a year, officials from the world's two biggest economies returned to the bargaining table late on Thursday, led by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Since last … [Read more...] about US-China trade talks head into 2nd day as new tariffs hit
Kim, Putin vow to seek closer ties at first talks
The summit in Russia's Far Eastern city of Vladivostok comes with Kim locked in a nuclear stand-off with Washington and Putin keen to put Moscow forward as a player in another global flashpoint. The two leaders shook hands and shared smiles as they met and gave brief statements before heading in for the talks, held at a university campus on the Pacific port city's Russky island. Both said they were looking to strengthen historic ties that date back to the Soviet Union's support for the founder of North Korea, Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung. Praising the two countries' "long friendship and history," Kim said he hoped to turn the modern relationship with Moscow into a "more stable and sound one." "As the world is focused on the Korean peninsula, I think we will hold a very meaningful dialogue," Kim said. Putin said the visit would give a boost to bilateral ties and help Moscow understand "what Russia can do to support the positive processes that are currently taking place" in the … [Read more...] about Kim, Putin vow to seek closer ties at first talks
Trump, Kim lookalikes turn heads on Hanoi streets – VnExpress International
Australian-Hongkongese Howard X and Russel White of hitherto unconfirmed nationality attracted the attention they expected as they took a walk in Hanoi Friday. They walked from the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel to the Hanoi Opera House for their summit and were mobbed by both passersby, local and international reporters. Vietnam is beautiful and safe, they remarked, adding they would stay in the capital city until February 28, when the summit ends. The duo announced plans to go to town on two of famed Vietnamese specialties, the pho rice noodle soup and nem cuon, Vietnamese spring rolls. Howard said these are his favorite dishes. They also plan to visit museums in the city to learn more about Vietnamese history, the said. As befits leaders of their stature, the duo were accompanied by four bodyguards, and a private car was on hand to take them around Hanoi. The Trump-Kim impersonator duo is accompanied by bodyguards. Photo by VnExpress "I have only seen [the duo] on photos … [Read more...] about Trump, Kim lookalikes turn heads on Hanoi streets – VnExpress International
Alan was right, you’ll win nothing with kids
Viet Nam News by Paul Kennedy Former BBC pundit Alan Hansen once proclaimed to viewers of Match of the Day that “you’ll win nothing with kids”. He was talking after a very youthful looking Manchester United team was beaten 3-1 at Aston Villa. Known as Fergie’s Fledglings, the team featured Gary Neville (aged 20), Paul Scholes (20), Ryan Giggs (21), Phil Neville (18), Nicky Butt (20), and substitute appearances from David Beckham (20) and John O’Kane (20). His infamous assertion was uttered after the opening match of the 1995/96 season. United, with kids, went on to win the league, leaving the usually cool as a cucumber Hansen eating his words. During that season United played six players under the age of 23 over ten games. Winning the league, with kids, was an amazing achievement, but one that hasn’t been matched since. Those particular kids, as Hansen called them, were brilliant players. And with the exception of O’Kane, all of them … [Read more...] about Alan was right, you’ll win nothing with kids