Thursday, December 31, 2020
The United Kingdom (UK) approved its second COVID-19 vaccine this week, while the European Union (EU) moved forward quickly with distribution of its first-approved vaccine to its Member States. United States (US) President Donald Trump signed another COVID relief measure linked to an Omnibus appropriations bill late on Sunday, after objecting initially to a number of provisions and calling for additional congressional action, which has kept the US Congress in Washington this week.
On the eve of Christmas Day, the UK and EU secured a deal outlining terms for the two trading partners after Britain exits the Customs Union on 31 December. This week, the EU also secured a deal with the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) that addresses investments. Meanwhile, the US Government unveiled its new Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis (AIM) system and released two reports – one focused on human trafficking in the seafood su
December 22, 2020 01:35:21 pm
The Nicaragua National Assembly Monday approved a law that will bar opposition politicians from participating in the November 2021 election.
The “Law for the Defense of the Rights of the People to Independence, Sovereignty and Self-Determination for Peace” was sponsored by President Daniel Ortega and bars “those who ask for, celebrate and applaud the imposition of sanctions against the Nicaraguan state.” It gives the government power to unilaterally declare citizens “terrorists” or “traitors to the homeland,” and to ban them from running as political candidates. Treason can be punished by imprisonment of up to 15 years.
The law was passed by 70 votes, with only 15 voted against, and four abstained from voting.
US Government adopts new unilateral measures against Cuba
US Government adopts new unilateral measures against Cuba
Washington, Dec 21 (Prensa Latina) The US government on Monday adopted new unilateral measures against Cuba by adding three companies from the Caribbean island to the OFAC list of specially designated citizens and blocked persons.
During the last few months and in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has increased restrictions on Cuban firms, even leading to the closure of Western Union in Cuba, which was a legal way to send remittances.
On Monday, the OFAC blacklisted Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA, Financiera Cimex SA and Kave Coffee SA, according to the US Treasury Department s website.