Israeli negotiators ‘have no real power' to agree ceasefire
The talks resumed in Qatar on Sunday, ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's third visit to the White House since Donald Trump returned to power in January.
'After the first session of indirect negotiations in Doha, the Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorized and is not authorized to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers,' the sources said.
Mr Netanyahu said his team had clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire agreement under conditions that Israel had accepted.
The Israeli prime minister said he hoped his talks in Washington today could 'help advance' a Gaza ceasefire deal.
Mr Trump said there was a 'good chance' of a hostage deal with Hamas 'during this week' and said the US was working on 'a lot of things' with Israel, including a 'permanent deal with Iran'.
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JAMnews
30 minutes ago
- JAMnews
"Armenia could lose control over unblocked transport routes,": Opinion from Yerevan
Armenia reacts to Trump's proposal In recent days, the issue of unblocking regional transportation routes has being actively discussed in Armenia. The Carnegie Endowment, citing diplomatic sources, reported that US President Donald Trump's administration proposed that Yerevan and Baku hand over control of these transport links to a private American company. However, the details of the proposal have not been disclosed. Azerbaijan continues to insist on an extraterritorial corridor for direct land access to its Nakhichevan exclave. Armenian authorities maintain that they are ready to unblock transport routes, but stress that this must happen based on the principles of sovereignty, national jurisdiction, reciprocity, and equality. Meanwhile, international media outlets have been reporting on a possible meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the United Arab Emirates. While no official confirmation has been given, some analysts, citing their sources, have even named possible dates in July. Middle East Eye reports that the UAE is seeking to host the talks 'as part of its efforts to improve relations between the two Caucasus nations.' The Armenian prime minister's spokesperson, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Political analyst Tigran Grigoryan says that if such a meeting takes place, the main focus will be on the unblocking of regional communications. However, he fears that if control over the road is handed to a private American company, Armenia will in fact face the logic of a corridor. And this is considered a red line by all local political analysts. Here's what is known about the US proposal, statements from Armenia's foreign ministry, and expert commentary. 'The guarantor will be American business' According to the Carnegie Endowment publication, the road would be controlled by an American company. The implementation of the agreements reached would be 'guaranteed by American business and American interests.' Olesya Vartanyan, the author of the article, explained in an interview with Radio Azatutyun (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) that the proposal reflects the logic of the Trump administration: 'It implies that if there are initiatives or proposals, they should, among other things, involve American business and American capital. There is an example of this approach not far from us—in Ukraine. They have even signed an agreement regarding rare earth metals.' According to Vartanyan, the proposal was delivered to the parties by Joshua Huck, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, who visited Yerevan and Baku in May. The proposal is still under discussion, and there are 'various options' for how it might proceed. During her conversation with a State Department representative, she was assured that the program would be successful, and that 'President Trump might even receive a Nobel Prize for it.' What exact powers the American company would have, what specific functions it would perform, and whether it would manage the route only on Armenian territory or also on the Azerbaijani side—these questions remain unanswered. Yerevan proposes 'mutually beneficial outcomes for the region' In response to the Carnegie Endowment publication, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan emphasized that Armenia has been and remains interested in unblocking regional transport infrastructure. She recalled the Armenian government's 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative, which has already received positive feedback from many international partners. 'Moreover, Armenia has proposed a number of solutions under this initiative that could be acceptable to all parties involved,' she noted, without disclosing details. Response to Erdogan's statement on Armenia's 'flexible approach' 'Although Armenia initially opposed the Zangezur corridor, it is now demonstrating a more flexible approach toward economic integration,' said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, without providing details. According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan suggested that the so-called 'Zangezur corridor' would bring new opportunities not only for Azerbaijan, but for the entire region. Commenting on his remarks, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan stressed that Armenia has always been and remains committed to enhancing regional connectivity: 'With this understanding, Armenia presented the 'Crossroads of Peace initiative', along with concrete ideas, solutions, and constructive proposals. In our view, these can deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for regional countries as well as for partners interested in broader transport networks.' However, her main message was that Armenia's stance remains unchanged: 'As before, Armenia's vision for unblocking regional transport infrastructure is firmly based on the principles of sovereignty and national jurisdiction over communications, and does not envision any alternative logic.' Pashinyan counts on Trump Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan extended his congratulations to the US president on Independence Day, emphasizing his appreciation for Trump's efforts to end conflicts and promote global peace: 'I am confident that under your leadership, the United States will make a significant contribution to achieving long-awaited peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus.' Pashinyan also reaffirmed his government's commitment to a 'peace agenda based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders.' Commentary Political analyst Tigran Grigoryan says that the issue of unblocking regional transport routes has been a priority for Washington, including under the Biden administration: 'Since summer 2024, there has been public information that a proposal is being discussed to oversee transit along this route through a private company acting as a facilitator.' According to him, earlier discussions involved a Swiss company, but Baku rejected that option: 'At this stage, the talks are centered on an American or Armenian-American joint venture overseeing the route. Armenia's participation in the project appears to be an Armenian proposal, primarily aimed at preventing a negative reaction from Iran.' Grigoryan stresses the importance of clarifying the details. He warns that despite all sides formally recognizing Armenia's sovereignty, the country could lose actual control over the route: 'We still have little information. But if Armenia delegates certain powers to this company, it could essentially introduce a 'corridor logic.' Even Pashinyan himself hinted at this during his meeting with the Armenian community in Turkey.' At that meeting, Pashinyan declared that there would be no 'Zangezur Corridor' and that Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' project would become a reality. However, he warned fellow Armenians: 'The moment the 'Crossroads of Peace' project is activated, Azerbaijan will say, 'Look, the Zangezur Corridor has been opened.' And we must be prepared for that. But any simplifications [of transit] must be within the framework of our sovereignty on our territory, and theirs on theirs. Such simplifications should be reciprocal.' Grigoryan doubts Iran will tolerate the presence of a US company on the route, and he expects Russia to object as well: 'After its withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia sees the unblocking of regional routes as its last remaining tool to maintain influence over Armenia and Azerbaijan.' He believes Baku has not yet accepted the US proposal. If the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders meet in the UAE, the focus will likely be on unblocking the routes. As for a peace deal, Grigoryan remains skeptical: 'I see no signs that Baku will abandon its preconditions for signing an agreement—such as its demand for constitutional amendments in Armenia. There's little reason to expect any breakthroughs or compromises on this issue.' Journalist Tatul Hakobyan believes it doesn't really matter whether the unblocked roads are called a corridor, a highway, or a passage: 'The main issue is who will control the railroad and highway to be built from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and Turkey along the Araks River, through Meghri, on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia.' He stresses that Armenia has repeatedly publicly stated that losing control over its territory is unacceptable. However, he adds that Armenia has now given preliminary consent to transfer about 45 kilometers of its roads and other infrastructure along the Araks River to the management of an American—or more precisely, an Armenian-American—organization: 'The Washington proposal to hand over management of the Meghri communications to an Armenian-American organization is effectively handing control to the American side. The 'Armenian' part [in the term Armenian-American] was inserted in the proposal in hopes of softening the anger of the Russian side and the currently weakened Iranian side.' According to Tatul Hakobyan, Yerevan is fundamentally not opposed to Washington's proposal, while Baku has yet to make a final decision. Because of this, he also places great importance on the bilateral Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in the UAE. Follow us – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Armenia reacts to Trump's proposal
Reuters
34 minutes ago
- Reuters
Trump executive order seeks end to wind and solar energy subsidies
July 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday directed federal agencies to strengthen provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that repeal or modify tax credits for solar and wind energy projects. In an executive order, Trump said the renewable energy resources were unreliable, expensive, displaced more dependable energy sources, were dependent on foreign-controlled supply chains and were harmful to the natural environment and electric grid. The order directs the Treasury department to enforce the phaseout of tax credits for wind and solar projects that were rolled back in the budget bill passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump last week. It also directs the Interior department to review and revise any policies that favor renewables over other energy sources. Both agencies are required to submit a report to the White House within 45 days detailing actions taken. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act effectively ends renewable energy tax credits after 2026 if projects have not started construction. Wind and solar projects whose construction starts after that must be placed in service by the end of 2027. Under previous law, project developers would have been able to claim a 30% tax credit through 2032.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Prince Andrew 'free to end travel ban' after bombshell FBI decision over Epstein
The Duke of York, who has been previously been dubbed 'air miles Andy', could be ready to travel abroad again says a friend following the decision to drop the Jeffrey Epstein case in the US Prince Andrew may be planning a trip abroad "as he will feel it's safe to travel" after the FBI ended its probe over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, says a friend of the duke. The royal, 65, has been permanently staying at Royal Lodge in Windsor for the past six years reportedly out of a fear of arrest if he left the UK. But with the FBI announcing it has officially ended its investigation into his links to Epstein, it means that there is no risk of a case being brought against him. Investigators have concluded that no charges will be brought against the Duke of York or any other high-profile associate of the disgraced financier. The decision, which comes after years of speculation and mounting political pressure, follows a comprehensive internal review ordered by the Trump-appointed leadership of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and the FBI. And it is just weeks after Elon Musk named Donald Trump as being identified in the infamous 'Epstein files'. Andrew was accused of sexual abuse by Epstein's 'teenage sex slave', Virginia Giuffre, an allegation he vehemently denied. But he stepped down from royal duties in 2019 after his friendship with Epstein came to light. And now the royal who has previously been dubbed 'air miles Andy' - could soon feel able to travel. A friend, reported The Sun, said: "He has been abroad once since the scandal erupted. But without the FBI investigation hanging over his head he will feel it's safe to travel. They added: "He has always been very nervous about going abroad and felt he'd always be looking over his shoulder as he could be subject to civil action or at worst, being arrested. Hopefully with this out of the way it means he can at least leave the country. 'What's he supposed to do with the rest of his life? He hasn't been convicted of any crime and can't sit around doing nothing at Royal Lodge forever.' Meanwhile, royal biographer Nigel Cawthorne said Andrew would be able to breathe a sigh of relief at the news, having never been charged. "He's off the hook isn't he. The whole thing's run out of steam," he told Newsweek. According to a new two-page memo from the FBI, investigators "did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties." It added that 'perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither justice nor the victims,' and says that one of the government's highest priorities remains 'combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims.'
