Latest news with #Committee
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iran denies Trump's meeting claims
Shafaq News - Tehran On Sunday, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Political Deputy to the Iranian Foreign Minister, dismissed US President Donald Trump's recent claim that talks between Washington and Tehran are scheduled for next week, noting that no meeting has been arranged with American officials. Addressing the Iranian parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, Takht-Ravanchi questioned the reliability of the United States in any future negotiations, citing growing public anger over the killing of civilians, military personnel, and scientists. During the same session, Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei acknowledged Iran's continued commitment to diplomacy but pointed to a broader crisis of confidence among the public. 'What guarantee exists that the Americans won't reverse course again?' he asked, referring to past disruptions in negotiations. The comments come amid reports in US media that White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit the region in the coming days for meetings with Iranian officials. Discussions are expected to focus on the possibility of halting uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt further confirmed that contact with Iranian counterparts remains ongoing, though clarified that no talks are currently scheduled on the nuclear file. Notably, a planned sixth round of negotiations, initially set for June 15 in Oman, was cancelled following Israel's surprise strike on Iran on June 13, which has evolved into one of the most dangerous escalations between the two countries in years.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
UN CEDAW Committee Breaks New Ground With First Treaty Body Review Of Afghanistan Since Taliban Takeover In 2021
GENEVA (26 June 2025) - At a time when Afghan women warn that their very existence is being erased and their voices rendered invisible on the global stage, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has taken an unprecedented step by reviewing Afghanistan's compliance with its international women's human rights obligations, without engagement from the existing de facto authorities in the country. As the de facto authorities of the Taliban, currently in control of large parts of the country, are not recognized by the United Nations, the Committee reviewed the fourth periodic report of Afghanistan submitted by the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations in Geneva and engaged in a dialogue with a delegation of former Afghan officials and women's rights leaders in exile. The Committee had also invited the de facto authorities to participate informally in the review, but no response was received. While UN treaty bodies have previously conducted country reviews in the absence of a state delegation, CEDAW's decision to hold a public dialogue with a delegation of former State officials, following the precedent of the fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review of Afghanistan in April 2024, represents a first-of-its-kind arrangement within the treaty body system. This review is not only a CEDAW obligation, but also 'a fervent hope that [the] exchange will prove constructive, anchored in mutual respect and steadfastly committed to strengthening accountability for the rights of Afghan women and girls,' said Bandana Rana, Committee member who led the country review. 'This Committee bears a solemn obligation, a legal, international and moral imperative to examine these developments with unflinching clarity and uncompromising resolve,' she added. In doing so, the Committee reaffirms that the Convention remains legally binding on Afghanistan regardless of shifts in political leadership or regime. 'Our concern transcends politics. It is rooted in principle. It stands upon the bedrock of universal and immutable values: human dignity, equality, non-discrimination, autonomy and justice for all, most urgently for the women and girls of Afghanistan,' said Rana, adding that, 'We harbour the profound hope that today's dialogue will serve not merely to deepen the accountability of all stakeholders but to galvanize a renewed and unified commitment, including of the international community to restore the inalienable human rights of Afghan women and girls, first and foremost their right to education.' Committee Chair Nahla Haidar emphasized that 'this review has set an important precedent for how treaty bodies can establish responsibility when those exercising effective control in a country fail to uphold that country's human rights obligations and their responsibility to protect their population. It was an unprecedented opportunity to recall the principle of accountability and solidarity enshrined in the United Nations Charter.' CEDAW remains committed to its mandate and stands with the women and girls of Afghanistan by calling on all stakeholders, including the international community, to uphold their obligations under international law. The Committee will publish its findings, formally known as Concluding Observations, on 7 July.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Senate parliamentarian greenlights AI moratorium again
A provision that bars states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for a 10-year period can remain in President Trump's sweeping tax package, the Senate parliamentarian determined Friday. The decision, announced by Senate Budget Democrats, once again found the moratorium clears a procedural hurdle known as the Byrd rule. The provision's future in the reconciliation bill appeared in danger Thursday, after Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough asked Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to rewrite the measure. It had initially been cleared by the Senate referee last weekend, after Cruz altered the language to tie the moratorium to federal funding. The most recent language banned states from regulating AI models and systems if they want access to $500 million in AI infrastructure and deployment funds. However, the parliamentarian voiced concerns about the provision when she met with Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, on Wednesday night, Cantwell told reporters Thursday. Democrats had argued that the measure would impact $42 billion in broadband funding in violation of the Byrd rule. MacDonough's latest approval notes that the provision 'does not violate the Byrd Rule as long as the conditions only apply to the new $500 million provided by the reconciliation bill,' according to a press release from Senate Budget Democrats. The Byrd rule, which determines what can be voted on as part of the budget reconciliation process with a simple-majority vote, has represented a key hurdle to Republican priorities as they rush to pass Trump's spending bill by his self-imposed deadline of July 4. While the AI moratorium has cleared the Byrd rule, it may still face additional hurdles, with several House and Senate Republicans voicing opposition to the measure. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have all come out against the provision.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
US House panel orders study of possible ammunition manufacturing in Subic
"The Committee is concerned with the lack of a forward-staged ammunition manufacturing facility in the Indo-Pacific," the US House committee said in its report. US lawmakers are exploring the possibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing facility in Subic Bay, amid concerns about the lack of a forward-staged similar installation in the Indo-Pacific. In its report dated June 16, the US House Committee on Appropriations directed the US Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility in Subic Bay. "The Committee is concerned with the lack of a forward-staged ammunition manufacturing facility in the Indo-Pacific," the US House committee said in its report. "Therefore, the Committee directs the Department of Defense to assess, in coordination with the Department of State and the International Development Finance Corporation, the feasibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility at United States Naval Base Subic Bay," it added. "The facility would enable the forward staging of ammunition stockpiles and related materials such as nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and acid. The Committee directs the Secretary of Defense to provide an update on the progress of this feasibility study within 60 days of the enactment of this Act," it added. The US maintained a naval base in Subic Bay until 1991, after the Senate voted against a new bases treaty between the two countries. It is now under the jurisdiction of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the operating and implementing arm of the Philippine government for the development of the Subic Bay Freeport. –NB, GMA Integrated News
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Queensland's 2032 Olympic vision in doubt as Minister flags venue and funding uncertainty
Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells has warned that Queensland cannot expect to control all decisions surrounding the 2032 Olympic Games, casting fresh doubt on the state's all-in hosting ambitions. Speaking in Brisbane on Thursday, Ms Wells warned that while the state government remains committed to a 'Queensland Games,' ultimate decisions around venue locations could rest with international sporting bodies - not local politicians. 'Obviously, the Queensland Government has indicated their strong preference that all events be contested within the state,' Ms Wells said while speaking in Brisbane alongside state Sports Minister Tim Mander. 'But it isn't just up to Tim (Mander), or I, or even Brisbane 2032 (Organising Committee), it is also very much a question for the International Federations to advise us on what they will accept.' The federal minister's comments follow speculation some events may be moved interstate - with rowing potentially headed to Penrith and tennis to Melbourne - echoing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's earlier remarks casting doubt on the state's all-in hosting plan. Ms Wells referenced historical precedents, including Sydney 2000 and Paris 2024, to reinforce the possibility of interstate or international venues being considered. 'I don't think anyone would challenge my passion for being a Queenslander, but as the Australian Sports Minister, I am elected and charged with the responsibility of making sure that all Australian taxpayers feel … that they have a place in the Brisbane 2032 Games,' she added. The contentious Rockhampton rowing venue remains a sticking point and despite ongoing concerns about its suitability, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie is standing firm. 'Rowing will absolutely be in Rockhampton on the mighty Fitzroy River,' he declared. 'And as I've said for many occasions now, including to the IOC, I might add, if it is okay for a teenager from Rocky to row the mighty Fitzroy River on the weekend, so too, is it okay for Pierre from Paris.' While discussions continue between Brisbane 2032, World Rowing, and the International Canoe Federation - including a potential technical visit to Rockhampton - no final decision has been made. In a linked development, Queensland has passed legislation designed to speed up the delivery of Games-related infrastructure by exempting Olympic venues from significant state and local planning laws. The new laws give final planning approval powers to the state, effectively sidelining local councils and bypassing 15 regulatory frameworks, including environmental and heritage protections. 'You're going to see a lot of work in a very short period of time, there'll be excavators, there'll be tractors, there'll be bulldozers, there'll be yellow vests,' Mr Bleijie said. 'There'll be shovels being turned across the state.' But the changes have drawn sharp criticism from community groups, particularly those opposing development in Brisbane's Victoria Park - the planned site of a new 63,000-seat Olympic stadium. "We were expecting it, but we're still incredibly disappointed, but we're not deterred. We'll continue to fight this no matter what gets thrown at us," said Andrea Lunt from Save Victoria Park back in May. "The park is too important to lose; it's such a precious natural asset to Brisbane. 'If you're thinking about showcasing Brisbane for the Olympic Games, you'd think we'd protect and enhance such a beautiful natural asset, not cover it up for stadiums." The legislation, officially titled the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, also includes reforms to renewable energy project approvals. It mandates public consultation and binding community benefit agreements for large-scale wind and solar developments. Mr Bleijie insists the changes are necessary to meet tight construction deadlines and leave a meaningful post-Games legacy. 'This is about making sure that housing is delivered, the roads are upgraded, temporary accommodation for workers is put in place, schools, housing,' he said. Amid debate over venue locations and legal planning exemptions, the long-awaited funding deal between the state and Commonwealth governments remains unresolved - although officials on both sides insist it's imminent. The previous Labor-led plan for a $2.5 billion indoor arena in Brisbane's CBD was scrapped by the LNP government in favour of a privately funded facility at Woolloongabba. The decision has forced a fresh round of negotiations over how the federal government's $3.4 billion Olympic contribution will be spent. "We expect to have news on that front for you very soon. We understand that people want to see us get on with this," said Ms Wells. 'These aren't just venues that are relevant to a four-week period in 2032, these are venues people want to get their value out of as quickly as possible.' Mr Mander echoed that optimism, saying, 'I'm very confident that an agreement will be made shortly, and the discussions are very positive and very constructive.' The state's Olympic ministers also confirmed ongoing discussions with Athletics Australia, football and gymnastics officials over their venue needs, with legacy infrastructure still a key promise. 'I'm very confident we'll have legacy infrastructure for all those sports,' Mr Mander said. He also reiterated that the total infrastructure cost would not exceed previously announced limits. 'I can guarantee you that there'll be legacy in those sports,' he said. 'Queenslanders won't be paying more than $7.1 billion between the state and federal governments.'
