“The Council today extended the EU sanctions regime against Venezuela for one year, until 14 November 2021,” the EU body said in a press release.
According to the release, the measures include an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression, as well as a travel ban and an asset freeze on 36 listed individuals in official positions “who are responsible for human rights violations and/or for undermining democracy and the rule of law”.
At the end of June, the EU Council expanded the list of Venezuelan officials subject to sanctions over “their role in actions and decisions that undermine democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela”, adding 11 names to it, bringing the total number of the sanctioned individuals to 36.
Caracas condemned the EU pressure on the Latin American country. President Maduro ordered to expel EU diplomat Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa from Venezuela saying that the nation will no longer tolerate “European colonialism against Venezuela”, but the decision was reversed.
EU punitive measures against Venezuela were introduced in November 2017. These include an arms embargo, as well as travel bans and asset freezes on a number of Venezuelan officials.
During Lithuania’s second presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will take place in 2027, the European Union could already declare Ukraine a candidate for EU membership, Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine Valdemaras Sarapinas has said.
“The main goal of the Ukraine-2027 initiative of former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius is to help unite the efforts of the member states and EU institutions to help Ukraine implement reforms and, at the same time, ensure the transparent use of investments, contribute to faster growth of its economy. During the second presidency Lithuania in the Council of the EU, which will be held in 2027, the European Union could already declare Ukraine the candidate for the EU,” he told Interfax-Ukraine.
Sarapinas said that this is an excellent prospect for mobilizing Ukraine in the implementation of further democratic reforms.
“Undoubtedly, this is an ambitious plan. For its implementation it is important for Ukraine to consolidate its successes and resolutely commit reforms in the future, and for the EU to support Ukraine’s European choice in every possible way,” he said.
The ambassador said that in the middle of 2021, it is planned to organize the fourth conference of reforms in Ukraine in Vilnius, which will help strengthen the reform process.
“Ukraine faces a difficult task: to simultaneously address the problems of the occupation of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine and commit structural reforms. In addition, like other countries, you need to fight against [coronavirus] COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has taken a huge step towards fulfilling important reforms,” he said.
Sarapinas said that Lithuania consistently supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“I like to say that Lithuania’s support for Ukraine is an axiom,” the diplomat said.
Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola has been elected first vice-president of the European Parliament, the most senior role ever occupied by a Maltese.
She will serve in the second-highest post in the EP until January 2022, like president David Sassoli.
The European Parliament has 14 vice-presidents and they can replace the president in performing duties when necessary.
The appointment marks the first time a Maltese MEP was selected to hold one of the top jobs within the European institution.
Metsola was nominated by the European People’s Party, of which she has been a member since 2013. There were no other submissions for the role and nobody opposed the nomination, including members of other political groups. She was declared elected by acclamation.
Thank you everyone for your support.
Being elected Vice-President of the European Parliament is such an honour. It means a great deal and I will work hard to continue to build bridges between citizens and the European decision-making process.
I will not let you down. #VEEP
— Roberta Metsola MEP (@RobertaMetsola) November 12, 2020
The vacancy for vice-president was created when former vice-president Mairead McGuinness became European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in September.
The MEP is expected to inherit her predecessor’s responsibilities, including a seat on the Conciliation Committee that is convened to resolve any disagreements between the Council and the EP.
Reacting to the appointment, Metsola said: “This is a role that I look forward to and I am determined to use the new responsibilities I am afforded to continue to be a strong voice for European citizens, for Malta and Gozo and continue to work to build bridges across the political divide.
“We have to hit the ground running. With the economic and health recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, terror threats, the BREXIT negotiations,; a new President in the United States, the situation in Belarus, continued migration challenges and a new rule of law framework all high on the agenda – I, together with President Sassoli and other MEPs, will continue to do our part to ensure that the European Parliament remains a strong link between citizens and the European decision making process.”
Among those congratulating Metsola were President George Vella and PN leader Bernard Grech.
Independent journalism costs money. Support Times of Malta for the price of a coffee.
The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.
Nov 12, 2020 (MARKITWIRED via COMTEX) --
The certified organic cocoa market represents a very small share of the total cocoa market, estimated around 0.5% of total production. However, the demand for organic cocoa products are growing at a very strong pace, the supply side faces a strong challenge to meet the demand of organic cocoa. Since, farmers are paying ample amount for producing organic cocoa, production of organic cocoa is more in least developed countries. Organic cocoa has many nutritional benefits such as more fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and many other minerals. Moreover it also contains antioxidants, which helps to protect skin. Organic cocoa also helps to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Demand for organic cocoa products are very high in U.S, U.K and Germany, hence organic cocoa are supplied to developed economies of North America and Western Europe to manufacture organic cocoa products. Currently, Dominican Republic is dominating the organic cocoa market in terms of production that holds around 70 percent of the total market share; Peru, Ecuador and Mexico together hold around 20 percent of the market share in terms of production; rest around 10 percent is held by Bolivia, Ghana, Brazil and others.
Organic Cocoa Market Segmentation:
On the basis of product type the organic cocoa market is segmented into cocoa powder, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, cocoa beans and others (products containing cocoa). Products containing cocoa holds the highest market share in terms of value followed by cocoa beans and cocoa butter.
On the basis of application organic cocoa market is segmented into confectionaries, bakery, functional food, health drinks, home cooking use and others (pharmaceuticals, ointments, and toiletries). Organic cocoa is majorly used in food industry as a main ingredient of chocolate.
Geographically, Organic cocoa market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Latin America is dominating worldwide followed by Middle East and Africa (MEA) in terms of organic cocoa production. Majority of organic cocoa is exported to Western Europe followed by North America. U.K and U.S are the largest manufacturing countries of organic cocoa products in the world, since organic chocolate is more popular in U.K, U.S and Germany and consumers from those countries owe a significant inclination towards organic chocolates irrespective of high pricing of organic products.
Organic Cocoa Market Dynamics:
Chocolate is the main application of organic cocoa which is the main growth driver of organic cocoa market. Also, the organic cocoa market is expected to be largely driven by the health consciousness among consumers. However, lack of proper supply of organic cocoa restrains the global organic cocoa market which also leads to increase in price of organic cocoa. There is a huge opportunity in the North America and Western Europe and Japan. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is an untapped market which is also a potential market for organic cocoa. This is attributed to increasing inclination of consumers towards organic products, rapid urbanisation, strengthening supply chain for organic cocoa and rising health consciousness among consumers.
Organic Cocoa Market Key Player:
Some of the leading players are Kraft Foods Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Tradin Organic Agriculture B.V., Ciranda, Blommer Chocolate Company, Artisan Confections Company, PASCHA Company, InterNatural Foods LLC and Wilmor Publishing Corp.
The report covers exhaustive analysis on:
Organic Cocoa Market Segments
Organic Cocoa Market Dynamics
Historical Actual Market Size, 2012 – 2014
Organic Cocoa Market Size & Forecast 2015 to 2025
Supply & Demand Value Chain
Organic Cocoa Market Current Trends/Issues/Challenges
Regional analysis for Organic cocoa Market includes
North America
US & Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Argentina & Others
Western Europe
EU5
Nordics
Benelux
Eastern Europe
Asia Pacific
Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)
Greater China
India
ASEAN
Rest of Asia Pacific
Japan
Middle East and Africa
GCC Countries
Other Middle East
North Africa
South Africa
Other Africa
The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.
Report Highlights:
Detailed overview of parent market
Changing market dynamics of the industry
In-depth market segmentation
Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value
Recent industry trends and developments
Competitive landscape
Strategies of key players and product offerings
Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth
A neutral perspective towards market performance
Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprints
NOTE – All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed in reports are those of the respective analysts. They do not necessarily reflect formal positions or views of Future Market Insights.
COMTEX_374345787/2612/2020-11-12T08:21:49
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Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola was elected as First Vice-President of the European Parliament, replacing Mairead McGuinness who became European Commissioner.
Until the deadline on Monday, the only MEP to have been nominated for the post was Ms Metsola, who was put forward by her political group, the EPP. As a result, she was declared elected by the President on Thursday. Ms Metsola is the first Maltese MEP to become a Vice-President.
After her election Ms Metsola said, “It is a tremendous honour to have been elected First Vice-President. I will continue to be a strong voice for European citizens and for Malta and continue to work to build bridges across the political divide.”
“With the economic and health recovery from the COVID pandemic, terror threats, the Brexit negotiations, a new US President, the situation in Belarus, continued migration challenges, and a new rule of law framework all high on the agenda, I, together with President Sassoli and the other Vice-Presidents, will continue to play my part in ensuring that the European Parliament remains a strong link between citizens and the European decision-making process.”
Background
Roberta Metsola was first elected to the European Parliament in 2013. She was re-elected in 2014 and 2019. She was previously a lawyer by profession, specialising in European law and politics.
Between 2004 and 2012, Ms Metsola worked in the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU. She subsequently joined the team of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, as a legal advisor.
Within the European Parliament, Ms Metsola is the EPP’s Group Coordinator in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and heads her national party’s delegation within the EPP group. She is also the Co-Chair of the EP Anti-Corruption Intergroup.
Born in 1979, Ms Metsola is married and is the mother of four boys. She graduated from the University of Malta and the College of Europe in Bruges.
A man in Washington waves an American flag with the words “Biden Harris” near the White House Nov. 8, the day after the news media called the presidential election for Democrat Joe Biden. (CNS/Reuters/Erin Scott)
Religious voters were pivotal to President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, but political divisions by race and sect run deep among voters of faith, speakers said in a Nov. 10 panel discussion hosted by Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life.
“This election was a referendum on the soul of the country,” said Elizabeth Dias, a national correspondent for The New York Times who covers faith and politics. “What is it that we want to become as a country? Who are we, who do we want to be as a people?”
Elana Schor speaks during a Nov. 10 panel on faith and the 2020 election hosted by Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life. (Georgetown University screenshot)
Religious voters played a significant role in the election on both sides, said Elana Schor, a national reporter on religion and politics for the Associated Press.
Throughout the campaign, Biden emphasized his Catholic faith and reached out to voters across a wide range of religious groups, she said.
“That decision by the Biden campaign to invest in that way of speaking about their candidate was a big step forward for Democrats, who have historically ceded that ground to Republicans,” Schor said.
Trump’s campaign also made headway among Latino voters by appealing to evangelical and Catholic Latinos in politically important locations. Conservative Catholic groups such as CatholicVote and the Susan B. Anthony List spent record amounts to support Trump, said Chris White, NCR’s national correspondent.
“[Trump’s campaign] was constantly broadcasting that message, that ‘we’re here for your priorities,'” Schor said, reflecting on Trump’s response to conservative religious voters. “The Trump campaign has a lot to feel good about in terms of faith outreach.”
Although Biden won both the electoral college and popular vote, historic turnout and strong support for Trump in certain communities speaks to deep divisions in American society that have existed for centuries, Dias said.
Elizabeth Dias speaks during the Nov. 10 panel on faith and the 2020 election. (Georgetown University screenshot)
On the one hand, the Black Lives Matter movement’s moral force motivated Black voters in crucial states for Democrats, Dias said. Democrats attempting to sway religious voters often pointed to racial justice, rather than abortion, as the preeminent moral issue of the day, in contrast to appeals often made by the religious right, she said.
“The role of Black Lives Matter in becoming … an absolute stake in the ground for what morality is and should be in this country was a huge mobilizing force across the country in key states,” Dias said.
Black churches, she said, played a major role in securing Biden’s nomination as the Democratic Party’s candidate.
On the other hand, white evangelicals and Catholics favored Trump, with 57% of white Catholics backing Trump, down slightly from 64% in 2016, according to AP Votecast.
During Trump’s presidency, white evangelicals and the religious right have reached the “pinnacle” of their political power in the United States, with three Supreme Court appointees under Trump and hundreds of new appointments to lower courts that will reshape the judiciary branch for decades, Dias said.
She said white evangelicals and white Christians more broadly flocked to Trump out of a sense of resentment and fear about their status in the nation.
“I’m not sure we can really say this was a resounding defeat of their values,” Dias said. “I think we have a giant cultural war going on, and we are going to have to continue to reckon with that.”
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For many Catholics, abortion is still the most important political issue, White said, superseding other priorities Pope Francis has outlined, such as concern for migrants’ rights. Some painted Biden as a fake Catholic because of his pro-choice policies.
“If you’re a single-issue voter, and you’re a Catholic and abortion is that single issue, you’re going to have a hard time getting your mind around that this guy can reconcile being a Catholic with having a pro-choice view, at least when it comes to public policy,” White said. “The pro-life lobby will resist him at every turn because of this.”
While Biden won the overall Latino vote, he did not do as well as expected among certain Latino communities, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Miami-Dade County in Florida, White said.
Mark Shields speaks during the panel on faith and the 2020 election. (Georgetown University screenshot)
“The attitude of the press and of the public at large, of viewing Latinos as a monolith, was set on its ear,” said Mark Shields, a political commentator for “PBS NewsHour.”
The panelists speculated on whether Biden, as president, would be able to bring together vastly different interests to work together on legislative priorities.
Shields was optimistic, saying Biden is known for his ability to work across the aisle.
Schor and Dias, for their part, said the divisions were serious and would be difficult to bridge. Dias said the nation may even be more politically polarized than in 2016, judging by the high turnout.
In his victory speech on Nov. 7, Biden asked Americans to put aside divisions and strive for unity, Dias said.
“My question is — will that tone and will that plea from him actually work on the ground with people?” she said. “And my sense from talking to hundreds and hundreds of people this cycle is that people are very set in what they think.”
Chris White during the panel on faith and the 2020 election on Nov. 10 (Georgetown University screenshot)
Some, such as Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have congratulated Biden and appealed to Catholics to work together after the election. Others have questioned the election results, apparently amplifying Trump’s baseless claims about election fraud, White said.
“They’re going to have to do some soul-searching. … Religious leaders would be wise to drive their constituencies toward truth,” White said.
Dias said racial and religious divisions in the U.S. are not new, and will likely shape Biden’s presidency. The forces and systems that created them trace back to the beginning of the enslavement of Black people on the continent, she said.
“These are questions that every generation needs to address,” she said. “And we are in the thick of it in this country.”
[Madeleine Davison is an NCR Bertelsen intern. Her email address is [email protected].]
The great furor over the poppy ban at Whole Foods lasted less than one news cycle last week, thanks to the full-throated outrage from political leaders all over Canada.
Imagine how long Quebec’s secularism bill — which bans a lot more than poppy-wearing — would have lasted with similar shock and condemnation from those same politicians.
Sanctimony is never in short supply in the realm of politics, but we seem to have entered the season for freedom-of-expression lectures in Canada.
The views, opinions and analyses expressed in the articles on National Newswatch are those of the contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publishers.
/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/politics/political-opinion/2020/11/11/canadas-federal-leaders-will-defend-your-right-to-wear-a-poppy-just-dont-ask-them-to-stick-up-for-your-freedom-of-religion/blanchet.jpg?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "Canada’s federal leaders will defend your right to wear a poppy, Just don’t ask them to stick up for your freedom of religion")
