Jun262017

Beijing police destroy seized narcotics

East Asia

Beijing police on Sunday destroyed 1.4 tonnes of narcotics, which had been seized in various operations between 2014 and 2015.

The haul included heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, and caffeine.

The drugs were destroyed at Beijing Cement Plant, incinerated in furnaces up to 2,700 degree Celsius.

In 2016, Beijing police arrested more than 10,000 suspects in 1,366 narcotics cases.

Beijing has over 36,000 registered drug addicts, most of whom use synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, according to Liu Yi, deputy director with the municipal narcotics control commission.

“Beijing police face a tough battle against drugs and therefore have ‘zero tolerance’ for drug-related crimes,” said Liu.

Jun262017

State Council appoints, removes senior officials

East Asia

The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of several officials on Monday.

Sun Yao was appointed vice education minister.

Ni Yuefeng was named deputy head of the General Administration of Customs.

Yang Xiaowei was appointed deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, to replace Wang Xiujun.

Sun Dawei was removed from the posts of deputy director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and director of Certification and Accreditation Administration.

Jun262017

Government investment in AFP to protect Victorians from gang crime

Australia

The Turnbull Government is throwing the full might of the Australian Federal Police’s forensic and intelligence capabilities behind efforts to stop gang-related violence in Victoria.

Victorians, like all Australians, deserve to feel safe to go about their daily lives without fear or intimidation. Plainly, the status quo is not enough.

These street gangs and criminals rely heavily on the illegal drug trade to make a profit, with no regard for the pain and damage they leave in their wake.

To crack down on these violent gangs, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) will now provide Victoria Police with additional assistance in the fight against street crime.

This is part of the Coalition Government’s additional $321.4 million investment in the AFP that we announced in this year’s Budget, the largest single funding increase for the AFP’s domestic policing capabilities in more than a decade.

This funding will unlock greater access for Victoria Police to the AFP’s world-leading forensic, intelligence and high-tech crime fighting capabilities and expertise.

Together, Victoria Police and the AFP will be able to identify, catch and prosecute these violent criminals faster than ever before.  It includes measures such as:

  • A dedicated AFP out-posted intelligence officer to support Victorian anti-gang investigations;
  • Advanced forensic examination capabilities and criminal intelligence mapping to support investigations; and
  • Direct access to the AFP’s National Forensic Rapid Lab to fast-track evidence collection and analysis to better target criminal gangs.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, and Justice Minister The Hon Michael Keenan made the announcement during a visit to AFP headquarters in Melbourne.

This will work hand-in-hand with the multi-agency National Anti-Gangs Squad, which received $3 million in additional Federal funding last year to allow them to continue their work until June 2019.

This investment will assist police to track down and arrest violent offenders and disrupt their criminal behaviour.

The Coalition Government will not waver in the fight to protect our nation and our way of life.

Jun262017

Press Releases: Qatar

United States • Democrats • OECD – United States • Republicans • White House

Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

June 25, 2017

Qatar has begun its careful review and consideration of a series of requests presented by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

While some of the elements will be very difficult for Qatar to meet, there are significant areas which provide a basis for ongoing dialogue leading to resolution.

A productive next step would be for each of the countries to sit together and continue this conversation. We believe our allies and partners are stronger when they are working together towards one goal which we all agree is stopping terrorism and countering extremism. Each country involved has something to contribute to that effort. A lowering of rhetoric would also help ease the tension. The United States will continue to stay in close contact with all parties and will continue to support the mediation efforts of the Emir of Kuwait.

 



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Jun262017

Technology Week Recap

United States • Democrats • OECD – United States • Republicans • White House

This week was Technology Week at the White House, and the Trump Administration held events focusing on modernizing government technology and stimulating the technology sector.

On Monday, the White House invited major tech leaders and university presidents for the inaugural summit of the American Technology Council. Hosted by the White House’s Office of American Innovation, the event consisted of multiple breakout sessions to discuss ways to modernize the government by retiring out-of-date legacy systems and increasing the use of shared services.

President Trump meeting with technology leaders in the Oval Office.

On Tuesday, United States Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn held a listening session with technology leaders to discuss tax reform in the United States and the implications of a new tax plan on the technology sector.

On Wednesday, President Trump traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He toured Kirkwood Community College and spoke about agricultural innovation and empowering the American farmer.

President Trump delivers remarks in Iowa.

On Thursday, the White House hosted the American Leadership in Emerging Technology Event, where American tech industry leaders demonstrated technologies like advanced drones and 5G wireless networks to the President.


President Trump hosting an emerging technology event.

On Friday, President Trump signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.

After a successful week of addressing American innovation and meeting with leaders of the technology sector, next week the Trump Administration will turn its focus to energy.