Home Blog Page 6

Why Trump Quietly Backed Away From His Greenland Tariff Threat

Why Trump Quietly Backed Away From His Greenland Tariff Threat

Davos, Switzerland – U.S. President Donald Trump has quietly reversed course on Greenland after weeks of tough rhetoric.

Trump had threatened tariffs on Denmark and European allies.
He used the pressure to push U.S. strategic interests in Greenland.

Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory.
It holds major importance for Arctic security and natural resources.

The Tariff Threat

Trump warned of tariffs ranging from 10 to 25 percent.
He aimed the threat at Denmark and other NATO allies.

The move caused alarm across Europe.
Officials feared serious damage to transatlantic trade relations.

Denmark strongly rejected any suggestion of selling or transferring Greenland.
Greenland’s leaders also dismissed U.S. pressure.

The Sudden Shift

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump softened his position.
He said the United States would not pursue tariffs.

Trump also ruled out the use of force.
He pointed to a new “framework” for Arctic cooperation with NATO.

The announcement marked a sharp shift in tone.
No detailed terms of the framework were shared.

Why Trump Backed Down

European leaders pushed back hard against the tariff threat.
They warned it could fracture NATO unity.

Legal experts also raised concerns.
U.S. courts may limit presidential tariff powers.

Market uncertainty added more pressure.
Investors reacted nervously to the escalating rhetoric.

NATO officials worked behind the scenes to calm tensions.
Diplomatic talks focused on Arctic defence cooperation instead.

European and Arctic Response

Denmark welcomed the reversal but remained cautious.
Officials stressed Greenland’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.

Greenland’s government reaffirmed its right to self-determination.
Local leaders rejected outside pressure over territory or resources.

European Union leaders called for clearer rules with Washington.
Some urged stronger coordination against future trade threats.

What Comes Next

NATO members will continue talks on Arctic security.
The alliance aims to manage competition in the region.

Trump’s retreat eased immediate tensions.
However, uncertainty around future U.S. trade tactics remains.

Analysts say the episode highlights limits to aggressive diplomacy.
Allies may resist when pressure threatens core sovereignty.

Authorities Rule Out Dingo Attack in Death of Canadian on Australian Island

0

Autopsy Finds Dingoes Unlikely Cause of Canadian Woman’s Death in Australia

K’gari, Queensland – Authorities say dingoes were likely not responsible for the death of a Canadian woman found on an Australian beach.

The body of 19-year-old Piper James from British Columbia was discovered on Seventy Five Mile Beach on K’gari Island. The discovery happened early Monday morning.

Several dingoes were seen near the body. This raised immediate concerns about a possible attack.

Findings From the Preliminary Autopsy

Officials from the Queensland Coroners Court released preliminary autopsy results this week.

The examination found evidence consistent with drowning as the cause of death. The findings do not support a fatal dingo attack.

The autopsy confirmed the presence of bite marks on the body. However, experts said these injuries were unlikely to be fatal.

Most of the bite marks appear to have occurred after death. This suggests scavenging rather than an attack.

Investigators also found no signs of foul play or involvement of another person.

Events Before the Discovery

Police said the young woman had left her accommodation early that morning.

She reportedly went for a swim along the shoreline alone.

About an hour later, two people driving on the beach found her body and alerted authorities.

Emergency services arrived quickly, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

Queensland Police continue to investigate the incident.

Officials are awaiting further pathology and toxicology results. These tests may take several weeks.

Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation until the final report is released.

Safety Concerns on K’gari

K’gari is home to a protected population of wild dingoes.

Officials regularly warn visitors to keep distance and avoid interactions with wildlife.

The island has seen past incidents involving dingoes, including fatal and non-fatal encounters.

Authorities continue to stress visitor safety and wildlife awareness.

Family and Official Support

The victim’s family in Canada has been notified.

Canadian officials are providing consular support to assist the family during this time.

Police say the investigation remains open until final findings are confirmed.

Lutnick Shrugs Off Carney, Warns Canada on China Deal

0

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismisses Mark Carney’s Davos speech and warns Canada that its China deal could threaten trade talks

Washington Pushes Back on Davos Remarks

WASHINGTON — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick wasted no time pushing back against Prime Minister Mark Carney’s high-profile speech in Davos. Instead, he brushed it aside as “political noise” while sharply criticizing Canada’s recent trade agreement with China.

Speaking on Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said Canada already enjoys “the second-best deal in the world.” However, he added that Carney appeared more focused on complaining than appreciating the benefits.

China Deal Raises Red Flags in Washington

Meanwhile, Lutnick warned that Ottawa’s new agreement with Beijing could complicate future trade talks. More importantly, he said the deal could disrupt negotiations around the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement, which faces a scheduled review later this year.

As a result, U.S. officials are watching Canada’s next moves closely. Therefore, trade experts expect tougher conversations ahead.

Carney’s Davos Speech Sparks Global Reaction

Earlier this week, Carney addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During his speech, he declared that the old world order is over. Moreover, he urged middle powers to unite as economic pressure from larger nations intensifies.

The message resonated. In fact, European leaders repeatedly referenced Carney’s remarks throughout the forum. Additionally, many echoed his warning about deep cracks forming in long-standing trade and defence alliances.

U.S. Officials Acknowledge Shifting Global Dynamics

At the same time, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reinforced the idea of global change. Speaking to Fox News, Greer said a “new world order” is emerging. Furthermore, he noted that European officials are beginning to accept that reality.

What Comes Next for Canada-U.S. Trade?

Ultimately, tensions appear to be rising. While Canada defends its global strategy, Washington remains cautious. Consequently, the upcoming trade review could test one of North America’s most important economic relationships.

For now, all eyes remain on how Ottawa balances its global ambitions with its closest trading partner.

China Casts Doubt on Canada Visa-Free Claim

0

China’s ambassador questions PM Mark Carney’s claim on visa-free travel for Canadians, saying Beijing has made no final decision yet.

A Promise That May Be Premature

China’s ambassador to Canada is pushing back on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s claim that Canadians will soon travel to China without a visa. Instead, he says Beijing is still weighing its options.

Speaking to The Canadian Press in Ottawa, Ambassador Wang Di made it clear that no final decision has been announced. While discussions continue, certainty does not exist yet.

As a result, Canadians hoping for easier access to mainland China may need to wait a little longer.

Ambassador Urges Patience

According to Wang, Prime Minister Carney publicly stated that China had agreed to visa-free entry for Canadians. However, Wang stressed that the Chinese government has not confirmed that position.

“For the exact visa policy, we must wait for an official announcement,” Wang said through an interpreter.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media has not echoed Carney’s remarks. In addition, Global Affairs Canada offered no immediate response to the ambassador’s comments.

What Carney Said in Beijing

Earlier this month, during a press conference in Beijing, Carney told reporters that President Xi Jinping had committed to visa-free access for Canadians visiting China.

However, no formal statement from Beijing followed that claim. Because of that silence, questions quickly surfaced about the timeline—and even the certainty—of the policy change.

No Timeline, No Details

When asked about timing or length of stay, Wang said he had no information to share.

That said, he pointed out that China already allows citizens from dozens of countries to stay in mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa. Those countries include most of Europe and several developed Asian nations.

By comparison, Canadians still face a long application process and fees of about $140 to enter mainland China.

Some Visa-Free Access Already Exists

Even so, Canadians do enjoy limited visa-free travel within China. They can already visit Hong Kong, Macau, and Hainan province without a visa.

Meanwhile, Canada requires most Chinese visitors to obtain a visa, which costs roughly $185 per person.

Beijing Wants More Travel

Despite the uncertainty, Wang emphasized that China supports stronger people-to-people ties.

He said easier travel would boost cultural exchange and deepen cooperation between both countries. According to him, encouraging travel remains a long-standing Chinese policy.

Travel Slowly Rebounds After COVID

Travel between Canada and China has improved since the pandemic, although progress has been slow.

China restored group tours to many countries in 2023 but delayed reopening them to Canada. Those limits finally ended last November.

At the same time, flight capacity has increased only gradually. One major reason involves Canada’s rule banning flights that cross Russian airspace. That policy aims to keep competition fair after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tourism Ties Look Ahead to 2026

During Carney’s recent visit to Beijing, both countries signed a tourism agreement. Under the deal, national tourism boards will work together on campaigns tied to nature, sister cities, and major events.

Notably, those promotions will include the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bottom Line

For now, visa-free travel to China remains a possibility—not a promise. While talks continue, Canadians should wait for official word from Beijing before packing their bags.

Zelenskyy Calls Europe ‘Lost’ and Stuck in ‘Groundhog Day’ at Davos

0

Zelenskyy Slams Europe as ‘Lost’ and Stuck in ‘Groundhog Day’ at Davos

DAVOS, Switzerland — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a sharply critical address to world leaders Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He said Europe “looks lost” and seems stuck in a repetitive cycle of inadequate action on security and defense.

Zelenskyy invoked the film Groundhog Day to describe how Europe repeats the same debates year after year without progress.
He noted that he delivered similar warnings at the same forum last year and nothing has changed.

Europe’s Response and Zelenskyy’s Critique

Zelenskyy told the Davos audience that Europe needs to become a more unified and decisive global power.
He said many European nations have failed to increase defense spending or act cohesively in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

He questioned symbolic military deployments to areas like Greenland, saying small troop numbers send the wrong message to Russia and China.
Zelenskyy contrasted Europe’s hesitancy with what he described as stronger U.S. actions, such as in Venezuela and Iran.

Repetition Without Progress

“Everyone remembers the great American film Groundhog Day,” he said.
“But no one would want to live like that… repeating the same thing for weeks, months, and years.”

Zelenskyy pointed out that even Ukrainians feel trapped in the same cycle of violence, as the war continues with heavy costs.
He stressed that Europe’s lack of decisive action has failed to change the course of the conflict.

U.S. Meeting and Broader Diplomatic Context

Earlier in Davos, Zelenskyy met privately with U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he described as supportive and productive.
Trump’s envoys were expected in Moscow soon to continue negotiations involving Russia.

Zelenskyy also urged Europe to take stronger measures against Russian oil shipments and frozen assets that help fund the war.
He argued that without decisive action, Russia’s aggression could continue unchecked.

Europe, he said, remains at risk of seeing its own future threatened if it does not strengthen its defense capabilities.
His remarks underline deep frustration in Kyiv over what it sees as sluggish support from some European allies.

Five‑Year‑Old Minnesota Boy Detained by ICE in Controversial Operation

0

5‑Year‑Old Minnesota Boy Detained by ICE, Sparking Outrage

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a five‑year‑old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, along with his father on Tuesday as they returned home from preschool.
The incident occurred in the driveway of their home in Columbia Heights, a suburb north of Minneapolis, school officials said.

Superintendent Zena Stenvik of Columbia Heights Public Schools described the scene at a news conference.
She said agents removed Liam from the family’s running car and then told the boy to knock on the front door to check if anyone else was inside. School officials called this use of a child “bait.”

Family’s Immigration Status and Legal Fight

Liam and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, are being held in a federal detention facility in Texas, the family’s lawyer said.
Their attorney, Marc Prokosch, said the family has an active asylum claim and no deportation order. They entered the U.S. at a legal port of entry and followed immigration procedures, he told reporters.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson disputed the school’s “bait” claim.
The spokesperson said ICE did not target the child but was conducting a targeted operation to detain the father, whom officials described as an undocumented immigrant. They said agents stayed with the boy while arresting his father.

Wider Impact on Community

The detention of Liam is part of a broader immigration enforcement surge in the Minneapolis area.
School officials said three other students, including a 17‑year‑old and a 10‑year‑old, were also recently detained by ICE along with family members.

Columbia Heights schools have seen lower attendance as families fear being targeted.
Liam’s teacher described him as “kind and loving,” and said classmates miss him. Officials have appealed for community support and legislative attention.

Canada Sidesteps Trump’s Board of Peace Amid Structural Concerns

Canada Absent from Trump’s New “Board of Peace” Membership

DAVOS, Switzerland — Canada was notably absent from the list of founding members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” at a ceremony Thursday in Davos.
The board launched during the World Economic Forum aims to help guide the reconstruction of Gaza following the Israel‑Hamas conflict.

Despite initial interest, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said Canada agreed “in principle” to join the board but still has unresolved concerns about its structure and decision‑making.
Officials said Ottawa wants details ironed out before making a formal commitment.

Why Canada Has Not Signed On

Carney has said Canada supports peace and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
However, Canadian leaders have expressed concern about governance and transparency in how the board would operate.

Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne said Canada would not pay a proposed US$1 billion fee to secure a permanent seat on the board.
Ottawa wants clarity on how any contributions would directly benefit peace and recovery efforts in Gaza.

The board’s founding members include Egypt, Hungary, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey.
Trump described the group as a “global effort” to support Gaza’s rebuilding.

Skepticism Among Allies

Several Western nations have also expressed hesitation about the board.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other European countries have not publicly committed to joining so far.

Some diplomats worry the body could overshadow the United Nations by creating a parallel mechanism for peace and reconstruction.
Canada’s stance aligns with broader calls to ensure any new structure complements, rather than replaces, UN‑led efforts.

What Comes Next

Canada has not ruled out joining once concerns are addressed.
Officials say continued dialogue with the United States and other partners will shape their final decision on participation.

Carney Leads First Cabinet Retreat as Canada’s Prime Minister

0

New Prime Minister Sets Tone at Cabinet Retreat

Prime Minister Mark Carney brought his full federal cabinet together this week for the government’s first retreat since he took office. Held outside Ottawa, the gathering was aimed at strengthening coordination among ministers and driving forward his key policy priorities, signalling a shift in how Canada’s leadership tackles major national challenges.

Focus on Climate, Housing and Economic Stability

In discussions over two days, Carney pushed ministers to align on major issues including climate action, housing supply and economic resilience. Officials said he underscored the urgency of delivering results that Canadians can feel in their daily lives, stressing that long-term strategies must now turn into short-term action.

Cabinet discussions also touched on the importance of building economic strength while reducing carbon emissions, a central theme for the new government.

Unity and Accountability Highlighted

Carney used the retreat to build cohesion within a diverse team of ministers, encouraging open dialogue about priorities and obstacles. Several ministers described the sessions as candid, with frank exchanges about what is working and what needs faster progress.

The prime minister reportedly asked each cabinet member to present clear deliverables they can achieve this year, reinforcing a culture of accountability and results.

Housing Crisis Takes Centre Stage

Housing affordability and supply were among the key topics, with ministers discussing strategies to accelerate home building and reduce costs for buyers and renters alike. Carney emphasized that progress on housing must be measurable and timely, reflecting widespread concern among Canadians about access to affordable homes.

Climate Leadership and Global Role

Cabinet members also explored ways Canada can assert leadership on climate change, including enhancing clean energy investment and meeting emissions reduction targets. Carney reiterated that climate policy should go hand-in-hand with economic opportunity, positioning Canada as a competitive player in global green markets.

Preparing for Future Economic Shocks

With the world facing ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Carney directed ministers to focus on long-term resilience. This involves strengthening supply chains, protecting jobs and enhancing Canada’s economic responsiveness to future disruptions.

Officials said the retreat built momentum for several initiatives that will be announced in the coming months.

What Comes Next From Cabinet

As the cabinet returns to regular business in Ottawa, ministers will begin outlining timelines and action plans that reflect the retreat’s priorities. Carney has scheduled follow-up meetings to track progress and maintain focus on delivering results that affect Canadians’ everyday lives.

Ex‑South Korean Prime Minister Gets 23 Years for Role in Martial Law Crisis

0

South Korea’s Former Prime Minister Sentenced to 23 Years

SEOUL, South Korea — A Seoul court has sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo to 23 years in prison over his role in South Korea’s controversial martial law crisis in 2024.
The sentence marks one of the strongest penalties in the case that has shaken South Korean politics and public trust in government.

Han, a 76‑year‑old veteran bureaucrat, stood trial for charges tied to then‑President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The court found that decree acted as an insurrection against the constitution and democratic order.

Court Ruling Calls Martial Law an Insurrection

The Seoul Central District Court said Han helped legitimize the martial law order by arranging a meeting that outwardly approved the decree.
Judge Lee Jin‑gwan said Han failed in his duty to protect the constitution and instead aided a plan that threatened democracy.

Han was also convicted of falsifying official documents, destroying presidential records, and lying under oath during impeachment proceedings.
The court stressed that the martial law plan risked bringing South Korea back to past authoritarian rule.

Han Denies Most Charges

Han has maintained he opposed the martial law plan and denied most of the accusations against him.
However, the judge determined his role in giving procedural legitimacy to the order made him culpable.

Han must report to prison immediately to begin his 23‑year sentence.
His term was longer than the 15 years prosecutors requested, highlighting the court’s view of the severity of his actions.

Wider Legal Fallout

Han is the first member of former President Yoon’s cabinet to be convicted in connection with the martial law crisis.
Last week, Yoon himself received a five‑year sentence for related offenses including obstructing justice tied to the decree.

Yoon also faces additional trials, including insurrection charges for which prosecutors have sought the death penalty.
That verdict is scheduled for February 19, and many analysts say Han’s sentence may influence the outcome.

The events of December 2024 remain one of South Korea’s most significant constitutional crises in decades, prompting intense debate about democratic protections and executive power.

Trump Says ‘Canada Lives Because of the United States’

0

Trump Rebukes Carney, Urges Canada to Be ‘Grateful’ for U.S. Support

DAVOS, Switzerland — U.S. President Donald Trump took aim at Canada during a speech at the World Economic Forum.
He told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that the country “lives because of the United States” and should be “grateful” for American support.

Trump made the remarks in response to Carney’s earlier address at the summit.
Carney spoke about global shifts in power and warned the world order based on U.S. leadership was breaking down.

Direct Rebuke to Carney

Trump singled out Carney, saying Canada gets “a lot of freebies from us” and should show more gratitude.
He said Canada did not appreciate U.S. benefits and support.

“Remember that, Mark, next time you make your statements,” Trump said in front of the assembled global leaders.
His comments echoed broader tensions between the U.S. and its northern ally at the forum.

Carney’s Message at Davos

Carney delivered a forceful speech about the fracturing of the rules‑based international order.
He urged middle powers like Canada to build new coalitions rather than rely on old structures.

He said great powers now use economic tools like tariffs and supply chains as leverage.
Carney warned that negotiating from weakness undermines sovereignty and security.

Broader Context of the Clash

Trump’s remarks came amid his wider speech covering topics such as Greenland and U.S. defense plans.
He reiterated that the U.S. wouldn’t use force to obtain Greenland but pressed allies to agree to U.S. security concepts.

Observers say the exchange highlights growing friction between Washington and Ottawa.
Officials from both countries have disagreed publicly on priorities like trade, security, and foreign alliances.

Reactions and What Comes Next

Carney’s team has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments.
Some analysts say the exchange could influence diplomatic relations ahead of future meetings.

Trump’s blunt language at Davos reflects his broader strategy to push U.S. interests directly in multilateral settings.
Canada’s response remains cautious, with leaders emphasizing balance in international partnerships.

Toronto Flight Attendant Accused of Faking Pilot Identity for Free Flights

Toronto Man Accused of Posing as Pilot to Fly Free

HONOLULU — A former flight attendant from Toronto is in U.S. custody after allegedly posing as a pilot to take hundreds of free flights, U.S. officials say.
The case has drawn attention for its unusual blend of air travel perks and federal fraud charges.

Arrest, Charges and Extradition

Dallas Pokornik, 33 years old and from Toronto, was arrested in Panama last year.
He was indicted on wire fraud charges in a federal court in Hawaii in October 2025.

Pokornik was extradited to the United States and pleaded not guilty in court this week.
A U.S. magistrate judge ordered him to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

How the Scheme Worked

Court documents say Pokornik worked as a flight attendant for a Canadian airline from 2017 to 2019.
After leaving that job, he allegedly used fake employee identification to access travel benefits for pilots and crew on other airlines.

Officials say he booked standby tickets meant for flight crews on at least three U.S. airlines.
He even requested to sit in an extra cockpit “jump seat” that pilots often use when off duty.

It’s not clear if he ever rode in a cockpit while flying.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment on that detail.

Airlines Involved

The indictment did not name the airlines involved.
Prosecutors only said the carriers were based in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth, Texas.

Industry experts note that many carriers in those cities include Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
However, none have publicly confirmed their involvement.

Length of the Scheme

U.S. prosecutors say the fraud continued for about four years.
During that time, Pokornik reportedly booked and took flights using the improper credentials.

What’s Next in the Case

Pokornik faces serious penalties if convicted.
Wire fraud can carry years in prison and heavy fines under U.S. law.

His lawyer made no public comment after the latest court appearance.
The case resembles infamous fraud stories about fake pilots exploiting travel perks.

European Parliament Halts Approval of US-EU Trade Agreement Amid Greenland Tensions

             US-EU Trade Deal on Hold Following Tariff Threats

Brussels, EU — The European Parliament has formally suspended approval of a major trade deal with the United States.
Lawmakers made the decision in reaction to recent threats by US President Donald Trump over tariffs and geopolitical demands tied to Greenland.

The deal was first agreed last July 2025 during talks between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
It aimed to reduce tariffs and expand trade flows between the EU and US.

What Triggered the Suspension

The suspension follows threats by President Trump to impose new tariffs on several EU countries unless the US is allowed to pursue control of Greenland.
European lawmakers called the threats economic coercion and said they undermined the spirit of cooperation needed to approve the trade deal.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, described the situation as “business as usual impossible.”
He said the Parliament would not debate or vote on the deal until the US returns to a constructive approach.

Political and Economic Impacts

The decision has intensified tensions between Brussels and Washington.
EU officials warn that suspending the deal could disrupt global markets and unsettle transatlantic relations.

European leaders may consider retaliatory tariffs against the US if the dispute escalates further.
Markets have reacted with volatility, as investors weigh the potential for broader trade conflict.

What Happens Next

The EU‑US deal still exists as an agreement in principle, but it cannot become law without Parliament’s backing.
The European Commission will likely seek further talks with US officials to resolve the impasse.

Trade and foreign policy experts say the outcome will shape the future of transatlantic economic ties and could influence other global trade negotiations.
Both sides continue to emphasize the importance of cooperation despite the current suspension.