DAILY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Netherlands recalls ambassador to Iran The Netherlands recalled its ambassador to Iran on Monday after Iran expelled two members of its diplomatic staff. "The government has decided to recall the Dutch ambassador in Tehran for consultations," Blok said in a statement. "This decision follows the announcement by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that two Dutch diplomats at the embassy in Tehran have been declared persona non grata and have to leave the country." Iran expelled the two staff members in February amid a row between the two countries about the murders of two Iranian dissidents in 2015 and 2017. The foreign minister said Iranʼs move was itself a tit-for-tat response to the Netherlandsʼ expulsion of two Iranian embassy workers in June 2018 "due to strong indications from [Dutch intelligence] that Iran has been involved in the liquidations on Dutch territory of two Dutch people of Iranian origin."
Far-right ʼstoking fearsʼ in Estoniaʼs parliamentary election Florian Hartleb: The right-wing radicals greatly influenced the election campaign by stoking fears of a refugee crisis, which does not even exist in Estonia. The fear was intentionally stirred up. The EKRE will not be a part of the government, because the Estonian Reform Party, with leader Kaja Kallas, daughter of former European Commissioner Siim Kallas, has two options: She could form a grand coalition with the Center Party, which I think is the likely outcome, or there is the possibility of a coalition with the social liberals and another center-rig
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Hungaryʼs Viktor Orban calls his EU party critics ʼuseful idiotsʼ Some members want him booted from the party
Hungaryʼs right-wing leader has lashed out at critics within his own conservative European parliamentary bloc, accusing them of playing into the hands of left-wing opponents.
Porsche: No-deal Brexit could make cars 10 percent more expensive Porsche fans in the United Kingdom might have to spend more to buy a car from the German company if a no-deal Brexit happens. London and Brussels have until March 29 to strike an agreement. Porsche has warned British customers thata chaotic Brexitcould hike the price of cars purchased from the German manufacturer by up to 10 percent. In a letter seen by Bloomberg and British media outlets, Porsche said customers who paid deposits after January 17 might have to pay the additional duty if there is no UK-EU Brexit
deal and their car arrives in the United Kingdom after March 29. The duty would help cover import costs that could arise if the United Kingdom introduces World Trade Organization (WTO) tariffs on EU goods, the Volkswagen-owned company said. It added that customers could adjust their purchases if needed. Read more: Brexit vote defeat increases no-deal fears for UK car industry The manufacturerʼs most affordable car, the Cayman, could jump in price from 44,074 pounds (€50,315, $56,838) to 48,481 pounds if the plan goes ahead.
Brazilian artist Helio Fervenza on censorship and responsibility Visual artist Helio Fervenza teaches at the art institute of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Art in Porto Alegre. His works have been presented at the Venice Biennale art shows, in Sao Paulo and Amsterdam. Like so many artists in Brazil, Fervenza is worried about political developments in his native country. He told DW about the significance of art, widening censorship and artʼs responsibility in society. He and his political cronies are not interested in art. But even before that there was little support from the
ministry. For me, art equals access to knowledge about the world, because through the eyes of art you see the world from new perspectives. You become more aware and you see things differently. This kind of art has not been recognized in society, it was a process that took time. Not every type of art gets an immediate reaction, but in the long run, it triggers a new way of thinking in society. So whatʼs happening in Brazil at the moment — the governmentʼs inconsiderate way of dealing with art — is very bad.
Venezuelaʼs Juan Guaido returns to Caracas Speaking to a crowd who had come to the airport to greet him, Guaido said: "We are here in Venezuela and will continue moving forward." The Venezuelan opposition leader traveled despite acourt-imposed travel banordering him not to leave the country. The United States warned Monday of a "swift response" if Guaido was subjected to any threats or violence. "@jguaidoʼs safe return to Venezuela is of the highest importance to the US," Vice President Mike Pence tweeted as Guaido arrived in Caracas. "Any threats, violence, or intimidation against him will not be tolerated & will be met with swift response. The world is watching - Interim President Guaido must be allowed to re-enter Venezuela safely," Pence wrote. Guaido had announced his departure from a naval air base in the Ecuadorian coastal town of Salinas on Twitter on Sunday, thanking Ecuadorʼs President Lenin Moreno.
Washington restores status of EU mission to US The US ambassador to the European Union announced on Monday that Washingtonʼs decision to demote the EUʼs embassy in Washington, D.C. would be ended "effective immediately." Gordon Sondland said that the US Department of State "will again recognize the European Unionʼs representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence." "The EU is a uniquely important organization, and one of Americaʼs most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity," Sondland said.
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