Kim Potter, a former police officer in the US state of Minnesota who fatally shot African-American man Daunte Wright last year, has been sentenced to two years in prison and supervised release…reports Asian Lite News
The punishment includes 16 months in prison and eight months of supervised release after Potter was found guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter in December 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.
Potter was attempting to arrest Wright on an open warrant on April 11, 2021 for failure to appear on a weapons charge when she drew her gun instead of her taser.
Judge Regina Chu, handing down the sentence in a Minneapolis courtroom on Friday, said that Potter “never intended to hurt anyone” and that “her conduct cries out for a sentence significantly below the guidelines”.
Daunte Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, responded that they are “very disappointed in the outcome” and the justice system murdered her son “all over again”.
“This isn’t okay, this is the problem with our justice system today: white women’s tears trump justice,” she added, describing how Potter cried on the stand while apologising for killing Wright.
Potter has been held without bail since her conviction in December.
Nicaragua celebrates National Day at Expo 2020 (wam)
Nicaragua celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Tuesday with a speech by the country’s ambassador to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who spoke of the outstanding bilateral ties between his country and the UAE…reports Asian Lite News
Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, welcomed Mohamed Mohamed Farrara, Ambassador of Nicaragua to the GCC, who holds official residence in Kuwait, according to a press release issued by Expo 2020 Dubai.
Al Shamsi said, “Nicaragua’s pavilion shines a light on the country’s unique history and cultural legacy, highlighting the many touristic and commercial opportunities that are available to a variety of local and international stakeholders.
Nicaragua celebrates National Day at Expo 2020 (wam)
“We are proud to have Nicaragua as a committed and active participant at Expo 2020 Dubai and hope to build on the existing partnerships between our two countries. Throughout Expo 2020 Dubai and beyond, we are keen to explore opportunities for commercial and investment cooperation, as well as knowledge exchange in sectors of mutual priority, such as renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and education,” Al Shamsi said.
Farrara, who is also the Commissioner-General of the Nicaragua Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, noted Nicaragua’s strong ties with the UAE, as he thanked the leadership for facilitating his nation’s participation at the global event.
Nicaragua celebrates National Day at Expo 2020 (wam)
“In recent years, the bilateral relations between Nicaragua and the United Arab Emirates have had a remarkable development, even more so with the visit of H.H. Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to our country in 2009, and his meeting with Comandante Daniel Ortega, President of the Republic,” the ambassador pointed out.
“Our relations have subsequently resulted in the signing of a series of cooperation agreements in different areas. We express our gratitude to the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates for the kind invitation and the opportunity to make Nicaragua’s participation in this international exhibition possible,” Farrara said.
Nicaragua celebrates National Day at Expo 2020 (wam)
The envoy also took the opportunity to extend a warm invitation to the more than 200 International Participants at Expo 2020 Dubai to consider setting up businesses in Nicaragua.
“Nicaragua is a Central American country with a diversity of natural resources [that[ provides investment opportunities [in the field of] agriculture, energy, tourism, transportation, infrastructure and mining, among others,” he said.
Nicaragua’s pavilion showcases its human and natural resources, providing a fascinating window into this remarkable nation. Visitors will learn about the country’s colourful architecture and stark volcanic landscapes to idyllic beaches and lush rainforest, as well as a vibrant entrepreneurial scene that offers a wealth of opportunities.
United States of America congratulates UAE people on the Golden Jubilee
The United States of America conveyed its warm wishes to the people of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the country’s Golden Jubilee…reports Asian Lite News
”We have enjoyed an enduring partnership through the last fifty years. It is one built on economic ties, innovation, people-to-people exchanges, and a commitment to regional security and stability. I commend the United Arab Emirates for the historic cooperation with Israel forged over the past year through the Abraham Accords,” said Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, in a press statement.
United States of America congratulates UAE people on the Golden Jubilee
ANTONY BLINKEN, US SECRETARY OF STATE: ” I also congratulate you on the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, and our partnership to deliver programs at the USA Pavilion to showcase American culture, commerce, and innovation. We look forward to working with the UAE on shared global priorities during your tenure on the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council, and advancing our joint efforts to combat climate change and food insecurity. We appreciate the UAE’s generous and ongoing support for Americans, Afghans, and others transiting from Afghanistan to escape harm’s way.”
”May you enjoy continued peace and prosperity during your 50th Anniversary National Day celebration,” said the US Secretary of State in conclusion.
American companies are creating a framework for future jobs, which is a new area of cooperation between the US and the UAE, a senior executive of an American business body told Emirates News Agency (WAM)…writes Binsal Abdulkader
“We’re actually creating a curriculum in American companies for jobs that don’t exist. So, the US and the UAE are having a lot of discussions about how you educate a young population for a job that we don’t even know that we need for a job that doesn’t exist!” said Liz Beneski, Chief Executive Director of AmCham Abu Dhabi, which is the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi, a member of the global network of American Chambers of Commerce.
US businesses, new trends She believes that there is a great deal of free thinking on this new trend, which offers a new opportunity. Beneski made these comments while talking about the new trends among the US businesses in the UAE.
Liz Beneski
Many of them are operating in new and emerging sectors such as fintech, agriculture technology, education technology, medical technology and e-mobility. There are major players in the cybersecurity and space sectors as well, she explained.
“There are other important industries that are being born here and elsewhere. COVID-19 has changed how everyone works, so there is a rebirth in the wellness and the happiness of staff, employees and colleagues. There’s a focus again on education,” she said, adding that all age groups need to upskill and learn new technologies to cope with the changing trends.
American technologies will support that trend as US companies are creating a domain for such future opportunities, the American executive affirmed.
“I would say, as the UAE loves to say the impossible is possible, we have to invent new industries for issues and opportunities that are currently coming to the fore; American technology is certainly complementary to all the discoveries and opportunities here in the UAE.”
AmCham’s 35 years Formed 35 years ago by a group of American businesspersons, AmCham Abu Dhabi currently has over 400 businesspersons as members and represents industry sectors such as energy, oil and gas, renewables, healthcare, defence, aerospace, cybersecurity, project management, education, technology, finance and fintech.
About 20 percent of the members are women and many of them serve in the C-suite level.
UAE flag
“Our mission is very simple; Amcham Abu Dhabi fosters the bilateral trade relationship between the United States and the UAE. And we do that fostering of trade through, firstly relationship building. Relationships are so key to the American way of doing business and luckily that aligns beautifully with the Emirati way of doing business – relationship first and transaction second,” she said.
US-UAE business ties The UAE could be the only country in the entire world that does business with all 50 states of the US, she pointed out. No other country does business with the smallest state – Rhode Island – and the largest states such as Texas and California as well, “which is amazing,” Beneski said.
“The UAE brings jobs to Americans by buying American goods. The UAE one of the top investors in the US.”
A few thousand Emirati students are studying in the US and “I wish it was 50,000. This is the 50th year [of the UAE’s founding] and would love to see 50,000 Emirati students in America. That friendship that bond between the United States and the UAE is something to be celebrated, but more importantly to be treasured. It does start with trade.”
The AmCham CED believes “it is really exciting time ahead in the US-UAE economic relations. I do believe the continued investment of the wealth funds such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mubadala is exciting for the United States. They’re buying hotels or educational institutions or making generous donations to children’s hospitals or schools, which help the youth of America,” Beneski said.
Qatar agrees to represent American interests in Afghanistan
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Qatar has agreed to represent American interests in Afghanistan following the closure of the Embassy in Kabul in August…reports Asian Lite News
Blinken made the announcement at a news conference on Friday after holding talks with Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, reports Xinhua news agency.
“Today, we’re signing two new agreements that reflect our deepening collaboration on Afghanistan. The first establishes Qatar as the US’ protecting power in Afghanistan,” said Blinken.
Qatar agrees to represent American interests in Afghanistan
Qatar will establish a US intersection within its Embassy in Afghanistan to provide certain consular services and monitor the security of American diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan, Blinken said.
“The second agreement formalizes our partnership with Qatar to facilitate the travel of Afghans with US special immigrant visas, a role that it’s already been playing in many instances and serve as a transit point for eligible Afghans as they complete their application process.
“Of the more than 124,000 people evacuated from Afghanistan in August, roughly half transited through Qatar,” the Secretary of State added.
On his part, Al Thani said Qatar will “continue to be an instrument of peace and stability in the region”.
“There is still much to be done in Afghanistan, and Qatar remains committed to continue the necessary work alongside with the US and partners around the world,” the Minister said.
“we are dedicated to contributing to the stability of Afghanistan and the safety and well-being of the Afghan people.”
Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after the US completed its withdrawal from the war-torn nation at the end of August, ending its 20-year war against terror.
Over 2,400 US troops had been killed in Afghanistan over the past two decades, with 20,000 wounded, according to the Pentagon.
Estimates showed that over 66,000 Afghan troops had been killed, and over 2.7 million people were displaced as a result of the conflict.
“Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate and loving husband,” his manager said in a statement…reports Asian Lite news.
James Michael Tyler, an actor known for his portrayal of Gunther on ‘Friends’, died of prostate cancer, his manager confirmed. He was 59.
Tyler died peacefully in his Los Angeles home, reports variety.com.
The actor was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in September 2018. Tyler shared his story earlier this year on ‘Today’. He also worked as a campaigner for individuals with prostates to get a first blood test as early as 40 years old.
“Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate and loving husband,” his manager said in a statement.
“Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures. If you met him once, you made a friend for life.”
“Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral part of our FRIENDS family,” reads a post on the official ‘Friends’ Twitter account.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and fans.”
Tyler was most well-known for his performance as Gunther, a worker at the Central Perk cafe who reserves an unrequited love for Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel, on the wildly popular sitcom.
Dubbed by many as “the seventh ‘Friend'”, the actor was a series mainstay, first appearing as a background character in the second episode of ‘Friends’ and returning as a guest star across the remainder of its 10-year run.
He is the most frequently recurring guest star across the series. Tyler also made an appearance via a video conference on the special ‘Friends: The Reunion’ earlier this year.
Beyond ‘Friends’, Tyler’s acting credits stretch back to 1992, including series like ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, ‘Scrubs’ and ‘Modern Music’.
While undergoing treatment, he continued to perform, starring in two short films ‘The Gesture and the Word’ and ‘Processing’, which earned him best actor awards at several domestic and international film festivals.
This year, Tyler’s spoken word performance of Stephan Kalinich’s poem ‘If You Knew’ was adapted into a short video to help raise awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Moroccan foils attempt to struggle 1,355kg cocaine
Moroccan authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,355 kg of cocaine transiting from South America to Europe…reports Asian Lite News
The operation occurred on Monday at Tanger Med port, and the large quantity of cocaine was found concealed in a cargo ship, which had departed from a Brazilian port and was heading to the ports of Antwerp and Portbury, it quoted a statement by the Moroccan police, Xinhua news agency reported.
Moroccan foils attempt to struggle 1,355kg cocaine
This security operation is part of the North African country’s efforts to fight against international cocaine trafficking operations, it added.
