U.S. 'to slash' personnel numbers within NATO as Greenland dispute fractures alliance
In a move reinforcing the "Fortress America" doctrine that has rattled global markets, the United States plans to reduce personnel within critical NAT...
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to meet in person following a friendly video call on Monday, raising hopes of improving relations strained by tariffs and political disputes.
The two leaders spoke for 30 minutes, reflecting on a brief encounter at last month’s United Nations General Assembly and exchanging phone numbers to maintain direct communication, according to Lula’s office.
Trump described the conversation as “very good,” focusing on trade and economic ties, and confirmed plans for future meetings in both countries.
Lula proposed an in-person meeting during the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia and expressed willingness to visit the United States.
The talks come amid escalating trade tensions, with Trump raising tariffs on many Brazilian goods from 10% to 50% over the trial and conviction of former president Jair Bolsonaro, a move Bolsonaro labelled a “witch hunt.”
The tariff hikes have severely impacted Brazil’s exports, cutting coffee shipments to the U.S. by up to 70% and reducing beef exports, while driving up coffee prices for American consumers. Lula urged Trump to reverse the additional 40% tariff, according to the Brazilian statement.
Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue negotiations with Brazilian officials, including Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad. The U.S. has also sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Magnitsky Act and revoked visas of six senior officials, deepening the diplomatic rift.
At the U.N. last month, Lula criticised unilateral measures targeting Brazil’s institutions and economy, a veiled reference to Washington’s actions. Markets in Brazil are closely watching the outcome of the expected meeting, which could reshape the trade landscape between the two largest economies in North and South America.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation said on Monday.
More than 100 vehicles were involved in a massive pileup on Interstate 96 in western Michigan on Monday (19 January), forcing the highway to shut in both directions amid severe winter weather.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes after France declined to join his proposed Board of Peace on Gaza initiative.
Syria's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that about 120 Islamic State detainees escaped from Shaddadi prison, after the Kurdish website Rudaw reported that a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Farhad Shami, said around 1,500 Islamic State members had escaped.
Syrian government troops tightened their grip across a swathe of northern and eastern territory on Monday after it was abruptly abandoned by Kurdish forces in a dramatic shift that has consolidated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rule.
In a move reinforcing the "Fortress America" doctrine that has rattled global markets, the United States plans to reduce personnel within critical NATO command centres.
A South Korean court sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in jail on Wednesday for charges including engaging in a key action of insurrection concerning ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 21st of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A Japanese court sentenced 45-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami to life imprisonment for fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, public broadcaster NHK reported. The ruling on Wednesday (21 January) brings to an end a three-and-a-half-year case that has stunned the nation.
A Russian air attack cut power to more than one million Kyiv residents and impacted substations carrying power from Ukraine's atomic plants on Tuesday.
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