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World

Cabinet reshuffle on the cards, Tonga PM confirms

It comes after the resignations of two of the most senior government ministers who were "unseated" by the Tongan Legislative Assembly earlier this month.

  • Cabinet reshuffle likely by end of week
  • Two ministers resign over bribery convictions
  • New replacements to be appointed per Tonga Constitution

·rnz.co.nz

World

President Lee Myung-bak said on the 22nd, regarding criticism of the tax reform plan, “Criticism that it’s tattered and in shreds? Policies are different from the truth.” In an interview with reporters at the Cheong Wa Dae presidential office that day, President Lee responded to criticism that the government’s tax reform plan was insufficient, saying, “If you look at the scale, it’s not that small.” Regarding the criticism that the plan was watered down while in the National Assembly, he said, “The National Assembly has its own function. It’s not that we didn’t try, but it’s not that we could get everything we wanted.” On the same day, the government decided on the 2011 tax reform plan, which included an increase in the financial income tax and the securities transaction tax, and a reduction in the tax burden on the low-income class and on small and medium enterprises. The government plan, however, did not include an increase in the corporate tax rate, which was proposed by the opposition Democratic Party. The government’s plan is expected to face fierce resistance from the opposition party and some members of the ruling Grand National Party. The government’s plan is expected to be implemented after passing the National Assembly.

·hani.co.kr

World

North Korea has continued to criticize Japan, saying the country’s latest defense white paper is a “reinvasion white paper.” The criticism comes as North Korea and Japan have seen tensions rise in recent weeks. In a statement released on August 4, a spokesperson for North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 Defense White Paper published by Japan on July 28 “grossly distorts reality and recklessly slanders” North Korea. 북한이 일본의 최신 국방백서는 재침략 백서라며 연일 일본을 비난하고 나섰다. 이런 비판은 최근 북한과 일본의 긴장이 고조되는 가운데 나왔다. 북한 외무성 대변인은 8월 4일 발표한 성명에서 7월 28일 일본이 발간한 2023 국방백서는 “현실을 심하게 왜곡하고 북한을 무분별하게 비방한다”고 말했다. The spokesperson accused Japan of “willfully distorting” North Korea’s intentions and trying to “cover up” its own military provocations. The spokesperson also criticized Japan for maintaining a “subjective and selective” stance on the abduction issue. 대변인은 일본이 북한의 의도를 “고의적으로 왜곡하고” 자국의 군사적 도발을 “은폐하려 한다”고 비난했다. 대변인은 또한 일본이 납북자 문제에 대해 “주관적이고 선택적인” 입장을 유지하고 있다고 비판했다. In particular, the spokesperson expressed strong regret over Japan’s reiteration of its claim to sovereignty over Dokdo Island. 특히 대변인은 일본이 독도 영유권 주장을 거듭한 것에 대해 강한 유감을 표했다. Dokdo Island is a group of small islets that are controlled by South Korea but claimed by Japan. 독도는 한국이 통제하지만 일본이 영유권을 주장하는 작은 섬이다. The spokesperson said Japan’s claims over Dokdo Island are “an outright encroachment upon South Korea’s sovereignty.” 대변인은 일본의 독도 영유권 주장은 “한국의 주권을 노골적으로 침해하는 것”이라고 말했다. The spokesperson urged Japan to “correct its wrongdoing” and “make a right choice” to improve relations with North Korea. 대변인은 일본에 “잘못을 바로잡고” 북한과의 관계를 개선하기 위해 “올바른 선택을 하라”고 촉구했다. The 2023 Defense White Paper is the first such document published under the leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. 2023 국방백서는 기시다 후미오 일본 총리의 지도 하에 출판된 첫 번째 문서이다. In the document, Japan vowed to fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities and expand its deterrence capabilities in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. 일본은 이 문서에서 북한의 핵과 미사일 위협에 대응하여 자국의 방어 능력을 근본적으로 강화하고 억지력을 확대할 것이라고 맹세했다. Japan also expressed concerns over China’s rapid military buildup and maritime expansion. 일본은 또한 중국의 급속한 군사적 건설과 해양 확장에 대한 우려를 표했다. The country’s defense ministry also said it will consider introducing a new defense equipment acquisition program to speed up the deployment of new defense equipment. 일본 국방부는 또한 새로운 방어 장비의 배치 속도를 높이기 위해 새로운 국방 장비 획득 프로그램을 도입하는 것을 고려할 것이라고 말했다. The ministry also plans to increase the number of Self-Defense Forces personnel. 국방부는 또한 자위대 병력 수를 늘릴 계획이다.

·hani.co.kr

World

Prosecuting Fauci is an affront to justice

Sen. Rand Paul is a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist, but he has an unhealthy obsession with Dr. Anthony Fauci and now has rigged a ridiculous contempt of Congress charge against Fauci, who was the ubiquitous, calming voice of reason during the horrors of the COVID-19 pandemic.

·koreatimes.co.kr·2 outlets

World

Hopes for peace deal fades as Trump demands Iran pay compensation

US President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation for deaths and damage linked to wars, attacks and protests, adding a new hurdle to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and…

  • Trump demands Iran pay compensation for past 50 years of conflicts
  • Talks aim to reopen strategic Strait of Hormuz for global oil supply
  • US rejects any agreement allowing Iran to charge fees for Strait access

·thevibes.com

World

Nigerian army says it safely rescued 33 people kidnapped by gunmen

Nigeria’s army has said it safely rescued 33 people after they were kidnapped by armed men while travelling through the country’s north-western Zamfara state.

  • Nigerian army rescues 33 kidnapped individuals in Zamfara
  • Army and police act after reports of kidnapping in Tsafe area
  • Kidnappings frequent in northern Nigeria due to ransom incentives

·thechronicle.com.gh

World

President walks to office, eats once daily — NRS boss defends Tinubu

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said President Bola Tinubu does not live an extravagant lifestyle despite the privileges attached to his office. Adedeji made the claim during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions about the lifestyles of political…

·thechronicle.com.gh·2 outlets·2 countries

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