UN seeks clarity on when US will pay dues, and how much
The United Nations said on Monday it is waiting for details on when and how much the United States will pay toward its delayed budget dues, following a promise last week that Washington would make an initial payment within weeks, Reuters reported.
"We've seen the statements, and frankly, the secretary-general has been in touch for quite some time on this issue with Ambassador (Mike) Waltz," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a briefing.
"Our (budget) controller has been in touch with the U.S.; indications were given. We're waiting to see exactly when payments will be made and in what amounts," he added, according to Reuters.
US to exempt some Bangladeshi clothes from tariffs
Bangladesh has secured exemptions for some clothes and textiles that are made with US-produced materials, as part of a new agreement announced on Monday, BBC reported.
As part of the deal, Washington will also cut its tariffs on Bangladesh from 20% to 19%, in exchange for Dhaka to open its markets to a wider range of American goods.
The apparel industry forms the backbone of Bangladesh, which is the world's second largest exporter of clothes after China, according to BBC.
Australia police defend actions after violence at protest over Israeli president visit
Australian police have defended their actions after violent clashes with protesters in Sydney during a demonstration against a visit by the Israeli president, BBC reported.
Officers showed "remarkable restraint", NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said, adding that they "did what they needed to do".
His comments came after police arrested 27 people at a rally in Sydney on Monday night. Earlier, rally organisers had failed in their court bid to overturn police powers that limited their right to demonstrate, according to BBC.
King's 'profound concern' as police consider Andrew claims over Epstein
King Charles has made his first intervention in the latest round of revelations in the Epstein scandal, saying Buckingham Palace is ready to support the police as they consider allegations against his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, BBC reported.
"The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct," a Palace spokesman said.
"While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect," he said, according to BBC.
