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The U.S. Federal Trade Commission approval on ExxonMobil's $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
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Ecuador has filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice against Mexico for granting political asylum to former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. This move followed Ecuador's controversial raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, wanted for corruption convictions. Ecuador argues that Glas was ineligible for asylum as he was a fugitive for common crimes. Mexico, in turn, has lodged its own complaint, claiming the raid was illegal.
Monday, 29 April, 2024
Mount Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, erupted for the second time this month, forcing over 12,000 people to evacuate. The eruption on the remote island of Halmahera sent a grey ash cloud 4km into the sky, with purple lightning flashing around its crater. Authorities evacuated residents from seven villages using pickup trucks, accommodating them in emergency tents. Indonesia's volcanology agency raised the alert level to the highest, following multiple eruptions. Halmahera Island has a population of over 700,000.
Tuesday, 30 April, 2024
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to sever diplomatic ties with Israel over its actions in the Gaza Strip, which some experts warn could constitute genocide. Speaking at an International Workers’ Day event in Bogota, Petro declared his intention to cut ties, condemning the Israeli government as genocidal. A left-wing leader and vocal critic of Israel since the Gaza conflict began, Petro's stance aligns with the progressive "pink tide" movement in Latin America. In response to his criticism, Israel halted security exports to Colombia in October.
Wednesday, 1 May, 2024
Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, demanding uninterrupted humanitarian aid access to the region. The Turkish Trade Ministry stated the suspension will remain until Israel allows sufficient aid flow. Last year, trade between the two nations was nearly $7 billion. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat criticized Israel's stance on the ceasefire and humanitarian issues. Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated over the years, with previous diplomatic ties breaking in 2010 and 2018 over conflicts in Gaza.
Thursday, 2 May, 2024
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has approved ExxonMobil's $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, with a condition barring Pioneer's former CEO, Scott Sheffield, from joining the new company's board. The FTC found that Sheffield had colluded with OPEC and OPEC+ to potentially raise crude oil prices through various communications while at Pioneer. As part of the approval, ExxonMobil agreed not to appoint any Pioneer employees, with few exceptions, to its board.
Friday, 3 May, 2024
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah from all positions within the committee for 15 years due to ethics breaches. This follows a previous three-year ban in 2023 for interfering in the Olympic Council of Asia elections and forgery. The recent ban stems from his conviction for forgery, upheld by a Swiss criminal appeals court. The suspension, starting from his prior ban, reflects the IOC's stance on maintaining ethical conduct and its reputation.
Saturday, 4 May, 2024
José Raúl Mulino is set to become Panama’s new president after authorities unofficially called the election in his favor, with his nearest rivals conceding. The 64-year-old former security minister secured nearly 35% of the vote with 92% counted, leading by nine points. Mulino replaced former President Ricardo Martinelli, who was banned from running due to a prison sentence for money laundering. Mulino, riding on Martinelli’s popularity, promises economic prosperity and stricter migration controls. He now faces significant challenges, including a slowed economy and Panama Canal issues. Despite concerns about corruption, many voters supported Mulino for his economic promises.
Sunday, 5 May, 2024