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International Developments Mark a Busy Week in Global Affairs
Several significant international developments unfolded this week, including a US decision on Argentinian beef imports, diplomatic moves in Greenland, and political shifts in Japan and Australia.
In a move impacting international trade, former US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to increase low-tariff imports of beef from Argentina, according to The Guardian. The announcement, made on Friday, sparked immediate criticism from US cattle ranchers. Economists, however, predicted the change would have little effect on consumer prices. A White House official had previously indicated the move in October.
Meanwhile, Canada and France opened consulates in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, demonstrating support for Denmark and the Arctic island, as reported by The Guardian. This action followed US efforts to gain control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Canada had initially promised to open a consulate in 2024. The opening of the consulates is seen as a show of solidarity among NATO allies.
In Australia, pro-Palestine groups prepared to protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney, Al Jazeera reported. Herzog was scheduled to visit on Monday to honor the victims of the December Bondi Beach attack, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The Australian government had imposed restrictions on rallies.
Queensland, Australia, moved to ban the pro-Palestine slogan "from the river to the sea" under new hate speech laws, The Guardian reported. The laws, set to be introduced this week, could impose up to two years in prison for distributing, displaying, or reciting prohibited phrases. The Queensland attorney general confirmed that the phrases "globalise the intifada" and "from the river to the sea" would be included in the new legislation.
Finally, in Japan, the ultra-conservative Prime Minister was poised to consolidate power after an exit poll indicated a significant majority in the country's lower house, according to Sky News. Sanae Takaichi's coalition was expected to win between 302 and 366 out of 465 seats, well above the 233 needed for a majority, according to national broadcaster NHK. Takaichi, who became prime minister in October, called a rare winter snap election to capitalize on her high approval ratings.
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