Weekday News Wrap: Wednesday, August 22, 2012

22 Aug Weekday News Wrap: Wednesday, August 22, 2012

• The IAEA has confirmed that it will engage in new talks with Iran on Friday.
• Iran has unveiled a new short-range missile and introduced plans to build a new missile-defense system in a show of readiness for any potential Israeli attack.
• Were a conflict to break out between Israel and Iran, it could cost Israel’s economy upwards of $42 billion, according to a research report carried out by BDI-Coface.
• Israel has also reported concern with its neighbor to the south, saying that it is worried about Egypt’s deployment of armored vehicles in the Sinai desert, claiming this was in violation of a 1979 treaty.
• The US and Japan have followed the EU in WTO litigation against Argentina regarding their import licensing rules, accusing the South-American country of “protectionism.”
• Argentina in return has said to be preparing WTO complaints against US restrictions on imports of beef and lemons.
• Julian Assange’s receiving of Ecuadorian asylum is seen in Sweden as a travesty of justice in a country many say is known for welcoming, not extraditing, political refugees. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s President has alleged that the sexual allegations against Assange would not constitute a felony in Latin America.
• Rebels have claimed new victories in Syria’s Aleppo, while heavy fighting continues.
• Russia has warned the West with unilateral action after US president Barack Obama threatened the use of military force, were Syria to engage with use of chemical weapons.
• At talks in Moscow, Syria’s Depute Prime Minister has indicated that although Assad’s resignation cannot be a condition for starting talks, it could be on the table during negotiations if necessary to reach a settlement.
• Japan has decided to reappoint its ambassador to South Korea in an apparent effort to contain the fallout of the island dispute that flared up two weeks ago.
• Mexico’s Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional a provision in the Code of Military Justice expanding jurisdiction of military courts to all crimes committed by members of the military while on duty.
• Romania’s Constitutional Court has reinstated the President ousted by referendum at the end of July, because the referendum did not meet quorum requirements.
• The Guardian analyzes how the death of Ethiopian PM Zenawi affects stability in the region.

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