Latest news with #FM
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany's top diplomat seeks common stance with US on Ukraine
Germany's new top diplomat on Wednesday sought to stress unity with the United States on Ukraine, warning of further sanctions if Russia does not budge in stalled negotiations to end the war. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who assumed his role this month as center-right Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office, met in Washington with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "We, Germany and the United States, have a common position regarding Ukraine," Wadephul told reporters after the meeting. "We need to find a negotiated solution." US President Donald Trump took office vowing to end the war and blaming his predecessor Joe Biden for the invasion. But Trump has voiced growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has not accepted a Ukrainian-backed US proposal of a 30-day ceasefire. Wadephul said that Europeans were ready to "tighten the screws" on Russia and noted that sanctions bills are being prepared in the US Congress. "Both Europe and the United States are willing to draw consequences if this does not happen," he said of Russia coming to the negotiation table. Merz earlier Wednesday said that Germany will "do everything" to make sure that the damaged Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia does not resume deliveries of natural gas to Europe. The stance shows the sharp shift in Germany since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The last Christian Democratic chancellor, Angela Merkel, had rebuffed pressure from the United States and supported the pipeline, arguing that it not only provided energy to Europe's largest economy but incentivized Russia to work with Europe. Merz has also voiced growing concern about Israel's offensive in Gaza, where aid has begun to enter in a heavily controlled trickle after a two-month blockade. The situation in Gaza has become "dramatically more precarious," Wadephul said. Germany and the United States have traditionally been among Israel's top supporters. Wadephul in Washington visited a makeshift memorial outside the Capital Jewish Museum where a gunman last week shot dead two Israeli embassy employees. Wadephul was visiting as Rubio celebrated his 54th birthday. As a gift, the German FM presented Rubio with a framed poster of a game played in Frankfurt by the sports-loving top US diplomat's hometown Miami Dolphins. oer-sct/aha
Ottawa Citizen
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Defensive-end M.J. Sherman banks on smarts, fire and versatility to crack Alouettes' roster
ST-JÉRÔME — M.J. Sherman, a rookie defensive end trying to make the Alouettes, was on the scholar athlete roll at the University of Nebraska. Article content Article content So we know he's smart. Article content And before transferring to Nebraska, Sherman played in every game of Georgia's national championship seasons in 2021 and '22. Article content So he should know what it takes to win. Article content Will that be enough to survive this weekend's final cuts? Time will tell, but Sherman, along with scores of other CFL rookies who have gone through nearly three weeks of training camp, has one final opportunity to impress the Als' coaching staff Friday, when Montreal plays its final exhibition game against the Ottawa Redblacks at TD Place (7 p.m., TSN4, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM). Article content Article content The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Baltimore native believes he put his best foot forward. Sherman didn't arrive until May 13 at Centre sportif Claude-Beaulieu. Article content Article content 'I think I did a pretty good job, especially coming in a little bit later than the rest,' Sherman said on Wednesday. 'I filled in the spots I was supposed to fill in, competed and showed them the God-given ability I have. And trying to get adjusted to the CFL rules, because they're way different than American football. Article content 'I came out here and competed every single day. I didn't leave any plays on the field. That's something I've got to be proud of. We see the product on the tape every single day. Your tape is your resumé.' Article content Als defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe waxed enthusiastically about Sherman. He can play multiple positions, is aggressive and vocal on the field. Article content 'He can rush across the board. You can line him up anywhere on the front,' Thorpe said. 'He also has played off the line of scrimmage and can drop into coverage. He can be a matchup problem for you. He brings physicality to the table if you watch this guy. His ability to run to the football, make plays and arrive with impact. Those are the things we look for. Article content Article content 'First off (he's) a system fit. Second, the physicality and the toughness. He has fit that bill. He's barking out calls. He's getting people lined up. This guy wants to do it right. It means a lot to him. He's got to make the team, like anybody. But from what we've seen of him, he puts himself in a position to do that.' Article content Sherman said much of his pride and attitude were developed while playing for the Bulldogs under head coach Kirby Smart. In 39 games over three seasons at Georgia, Sherman had 15 tackles, one tackle for a loss and a half sack. Article content Sherman didn't offer details about the split, other than he and the Bulldogs mutually agreed to part ways. Nebraska provided him with another opportunity to play for a prestigious Division I program. He played five games at linebacker in 2023, producing 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks before coming into his own last season as a senior. In 13 games, including 12 starts, Sherman had 29 tackles, five more for losses and 3.5 sacks.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
House passes bill to eliminate investment cap requested by FM
The Rhode Island House voted 71-0 Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to approve a bill repealing caps on alternative investments for local insurance companies. (Screenshot/Capitol TV) A state policy change aimed at helping Johnston insurance company FM expand its investments, and potentially, its employment in Rhode Island, sailed through the Rhode Island House of Representatives Tuesday. The 71-0 vote came without discussion, following a strong backing by Rep. Joseph Solomon, chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, which held a May 15 hearing on the bill. 'It's a great bill,' said Solomon, a Warwick Democrat, noting that no written or verbal opposition on the proposal emerged during the hearing before the House panel. The bill sponsored by Rep. Alex Finkelman, a Jamestown Democrat, was introduced on May 8 after FM executives met with House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. The Fortune 500 company was formerly known as FM Global, but rebranded in July 2024. The proposed policy change seeks to let insurance companies invest as much as they want in nontraditional or alternative assets — referred to under federal reporting requirements as Schedule BA assets — like hedge funds, private equity funds and real estate holdings. It effectively reverses the 1984 law on the books, which limited investments on long-term assets outside of traditional stocks and bonds to no more than 10% of a company's total assets. Eleventh hour insurance bill could help top employer FM expand in R.I. The origins of the 1984 law remain somewhat hazy, but proponents for its repeal insist the rule no longer makes sense, with alternative investments like hedge funds now widely used and commonly accepted. 'When this law was enacted in 1984, the limitation was practical, as regulatory techniques for overseeing insurance investments were more limited at that time,' Solomon said Tuesday. 'The law is now outdated.' Since 2010, insurance companies have been steadily increasing investments in alternative assets, searching for higher returns in a low-interest rate environment. The appeal of alternate asset classes increased further after 2017 regulatory changes adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which reformed how companies could record exchange-traded funds on their balance sheets. Certain bonds are also now considered Schedule BA assets under a new NAIC effective Jan. 1. Removing the state's limit on BA investments now is particularly timely,' Jonathan Schreiber, associate vice president of state government relations for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, wrote in a May 15 letter to lawmakers. The change would also put Rhode Island in line with neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut — a key selling point for Gov. Dan McKee, who has already signaled support for the policy change. Especially as the state wrestles with how to retain major employers like Hasbro, Inc., which previously indicated it was looking to abandon its Pawtucket headquarters in favor of a new location in Boston. The potential relocation was put on hold after Trump tariffs roiled markets and put company profits at risk; an update is now expected sometime this summer. FM executives made it clear they have no intention of picking up and moving from their 8-acre Johnston headquarters, which houses the bulk of the property insurer's 1,500-person local workforce. Instead, the company is contemplating more hiring as it looks to expand its offerings of research, development and industrial and commercial insurance products for renewable energy, Finkelman said previously. FM did not offer specifics on expansion plans when asked by Rhode Island Current. Lifting the investment cap could also benefit the other 29 local insurance companies that operate in Rhode Island, according to Elizabeth Dwyer, director for the Department of Business Regulation. Dwyer wrote a letter supporting the policy change, noting that state business regulators will continue to carefully monitor companies. 'This vigilance gives me confidence that a blunt tool for investments is no longer necessary,' Dwyer wrote in the May 14 letter to lawmakers. Lincoln-based Amica Mutual Insurance Co. and Providence's Delta Dental of Rhode Island also submitted written support for the policy change, along with the Rhode Island Business Coalition and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. A companion bill in the Senate, sponsored by Johnston Democrat Andrew Dimitri, remains under review by the Senate Committee on Finance following an initial May 20 hearing. A committee vote has not been scheduled as of Tuesday, according to Greg Pare, a Senate spokesperson. If passed by both chambers and signed into law by McKee, the investment cap would be repealed immediately. Reps. Arthur Handy, Brian Kennedy, Earl Read III and Brandon Voas were not present for the House vote Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
FM Participates in U.S.-Egypt Economic Forum to Promote Strategic, Investment Ties
Nada Mustafa Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, participated, on Monday, in U.S.-Egypt Economic Policy Leaders Forum, hosted in Cairo under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The event was organized in coordination with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington and was attended by Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Eng. Omar Mehanna, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cairo, along with over 80 CEOs and senior executives from major American companies. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Abdelatty delivered a keynote speech in a special session titled "Strategic Relations Between Egypt and the United States." In his remarks, he praised the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries, emphasizing that economic and trade relations are a cornerstone of this partnership and serve shared interests. Moreover, he affirmed that advancing economic and trade ties, attracting American investments to Egypt, and enhancing existing investments are top priorities for the Egyptian government. FM also expressed Egypt's aspiration to attract more U.S. direct investment, highlighting the wide range of opportunities available in the Egyptian market across multiple sectors. Furthermore, he underlined the readiness of the Egyptian government and its institutions to cooperate with American and international companies and ensure a smooth entry into the Egyptian market. In this context, he outlined the recent steps and reforms undertaken by Egypt to improve the investment climate and business environment, reiterating the government's commitment to implementing economic reforms and empowering the private sector as a primary driver of development. Abdelatty also voiced his hope that this forum would serve as a launching point for future events and platforms that deepen economic and investment cooperation between Egypt and the United States. In addition, FM addressed Egypt's stance on several regional challenges. He discussed Egypt's ongoing efforts to restore a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, stressing the importance of reaching a permanent and just political solution to the Palestinian issue. He also outlined Egypt's positions on the crises in Sudan, Libya, and the Red Sea, affirming Egypt's tireless efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. Abdelatty further emphasized the implications of de-escalation in the Red Sea on maritime navigation, global trade, and supply chains. He noted that the resumption of regular navigation in the Red Sea and through the Suez Canal serves the global economy, especially in light of recent geopolitical challenges that disrupted shipping and trade. These disruptions have imposed significant economic costs on Egypt, underscoring the urgent need to address the root causes of regional conflicts to ensure long-term stability in the Red Sea region. In conclusion, Abdelatty took part in an interactive dialogue session focused on bilateral relations between Egypt and the United States, exploring ways to elevate economic and investment cooperation to new heights. Badr Abdelatty Badr Abdelatty Badr Abdelatty Badr Abdelatty Badr Abdelatty Badr Abdelatty read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Saudi, Spanish FMs Discuss Gaza Crisis, Bilateral Relations in Madrid
Nada Mustafa Saudi Foreign Minister (FM) Prince Faisal bin Farhan met on Sunday with Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares to discuss regional and international developments, with a particular focus on the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as efforts to address the crisis. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting took place on the sidelines of the expanded meeting in Madrid between the ministerial committee assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on developments in Gaza, the Madrid Group, and several European countries. The two ministers also reviewed bilateral relations between their friendly countries and explored areas of mutual cooperation. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
