Friday, June 2, 2017

Trump on last night's attack in Manila and US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Accord


Before his speech on the Paris Climate Accord this morning, US President Donald Trump begins by saying he is addressing the 'terrorist attack in Manila', adding he is closely monitoring the situation, wlll continue to give updates "during this period of time" and says "it is really very sad as to what's going on throughout the world with terror - our thoughts and our prayers are with all those affected".

It was Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte who threatened months ago not to sign the Paris Climate Accord. Now it's US President Donald Trump who has confirmed the withdrawal of the US from the Paris agreement on climate change.

Trump says he wants to renegotiate a fairer deal that would not disadvantage US businesses and workers.

Trump, who has made pulling out of the pact – which has been signed by almost 200 nations – a central plank of his run for the presidency, said that in withdrawing he was keeping his campaign promise to put American workers first.

He said that "if we can get a deal, that's great. If not, that's fine."

The President had been put under extreme pressure by allies around the world to stay in the agreement, and although the administration said his views on the subject were "evolving" – having previously claimed climate change was a "hoax" – Mr Trump refused to be backed into a corner.


ISIS 'Filipino operative' behind Resorts World Manila attack – SITE

LOCKDOWN. Responders arrive at Resorts World Manila after reports of gunmen setting the casino on fire on June 2, 2017. Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

From Rappler:

The SITE Intelligence Group that monitors terrorist organizations said an ISIS "Filipino operative" reported being responsible for the attack on Resorts World Manila.
Gunshots were heard and fire broke at the casino hotel – which is across a road from one of the main terminals of the Philippines' international airport – a little past midnight Friday, June 2.
In a tweet, Resorts World Manila said it is "currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men."
"The company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe," Resorts World said in a second tweet.
Agence France-Presse reported shortly after the fire: "ISIS said 'lonewolf soldiers' from its group carried out the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors terrorist organizations."
SITE said: "An Islamic State (IS) Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi stated that the group is responsible for the attack at Resorts World Manila in Pasay, Philippines."