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On August 23, according to Iranian sources on August 22, Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Tarai-nik stated in an interview that Irans overall weapons and defense equipment production has doubled over the past year. Production of some strategic equipment prioritized for wartime deployment has even more than tripled. To maintain military secrecy, some equipment systems have not yet been publicly displayed. He also stated that if the enemy makes another foolish mistake, it will face an even greater defeat.August 23 - Following the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Honshu, Japan, numerous injuries have been reported. As of 4:00 AM local time, nine people were injured in Saitama Prefecture, and as of 5:00 AM local time, three people were injured in Kanagawa Prefecture. Additionally, some people in Tokyo sustained cuts from broken glass. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, approximately 30 earthquake-related calls had been received as of 3:00 AM local time on the 23rd.On August 23, according to the New York Times, U.S. Trade Representative Greer revealed previously undisclosed trade proposals to Canada on Saturday, stating that these measures would grant Canada the most favorable treatment among all its trading partners. Greer stated that the Trump administration had promised to eliminate the 10% softwood lumber tariff imposed last year under Section 232, and also proposed reducing the 25% auto tariff imposed by Trump last year. Furthermore, because Canada could receive further tax reductions if its vehicles contain any U.S. parts, the auto tariff could have been reduced to 7%. The U.S. also proposed reducing metal tariffs, one of Canadas top concerns. The U.S. proposed reducing tariffs on most Canadian steel exports to the U.S. from 50% to 25% under the so-called tariff quota system, and for aluminum, the U.S. would reduce tariffs from 50% to 25%, without quota restrictions. For downstream products using steel and aluminum as raw materials, the U.S. proposed reducing tariffs by 10 to 25 percentage points, with a minimum of 15%. He also stated that the Trump administration had originally planned to suspend the 50% tariffs imposed on Canadian dairy products, wine, hockey sticks, and other goods that would begin early Saturday morning, while also cooperating on other issues such as key minerals and cargo transshipment. Greer refuted Canadian Prime Minister Carneys claim that "the U.S. is asking for too much and giving too little," stating that the U.S. proposal would "continue to provide them with the best market access and further improve those conditions."U.S. Trade Representative Greer: The United States could have postponed the 50% tariffs imposed on Canadian dairy products and wine.U.S. Trade Representative Greer: The U.S. has proposed lowering tariffs on most Canadian steel products to 25% and reducing tariffs on aluminum products from 50% to 25%.

Cuba Allows Cryptocurrency Services but Requires A License From the Central Bank

Cory Russell

Apr 28, 2022 09:50

After approving the personal use of cryptocurrencies last year, the Cuban central bank released rules for virtual asset service providers on Tuesday, a move that some experts believe might help the Communist-run Caribbean island avoid hefty US penalties.


Cryptocurrencies, which enable financial transactions to be carried out anonymously and decentralized, have previously been used to circumvent capital regulations and improve the efficiency of payments and transfers.


Those intending to use cryptocurrencies must get a license, according to the bank authorisation, which was published in the government's official gazette on Tuesday.


Before giving a license, the bank said it would assess the legality, socioeconomic interest, and project features of every request. The license would be valid for one year at first.


The introduction of mobile internet three years ago paved the path for cryptocurrency transactions in Cuba, and the number of cryptocurrency fans on the island is rising as the currencies assist the nation overcome difficulties posed by US sanctions.


Cubans are blocked off from traditional international payment systems and financial markets by the US trade embargo, which has been in place for decades. On the island, Cubans are unable to get credit or debit cards for foreign usage, and they struggle to do so overseas.


"If the central bank is developing a cryptocurrency-friendly legislative framework, it is because they have already concluded that it may help the nation," said Pavel Vidal, a former Cuban central bank economist who now teaches at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali in Colombia.


El Salvador, the first nation in the world to embrace bitcoin as legal cash, is one of Cuba's Latin American neighbors to be interested in cryptocurrencies.


Vidal said he doubted Cuba would follow El Salvador's lead and adopt bitcoin as its currency of choice or create its own cryptocurrency, instead preferring to focus on enabling remittances and international foreign trade activities.


"This may lower the cost of these international transactions and provide an alternative to dollar-based operations that are less susceptible to sanctions," he added.