Iran and a group of six nations led by the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and Germany – began talking on nuclear issues in 2006. A historic agreement was signed on Tuesday limiting Tehran’s nuclear ability in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions. Ban on Iran to buy certain dual-use machinery and technology will end, EU and US economic sanctions on Iran will be lifted, billions of US dollars of Iran’s frozen assets will be released and sanctions on Iran’s central bank, the National Iranian Oil Company, shipping lines, Iran Air, many other institutions and people will be lifted.
Iran reconciles with the world
Pass the harsh laws in Greek Parliament or else….
With the deal done, Greece is now racing for Parliament to pass 7 Greek laws by Wednesday before midnight sweeping huge changes in labour laws, pensions, VAT and other taxes
-Ratifying eurozone summit statement
-VAT changes: Top rate of 23% to extend to processed food, restaurants, 13% to cover fresh food, energy bills, water and hotel stays, 6% for medicines and books
-VAT discount of 30% to be abolished on islands, but remotest islands to keep discount until next year
-Corporation tax raised from 26-29% for small companies
-Luxury tax for big cars, boats and swimming pools up from 10-13%; farmers’ tax up from 13-26%
-Early retirement to end (phased in by 2022); retirement age raised to 67
-Greek statistics authority Elstat to have full legal independence
Only then will the 18 other eurozone leaders will start negotiations over what Greece is to get in return: a three-year bailout worth up to 86 billion euros ($96 billion), its third rescue programme in five years. If the agreement fails, Greece could be forced to leave the eurozone. Let’s wait until this evening…clock is now ticking fast!
