Daily World Briefing, June 11

Federal judge denies CA's request to stop Trump's military deployment in LA

A federal judge on Tuesday afternoon rejected California Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency request to stop the Trump administration from deploying military forces in Los Angeles immediately, dealing a blow to the state's efforts to challenge federal authority over domestic military operations.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer declined to issue a temporary restraining the order that would have blocked approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines from patrolling the city immediately. Instead, Breyer granted the Trump administration until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday to file its response to California's emergency motion.

The ruling came after California's officials argued that President Donald Trump's deployment violated federal law, including the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits active-duty armed forces from conducting civilian law enforcement.

China, Britain pledge to enhance party exchanges

A delegation led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, concluded a three-day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday after attending the 13th UK-China Leadership Forum in London.

During the visit, Liu met and held discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, former leader of the Labour Party and former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and others.

The two sides agreed that under the circumstances of increasing global challenges, a healthy and stable relationship between China and Britain, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies in the world, is in line with the interests of the two countries and the world as a whole.

Int'l Day for Dialogue among Civilizations celebrated in Athens

The United Nations-designated International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations was marked on Tuesday with a high-level cultural forum in Athens, Greece, under the theme "Civilization and Peace: From the Parthenon to the Old Summer Palace."

Held at the University of Athens School of Philosophy, the event "Ancient Capitals Dialogue" brought together officials, scholars, cultural heritage experts and young professionals from China, Greece and other countries to explore the role of ancient civilizations in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and sustainable development.

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez said in a video address that cultural heritage goes beyond monuments and includes ideas, values, and ways of life. He noted that "the coexistence of ancient traditions and a shared future is not only possible but essential," describing the dialogue as reflecting "a shared desire to transcend boundaries and build new models of cooperation."

Netanyahu says "significant progress" made in Gaza hostage talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that "significant progress" had been made in negotiations for a hostage release deal with Hamas, but cautioned that it was too early to raise hopes.

"We are working around the clock at this time, continuously. I hope we will be able to move forward," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

His office later said that, in light of "certain progress in the negotiations," Netanyahu was convening a meeting on Tuesday evening with senior defense officials and members of the negotiating team to receive updates on the proposed framework and discuss next steps.

Regional blocs sign deal to promote market competition in Africa

The East African Community (EAC) Competition Authority and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the enforcement of market competition and consumer protection laws.

Willard Mwemba, chief executive officer of the COMESA Competition Commission, said in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the agreement will enhance the detection of cross-border anti-competitive practices and consumer violations, leading to improved cross-border enforcement.

"This MoU could not have come at a better time than now when we are witnessing increased adoption of competition laws not only around the world but also in Africa," Mwemba said.

10 killed in Austria school shooting

At least 10 people were killed in a school shooting in Austria's second-largest city of Graz, local media reported on Tuesday.

The incident also caused a double-digit number of serious injuries, including students and teachers, local media cited the police as saying.

According to Austria's largest newspaper, the Kronen Zeitung, the shooting occurred at the school of BORG in Dreierschutzengasse in the Lend district shortly before 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Tuesday. Police confirmed the suspected perpetrator as a 22-year-old shooter, who used to be a student at BORG, but he is reported to have shot himself.■