As Switzerland and the European Union prepare to hold talks on Wednesday evening towards reaching a deal to recalibrate their ties, Bern said that securing a high-quality agreement was more important than a speedy process Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Nov, 2024) As and the prepare to hold talks on Wednesday evening towards reaching a deal to recalibrate their ties, said that securing a high-quality was more important than a speedy process. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is to host European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic at a working meeting at the 18th-century Lohn manor house outside , to be followed by a dinner. "It's about taking stock," Cassis said when asked about the coming encounter during a press briefing on a separate topic. The , he added, indicated that "significant had been made". "In the final stretch, we must of course increase contacts, because there are many elements that still need to be discussed, both in terms of content and procedure," he said. Wednesday's meeting, he stressed, would be about taking an overall "inventory" of the situation, and would not constitute a fresh round of negotiations. The EU and have said they want to seal an by the end of the year, but Cassis stressed on Wednesday that "quality takes precedence over timing". - 'Almost impossible' - The two sides are seeking to "stabilise and develop" relations, which are currently governed by more than 120 agreements. Relations have been strained since -- without warning -- slammed the door on the negotiations with its main trading partner in 2021. And while the talks tentatively resumed this year, 's efforts to secure an exemption to the EU's free movement of people between countries could make a deal difficult. This subject will be discussed during Wednesday's meeting among other "pending questions", Cassis told journalists. EU ministers discussed the talks process on 15. " is not an a la carte menu," 's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel insisted, adding: "We have common rules for everyone", including . Reaching a deal that will stick could be an uphill battle, with any forced to pass muster not only with 's but also the people in a likely referendum. The hard-right Swiss People's Party (SVP), 's largest party, is staunchly opposed to closer ties with the EU, and centrist Swiss President Viola Amherd acknowledged recently that getting them and their supporters onboard would be "almost impossible". - 'Intense ' - Negotiations "are continuing at an intense ", the Swiss Foreign Ministry's spokesman Nicolas Bideau said on Friday on X. Since 2008, has been demanding an overarching accord to harmonise the legal framework of its tangle of agreements with . The negotiations since have concentrated on updating five agreements -- free movement of people; land transport; air transport; agriculture; and mutual recognition of conformity assessments -- and to forge new accords on , safety and health. 's participation in European programmes, including research, culture and , is also at stake, while the EU is demanding the opening of the Swiss rail . Compromise will also be needed on other topics, including the treatment of seconded workers and social benefits paid to foreigners. meanwhile wants to pitch in more to its Cohesion Fund, aimed at reducing economic and social disparities in the bloc.Kevin O'Leary Says, 'You Can Hate Trump, But You've Got To Love His Policies' – They Will 'Bring Jobs'
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Drew Lock is likely going to start at quarterback for the New York Giants against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday when they try to end a franchise-record 10-game losing streak. Lock started against Atlanta last weekend and his status became an issue after the 34-7 loss when coach Brian Daboll said the 28-year-old was having an issue with his right shoulder. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekSudan's war is 'deepening and widening' a famine crisis, hunger monitoring report saysST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The St. Petersburg City Council reversed course Thursday on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark , initially voting narrowly for approval and hours later changing course. The reversal on fixing Tropicana Field came after the council voted to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a proposed new $1.3 billion Rays ballpark. Just two days before, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, leaving that project in limbo. “This is a sad place. I'm really disappointed,” council chair Deborah Figg-Sanders said. “We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.” The Rays say the lack of progress puts the new stadium plan and the future of Tropicana Field in jeopardy. “I can't say I'm confident about anything,” Rays co-president Brian Auld told the council members. The Trop's translucent fiberglass roof was ripped to pieces on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton swept ashore just south of Tampa Bay. There was also significant water damage inside the ballpark, with a city estimate of the total repair costs pegged at $55.7 million. The extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show. The Rays made a deal with the Yankees to play next season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field, New York's spring training home across the bay in Tampa. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said MLB wants to give the Rays and Tampa-area politicians time to figure out a path forward given the disruption caused by the hurricane. Assuming Tropicana Field is repaired, the Rays are obligated to play there for three more seasons. “We’re committed to the fans in Tampa Bay,” Manfred said at an owners meeting. “Given all that’s happened in that market, we’re focused on our franchise in Tampa Bay right now.” The initial vote Thursday was to get moving on the roof portion of the repair. Once that's done, crews could begin working on laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas and a variety of electronic systems — which would require another vote to approve money for the remaining restoration. The subsequent vote reversing funding for the roof repair essentially means the city and Rays must work on an alternative in the coming weeks so that Tropicana Field can possibly be ready for the 2026 season. The city is legally obligated to fix the roof. “I’d like to pare it down and see exactly what we’re obligated to do,” council member John Muhammad said. The city previously voted to spend $6.5 million to prevent further damage to the unroofed Trop. Several council members said before the vote on the $23.7 million to fix the roof that the city is contractually obligated to do so. “I don’t see a way out of it. We have a contract that’s in place,” council member Gina Driscoll said. “We’re obligated to do it. We are going to fix the roof.” The council had voted 4-3 to approve the roof repair. Members who opposed it said there wasn't enough clarity on numerous issues, including how much would be covered by the ballpark's insurance and what amount might be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They also noted that city residents who are struggling to repair their homes and businesses damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton are dismayed when they see so many taxpayer dollars going to baseball. “Why are we looking to expend so much money right away when there is so much uncertainty?” council member Richie Floyd said. The new Rays ballpark — now likely to open in 2029, if at all — is part of a larger urban renovation project known as the Historic Gas Plant District, which refers to a predominantly Black neighborhood that was forced out to make way for construction of Tropicana Field and an interstate highway spur. The broader $6.5 billion project would transform an 86-acre (34-hectare) tract in the city’s downtown, with plans in the coming years for a Black history museum, affordable housing, a hotel, green space, entertainment venues, and office and retail space. There’s the promise of thousands of jobs as well. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, a prime mover behind the overall project, said it's not time to give up. “We believe there is a path forward to success,” the mayor said. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbCelebrity series of The Apprentice to air on BBC for 20th anniversary – with hopes of signing Cheryl and Piers Morgan
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The promising career of Floyd Mayweather -promoted boxer Curmel Moton has encountered a setback after he failed to meet the weight requirements for his seventh professional fight in shocking fashion. The 18-year-old lightweight, who boasts a 6-0 record with 5 knockouts , was scheduled to face Bryan Mercado in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but tipped the scales at 147.8lbs, a staggering 15lbs over the agreed 133lbs catchweight. As a result, the six-round fight was postponed, putting a brake on the Las Vegas-based prospect's momentum. Moton had been on a three-fight knockout streak but will now have to wait for his next opportunity to step into the ring. In a statement, Moton revealed that he had not attempted to make weight for the fight and apologised to fans who had planned to attend. He also expressed his hope to return to action next month on the undercard of Ryan Garcia's exhibition fight against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. "I want to apologise to everyone that was planning on coming to Jersey to watch me fight," Moton said. "I've been going back and forth with the commission about my bloodwork passing, and as of right now, they lost my blood in their system [which meant the fight was unlikely to be sanctioned]. "I've known this for the past three days, so there was no point in killing myself to make [the] weight. They still made me weigh in for some reason, and they decided that was the reason they were going to cancel the fight. Regardless, I'll be back in Japan on December 30th [at the potential exhibition involving Ryan Garcia]. See you all there." Moton faced some criticism on social media with a spokesperson later saying. The event in New Jersey was due to be staged by Danny Garcia's Swift Promotions. The promotional company issued a statement to explain the decision to postpone the fight. "The decision to postpone the fight was made in the best interest of all parties involved," a spokesman said. "While we are disappointed to delay this event, our priority is ensuring that both Curmel and his opponents are set up for the best possible competition." "We appreciate the continued support of Curmel's fans and the boxing community, and we look forward to announcing his return to the ring soon."Are you tracking your health with a device? Here’s what could happen with the data
Each year, Filipino writers come together at the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature to honor the art of storytelling and celebrate literary excellence. This year's prestigious event was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Seasoned writers, their protégés, and even their rivals, as well as aspiring authors, novelists, poets, and playwrights, were drawn to the special night of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Below is a recap of that evening. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
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