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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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U.S. to Notify Countries of New Tariff Rates Amid Shift in Trade Strategy

The United States is set to begin sending formal letters to trading partners on Friday, outlining new tariff rates that could range from 10% to as high as 70%, according to President Donald Trump. This move marks a significant shift from the administration’s earlier approach of negotiating individual trade deals with dozens of countries.

Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized the simplicity of this new strategy: “We have more than 170 countries, and how many deals can you make? I’d rather send out a letter saying this is what you’re going to pay”. The letters, expected to be sent in batches of 10 to 12 per day, will inform countries of the tariffs they will face starting August 1.

The decision comes ahead of a self-imposed July 9 deadline for finalizing trade agreements. While deals have been reached with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, negotiations with other major partners like Japan, India, and the European Union remain ongoing.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that around 100 countries are likely to receive a 10% reciprocal tariff rate, while others could face significantly higher duties if no agreements are reached.

This bold move is expected to have ripple effects across global markets and could reshape the landscape of international trade in the months ahead.

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