Briefly

EUROPE

EU gets 15% tariff for cars, but no relief for wine

The US and EU released details of a trade deal on Thursday that foresees lower car tariffs but no relief for Europe's wine sector. Brussels said it would push for further concessions. US President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clinched a framework pact in July for most EU exports to face a 15-percent US levy. But many aspects remained unclear, as the EU sought to win carve-outs for some sectors and Trump threatened higher tariffs on others. A joint statement on Thursday brought some clarity, although negotiations are not over and some moving parts remain. The "maximum, all-inclusive" 15 percent rate would apply to the vast majority of European exports, including cars, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber, the EU said.

THAILAND

Court acquits former PM of royal insult

Thailand's criminal court on Friday acquitted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on royal defamation charges over his remarks to foreign media a decade ago. Thaksin has been found not guilty due to insufficient evidence to prove his wrongdoing, the court said in a statement. The prosecution's evidence presented failed to meet the burden of proof required for the indictment, said Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontree. Thaksin thanked his legal team after the verdict was read out, stating that he could now fully dedicate himself to working for the nation's benefit, Winyat said. The Office of the Attorney General indicted Thaksin last year, accusing him of defaming the monarchy during a 2015 interview with a South Korean media outlet.

Xinhua - Agencies