IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Republic Of Korea

Tightened tests on imported waste

The Environment Ministry said on Friday that it will tighten radioactive and heavy metal tests on imported battery, tire and plastic waste, apparently targeting Japan in protest against Tokyo's export curbs. The ministry said in a statement that the country will intensify an environmental and safety inspection on the waste materials imported from foreign countries, including Japan, for recycling. It noted that the decision reflected public concerns about radioactive contamination of imported waste. The move followed the ministry's announcement on Aug 8 to strengthen a radioactive and heavy metal inspection on all the coal ash imports from Japan.

Israel

Govt to let in barred US lawmaker for visit

Israel is to allow a visit by barred US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib who is of Palestinian origin on "humanitarian" grounds, the Interior Ministry said on Friday. It said Interior Minister Aryeh Deri decided to allow Tlaib to make a "humanitarian visit to her grandmother" in the West Bank after the lawmaker had sent him a written pledge "to respect conditions imposed by Israel". Tlaib had "promised not to promote the cause of the boycott of Israel during her stay", in a letter to Deri sent overnight, the ministry said in a statement.

Australia

PM refuses to commit to Pacific climate pledge

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has refused to commit Australia to a Pacific climate change pledge. Morrison on Thursday night declared he was accountable to the Australian people after holding his ground against Jacinda Ardern, the New Zealand prime minister, and the leaders of Pacific nations who joined forces to agree to phase out coal in the region. Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu debated the issue for 12 hours on Thursday but were unable to secure a pledge from Morrison to end coal mining and go carbon neutral by 2050.

Agencies - Xinhua

(China Daily 08/17/2019 page8)