Prologue Journal – Page 38607 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Xi Jinping tells Zelensky over phone that China will push for ceasefire in Ukraine — TV

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. The Chinese leader pointed out that China hopes that all parties concerned would “critically ponder over the Ukrainian conflict” https://tass.com/world/1609997

Zelensky says he had long, meaningful phone call with China’s Xi

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. It is reported that the phone conversation between the Ukrainian and Chinese presidents lasted about an hour https://tass.com/world/1609995

Giant clams under threat as poachers target Philippine, Indonesian waters after China ban

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Demand for the molluscs – often over a metre wide – has surged in tandem with stricter global controls on ivory. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3218470/giant-clams-under-threat-poachers-target-philippine-indonesian-waters-after-china-ban?utm_source=rss_feed

Norfolk Southern Says Ohio Derailment Has Cost $387 Million

Wall Street Journal The railroad operator said it expects its insurance policies to cover some of the losses in connection with the derailment in a small town earlier this year. https://www.wsj.com/articles/norfolk-southern-nsc-q1-earnings-report-2023-11a6888d

French Senate delegation seeks deeper trade, investment ties with Taiwan

Taipei, April 26 (CNA) French Senate Vice President Alain Richard on Wednesday expressed hope of strengthening trade and investment cooperation with Taiwan, during a meeting with Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) in Taipei. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202304260021

China’s controversial property tax appears to clear major hurdle, but questions remain on start date

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The implementation of a national household registration system after a decade-long effort could usher in a property tax that would help alleviate local-level government debt pressure and narrow the wealth gap. https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3218469/chinas-controversial-property-tax-appears-clear-major-hurdle-questions-remain-start-date?utm_source=rss_feed

Iranian diplomat jailed in Belgium to be freed in swap deal over Belgian spy: Judiciary

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. The spokesman for Iran’s Judiciary says Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat who has been illegally imprisoned in Belgium will soon be released. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/26/702251/Iranian-diplomat-jailed-Belgium-freed-prisoner-swap-Judiciary

Member of Assembly of Experts assassinated in northern Iran

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. Ayatollah Abbasali Soleimani, a member of Iran’s high-profile Assembly of Experts, is fatally shot at a bank in the country’s northern city of Babolsar. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/26/702252/Member-of-high-profile-Assembly-of-Experts-gunned-down-in-northern-Iran

Turkish 130% import duty on grain will hardly affect Ukrainian export – Ministry of Agriculture

Pravda Ukraine Türkiye plans to put import duty on grain back up to 130% from 1 May, but 95% of imported Ukrainian agriculture products will continue to be zero-rated. Source: press service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Trade of Ukraine Starting from 1 May, Türkiye plans to reintroduce import duty on key grains for…

Where Is Omar al-Bashir? Ex-Dictator Mystery Adds to Crisis in Sudan.

New York Times After speculation that Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who had been serving a prison sentence, had been freed, the army said that he was being held in a military hospital but provided no evidence. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/26/world/africa/sudan-dictator-bashir.html