Irish could repeal their abortion law
DUBLIN — An Irish parliamentary committee recommended Wednesday that a constitutional ban on abortion be repealed, paving the way for the liberalization of one of the world’s strictest abortion laws.
The committee recommended removing the the Irish Constitution that gives a fetus and the mother an equal legal right to life, which has been the law since1983. That provision hasbeen used to ban abortion inall circumstances, including rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormality and any risk to the life of the mother.
The committee also said women should have unrestricted access to abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy.
The committee’s recommendations will now go to the full Parliament, which can decide whether to accept them and whether to call a referendum for a vote on changing the constitution.
Cybercriminal extradition
ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s Supreme Court has ruled in favor of extraditing a Russian cy ber crime suspect tothe United States to stand trial for allegedly laundering billions of dollars using the virtual currency bitcoin.
Alexander Vinnik made his final appearance at an Athens court Wednesday amid an ongoing legal battle between the U.S. and Russia, who are both seeking his extradition.
Greece’s justice minister will ultimately decide on whether Mr. Vinnik will be sent to Russia or the U.S.
Thecase was heard amid growing global interest in virtual currencies and their underlying block chain technology, fueled by the ongoing boomin the price of bitcoin.
The38-year-old former bitcoin platform operator denies any wrongdoing but is not contesting the Russian request on less serious charges.
U.S. authorities accuse Mr. Vinnik of laundering $4 billion worth of bitcoins through BTC-e, one of the world’s largest digital currency exchanges, which he allegedly operated.
Phosphate ban defeated
BRUSSELS— The European Parliament on Wednesday narrowly defeated plans to ban an additive that is considered key in industrial meats for the popular doner kebab.
Needing an absolute majority of at least 376 votes for a ban on phosphates, the legislature fell three votes short. The vote was 373-272 with 30 abstentions.
The decision had been hotly awaited by the doner kebab industry, which says it needs the phosphates to keep the frozen meat juicy, tender and tasty for consumption. Others argued that the phosphates were a health risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Dampened WTO meeting
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A World Trade Organization conference dampened from the start by criticism from the United States ended Wednesday without any substantial agreements.
The ministerial-level meeting that wrapped up in Argentina’s capital addressed trade issues involving food and agriculture, ecommerce, development and fisheries subsidies. The 164-nation WTO, which works to bring down trade barriers and resolve disputes, needs the agreement of all members to reach agreements.
The meeting in Buenos Aires began on a sour note when U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Monday that the WTO is losing its focus on trade negotiations and “becoming a litigation-centered organization.” He also complained that some WTO members try to gain concessions through lawsuits that he said they could never get at the negotiating table.