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Joe Biden arrives in Geneva for summit with ‘worthy adversary’ Putin – live Joe Biden arrives in Geneva for summit with ‘worthy adversary’ Putin – live
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Reports say Biden has prepared extensively for Geneva meeting on Wednesday – follow all the day’s politics liveReports say Biden has prepared extensively for Geneva meeting on Wednesday – follow all the day’s politics live
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, ahead of his summit tomorrow with Vladimir Putin. The summit will mark Biden’s first in-person meeting with the Russian president since he took office in January. Biden also held a bilateral meeting with Swiss president Guy Parmelin today.
The EU and the US resolved a 17-year trade dispute over aircraft subsidies for Boeing and Airbus, which had been going on for nearly 17 years. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Biden announced the deal this morning, after meeting for the EU-US summit in Brussels. The agreement involves suspending tariffs on Boeing and Airbus for five years and working to guarantee an even playing field for the two companies.
The White House unveiled its first ever national strategy to fight domestic terrorism. The framework, released today by the national security council, emphasized that domestic terrorism must be addressed in an “ideologically neutral” manner. The announcement comes five months after a violent, pro-Trump mob attacked the US Capitol, resulting in five deaths.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The Guardian’s Edward Helmore reports:
Vermont has become the first US state to reach its 80% Covid-19 vaccination goal and is now shedding all its statewide restrictions on dealing with the pandemic, including letting a state of emergency expire by Tuesday night.
Governor Phil Scott made the announcement on Monday and said he would drop existing physical distancing, crowd size restrictions and masking requirements.
“There are no longer any state Covid-19 restrictions. None,” the Republican governor announced. But Scott said he would allow municipalities and businesses to continue practices if they choose to do so.
Emergency medical service providers will continue to wear masks for the foreseeable future, regardless of their vaccination status. Public transportation and long-term care facilities workers will also continue to practice safeguards since they fall under federal guidelines.
State officials had initially planned to lift all remaining restrictions by the Fourth of July, but brought the decision forward after Vermont’s vaccination rate reached its goal.
“The ingenuity, creativity and dedication of all Vermonters to their friends and families, to their neighbors and to their communities, has been incredible and we should all be very proud,” Scott said in a statement.
In case you missed it this morning: US and EU leaders announced they had resolved a trade dispute over aircraft subsidies for Boeing and Airbus, which had been going on for nearly 17 years.In case you missed it this morning: US and EU leaders announced they had resolved a trade dispute over aircraft subsidies for Boeing and Airbus, which had been going on for nearly 17 years.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and US president Joe Biden discussed the agreement when they met for the EU-US summit this morning.European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and US president Joe Biden discussed the agreement when they met for the EU-US summit this morning.
“The meeting started with a breakthrough on the aircraft dispute,” von der Leyen said on Twitter. “Today we move from litigation to cooperation. We are ending the longest trade dispute in the history of the [World Trade Organization]. We are delivering.”“The meeting started with a breakthrough on the aircraft dispute,” von der Leyen said on Twitter. “Today we move from litigation to cooperation. We are ending the longest trade dispute in the history of the [World Trade Organization]. We are delivering.”
The agreement involves suspending tariffs on Boeing and Airbus for five years and working to guarantee an even playing field for the two aircraft giants.The agreement involves suspending tariffs on Boeing and Airbus for five years and working to guarantee an even playing field for the two aircraft giants.
“Significantly, we also agreed to work together to challenge and counter China’s non-market practices in this sector that give China’s companies an unfair advantage,” Biden said in a statement about the agreement.“Significantly, we also agreed to work together to challenge and counter China’s non-market practices in this sector that give China’s companies an unfair advantage,” Biden said in a statement about the agreement.
“The U.S. and EU will work together in specific ways that reflect our high standards, including collaborating on inward and outbound investment and technology transfer. It’s a model we can build on for other challenges posed by China’s economic model.”“The U.S. and EU will work together in specific ways that reflect our high standards, including collaborating on inward and outbound investment and technology transfer. It’s a model we can build on for other challenges posed by China’s economic model.”
The agreement comes after Nato identified China’s rising power as a security threat after the alliance’s Brussels summit this week. Biden had pushed for the mention of China in the communique issued after the Nato summit.The agreement comes after Nato identified China’s rising power as a security threat after the alliance’s Brussels summit this week. Biden had pushed for the mention of China in the communique issued after the Nato summit.
Joe Biden is now meeting with Swiss president Guy Parmelin in Geneva, as the US president prepares for his summit with Vladimir Putin tomorrow.Joe Biden is now meeting with Swiss president Guy Parmelin in Geneva, as the US president prepares for his summit with Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
Asked by reporters whether he is ready for his meeting with the Russian president, Biden replied, “I’m always ready.”Asked by reporters whether he is ready for his meeting with the Russian president, Biden replied, “I’m always ready.”
Donald Trump has hired a new spokesperson, now that his longtime senior adviser, Jason Miller, has decided to return to the private sector.Donald Trump has hired a new spokesperson, now that his longtime senior adviser, Jason Miller, has decided to return to the private sector.
“I greatly thank Jason for his service—he is outstanding!” the former president said in a statement.“I greatly thank Jason for his service—he is outstanding!” the former president said in a statement.
Far-right activist Liz Harrington, a former national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee and a longtime Trump supporter, will be taking Miller’s place.Far-right activist Liz Harrington, a former national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee and a longtime Trump supporter, will be taking Miller’s place.
“Liz Harrington is a fighter,” Trump said. “She was an important part of our receiving more votes than any incumbent President in U.S. history, far more than we received the first time we won.”“Liz Harrington is a fighter,” Trump said. “She was an important part of our receiving more votes than any incumbent President in U.S. history, far more than we received the first time we won.”
According to CNN’s Daniel Dale, Harrington has played a key role in spreading Trump’s lies about widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election.According to CNN’s Daniel Dale, Harrington has played a key role in spreading Trump’s lies about widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
A majority of Americans say they want Joe Biden to take a tough stand in his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow, according to a new poll.A majority of Americans say they want Joe Biden to take a tough stand in his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow, according to a new poll.
The CBS News/YouGov poll found that 58% of Americans think Biden should adopt a tough stance with Putin, while 42% say the US president should take a more cooperative approach in the meeting.The CBS News/YouGov poll found that 58% of Americans think Biden should adopt a tough stance with Putin, while 42% say the US president should take a more cooperative approach in the meeting.
When asked what it is the most important issue for Biden to raise in his meeting with Putin, 41% of Americans said Russia-linked cyberattacks on the US. The second-most popular response was Russia’s pressure on its neighbors, which 19% of Americans said was the most important issue to address in the meeting.When asked what it is the most important issue for Biden to raise in his meeting with Putin, 41% of Americans said Russia-linked cyberattacks on the US. The second-most popular response was Russia’s pressure on its neighbors, which 19% of Americans said was the most important issue to address in the meeting.
Biden has given little indication of what he will bring up with Putin tomorrow in Geneva, telling reporters yesterday, “I’ve been doing this a long time. The last thing anyone would do is negotiate in front of the world press as to how he’s going to approach a critical meeting with another adversary and/or someone who could be an adversary. It’s the last thing I’m going to do.”Biden has given little indication of what he will bring up with Putin tomorrow in Geneva, telling reporters yesterday, “I’ve been doing this a long time. The last thing anyone would do is negotiate in front of the world press as to how he’s going to approach a critical meeting with another adversary and/or someone who could be an adversary. It’s the last thing I’m going to do.”
For more than a year, people who have wanted to get within breathing distance of Vladimir Putin have performed a ritual, two-week quarantine in Russian hotels and sanatoriums to protect the 68-year-old president from falling ill with coronavirus.For more than a year, people who have wanted to get within breathing distance of Vladimir Putin have performed a ritual, two-week quarantine in Russian hotels and sanatoriums to protect the 68-year-old president from falling ill with coronavirus.
Since March 2020, powerful businessmen, regional governors, his pilots and medical staff, volunteers at an economic conference, and even second world war veterans have shut themselves away to meet the Kremlin leader or even stand in his general vicinity.Since March 2020, powerful businessmen, regional governors, his pilots and medical staff, volunteers at an economic conference, and even second world war veterans have shut themselves away to meet the Kremlin leader or even stand in his general vicinity.
So it will be a rare sit-down when Putin jets into Geneva to meet Joe Biden, who has been on a whirlwind tour through Europe, attending the G7 summit in Cornwall and then flying to Brussels for meetings with EU and Nato leaders before travelling to Switzerland.So it will be a rare sit-down when Putin jets into Geneva to meet Joe Biden, who has been on a whirlwind tour through Europe, attending the G7 summit in Cornwall and then flying to Brussels for meetings with EU and Nato leaders before travelling to Switzerland.
Putin has not publicly travelled abroad since the outbreak of coronavirus in early 2020, hosting foreign leaders in Moscow or Sochi and holding most of his meetings with government ministers and regional governors over videoconference.Putin has not publicly travelled abroad since the outbreak of coronavirus in early 2020, hosting foreign leaders in Moscow or Sochi and holding most of his meetings with government ministers and regional governors over videoconference.
Critics have chided Putin for sheltering in a “bunker” during the coronavirus outbreak, reportedly protected by medical tunnels of dubious efficacy that sprayed visitors with a cloud of disinfectant.Critics have chided Putin for sheltering in a “bunker” during the coronavirus outbreak, reportedly protected by medical tunnels of dubious efficacy that sprayed visitors with a cloud of disinfectant.
Joe Biden has now arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.Joe Biden has now arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
Biden was greeted at Cointrin airport by Swiss president Guy Parmelin, and the two leaders will soon hold a bilateral meeting as well.Biden was greeted at Cointrin airport by Swiss president Guy Parmelin, and the two leaders will soon hold a bilateral meeting as well.
The White House has published its first ever national strategy for countering domestic terrorism five months after a violent mob stormed the US Capitol in Washington.The White House has published its first ever national strategy for countering domestic terrorism five months after a violent mob stormed the US Capitol in Washington.
The framework released on Tuesday by the national security council describes the threat as now more serious than potential attacks from overseas but emphasises the need to protect civil liberties.The framework released on Tuesday by the national security council describes the threat as now more serious than potential attacks from overseas but emphasises the need to protect civil liberties.
Anticipating Republican objections that Joe Biden could use counterterrorism tools to persecute supporters of Donald Trump, the strategy is also careful to state that domestic terrorism must be tackled in an “ideologically neutral” manner.Anticipating Republican objections that Joe Biden could use counterterrorism tools to persecute supporters of Donald Trump, the strategy is also careful to state that domestic terrorism must be tackled in an “ideologically neutral” manner.
It cites examples such as “an anti-authority extremist” ambushing, shooting and killing five police officers in Dallas In 2016; a lone gunman (and leftwing activist) wounding four people at a congressional baseball practice in 2017; and an “unprecedented attack” on Congress on 6 January.It cites examples such as “an anti-authority extremist” ambushing, shooting and killing five police officers in Dallas In 2016; a lone gunman (and leftwing activist) wounding four people at a congressional baseball practice in 2017; and an “unprecedented attack” on Congress on 6 January.
“They come across the political spectrum,” a senior administration said on a media conference call. “So it’s not motivating politics or ideology that matters for us or, more importantly for the strategy and its implementation. It’s when political grievances become acts of violence and we remain laser focused on that.”“They come across the political spectrum,” a senior administration said on a media conference call. “So it’s not motivating politics or ideology that matters for us or, more importantly for the strategy and its implementation. It’s when political grievances become acts of violence and we remain laser focused on that.”
The mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, is also encouraging Americans to celebrate Independence Day in the nation’s capitol.The mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, is also encouraging Americans to celebrate Independence Day in the nation’s capitol.
“DC is open and ready to welcome back visitors to celebrate the way we came together as a city and as a nation this year. We have shown once again that when we come together, there is nothing we can’t do,” the Democratic mayor said in a press release.“DC is open and ready to welcome back visitors to celebrate the way we came together as a city and as a nation this year. We have shown once again that when we come together, there is nothing we can’t do,” the Democratic mayor said in a press release.
In addition to the traditional fireworks show and the celebrations hosted by the White House this year, DC is also marking the return of July 4 parades in the Barracks Row and Palisades neighborhoods.In addition to the traditional fireworks show and the celebrations hosted by the White House this year, DC is also marking the return of July 4 parades in the Barracks Row and Palisades neighborhoods.
“We thank President Biden and his team for acting with urgency to get the vaccine to the American people so that we could save lives, get our country open, and celebrate together once again,” Bowser said.“We thank President Biden and his team for acting with urgency to get the vaccine to the American people so that we could save lives, get our country open, and celebrate together once again,” Bowser said.
Joe Biden wants Americans to celebrate their independence from coronavirus next month, when the country commemorates its independence day on July 4.Joe Biden wants Americans to celebrate their independence from coronavirus next month, when the country commemorates its independence day on July 4.
Biden has set a goal of at least partially vaccinating 70% of American adults by July 4, and he is already planning how to celebrate, even though it’s unclear whether the US will meet that objective.Biden has set a goal of at least partially vaccinating 70% of American adults by July 4, and he is already planning how to celebrate, even though it’s unclear whether the US will meet that objective.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
Delivering an update on vaccine distribution earlier this month, Biden encouraged Americans to get vaccinated and convince family members to join them before the July 4 holiday.Delivering an update on vaccine distribution earlier this month, Biden encouraged Americans to get vaccinated and convince family members to join them before the July 4 holiday.
“We know it for a fact: Americans could do anything when we do it together. So, please, do your part,” Biden said. “Give it your all through July the 4th. Let’s reach our 70% goal. Let’s go into the summer freer and safer. Let’s celebrate a truly historic Independence Day.”“We know it for a fact: Americans could do anything when we do it together. So, please, do your part,” Biden said. “Give it your all through July the 4th. Let’s reach our 70% goal. Let’s go into the summer freer and safer. Let’s celebrate a truly historic Independence Day.”
China’s mission to the EU has accused Nato of slander and of “hyping up the so-called ‘China threat’” after leaders of the western alliance warned that the country presents “systemic challenges” to international order and security.China’s mission to the EU has accused Nato of slander and of “hyping up the so-called ‘China threat’” after leaders of the western alliance warned that the country presents “systemic challenges” to international order and security.
On Monday, at a summit in Brussels, leaders from the transatlantic security alliance, with Joe Biden in attendance for the first time, took a forceful stance towards Beijing.On Monday, at a summit in Brussels, leaders from the transatlantic security alliance, with Joe Biden in attendance for the first time, took a forceful stance towards Beijing.
The new US president has urged his fellow Nato leaders to stand up to China’s authoritarianism and growing military might – a change of focus for an alliance created to defend Europe from the Soviet Union during the cold war.The new US president has urged his fellow Nato leaders to stand up to China’s authoritarianism and growing military might – a change of focus for an alliance created to defend Europe from the Soviet Union during the cold war.
China’s EU mission hit back on Tuesday, saying in a post on its website that the communique published at the end of the one-day summit “slandered” China’s peaceful development, misjudged the international situation, and indicated a “cold war mentality”.China’s EU mission hit back on Tuesday, saying in a post on its website that the communique published at the end of the one-day summit “slandered” China’s peaceful development, misjudged the international situation, and indicated a “cold war mentality”.
“China urges Nato to view China’s development in a rational manner, stop hyping up in any form the so-called ‘China threat’, and stop taking China’s legitimate interests and rights as an excuse to manipulate bloc politics, create confrontation, and fuel geopolitical competition.”“China urges Nato to view China’s development in a rational manner, stop hyping up in any form the so-called ‘China threat’, and stop taking China’s legitimate interests and rights as an excuse to manipulate bloc politics, create confrontation, and fuel geopolitical competition.”
Joe Biden has boarded Air Force One and is officially en route to Geneva, Switzerland, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.Joe Biden has boarded Air Force One and is officially en route to Geneva, Switzerland, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
The city of Geneva has put up American and Russian flags along their bridges to commemorate the historic summit between the two countries’ leaders. A CNBC reporter captured a photo of the scene:The city of Geneva has put up American and Russian flags along their bridges to commemorate the historic summit between the two countries’ leaders. A CNBC reporter captured a photo of the scene:
On the 24-hour Russian state news channel, Thursday began as any other might: with a segment about the ageing president of the United States battling back cicadas and then giving a “confused” speech about his upcoming summit in Geneva with Vladimir Putin.On the 24-hour Russian state news channel, Thursday began as any other might: with a segment about the ageing president of the United States battling back cicadas and then giving a “confused” speech about his upcoming summit in Geneva with Vladimir Putin.
“I’ll let [Putin] know what I want him to know,’” said Joe Biden after a cutaway shot of him swatting his neck before boarding Air Force One this week.“I’ll let [Putin] know what I want him to know,’” said Joe Biden after a cutaway shot of him swatting his neck before boarding Air Force One this week.
Signs of a thaw between Russia and the US ahead of Wednesday’s summit are not immediately evident on state TV, but then again that is the last place that they would be.Signs of a thaw between Russia and the US ahead of Wednesday’s summit are not immediately evident on state TV, but then again that is the last place that they would be.
For years, bellicose news segments about the west and especially Ukraine have been outdone only by the even shoutier news debate shows, where Russian experts compete to give the loudest, most hawkish review of recent political developments. The rare liberals who join them are ritually squashed.For years, bellicose news segments about the west and especially Ukraine have been outdone only by the even shoutier news debate shows, where Russian experts compete to give the loudest, most hawkish review of recent political developments. The rare liberals who join them are ritually squashed.
In the real world, the last week has given little inkling of a coming breakthrough. A Russian court’s decision on Thursday evening to outlaw Alexei Navalny’s organisation as “extremist” will reassert the issue of human rights in Russia on the summit’s agenda. And Russia’s backing for Alexander Lukashenko will also lead to a battle over what Moscow claims as a sphere of influence in Belarus and Ukraine, despite the breakup of the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago.In the real world, the last week has given little inkling of a coming breakthrough. A Russian court’s decision on Thursday evening to outlaw Alexei Navalny’s organisation as “extremist” will reassert the issue of human rights in Russia on the summit’s agenda. And Russia’s backing for Alexander Lukashenko will also lead to a battle over what Moscow claims as a sphere of influence in Belarus and Ukraine, despite the breakup of the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago.
Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.
Joe Biden continues his first international trip as president today, attending the EU-US summit in Brussels. The US president also met with the king and prime minister of Belgium this morning.Joe Biden continues his first international trip as president today, attending the EU-US summit in Brussels. The US president also met with the king and prime minister of Belgium this morning.
Biden will soon depart for Geneva, where he will hold a summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.Biden will soon depart for Geneva, where he will hold a summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
Reports indicate that Biden has been preparing extensively for the summit, which will mark his first in-person meeting with Putin since taking office in January.Reports indicate that Biden has been preparing extensively for the summit, which will mark his first in-person meeting with Putin since taking office in January.
The president’s advisers have also indicated that he sought input from other major foreign leaders about how he should approach the meeting, as he attended the G7 and Nato summits this past week.The president’s advisers have also indicated that he sought input from other major foreign leaders about how he should approach the meeting, as he attended the G7 and Nato summits this past week.
During his press conference in Brussels yesterday, Biden repeatedly deflected questions from reporters about what he expected to get out of the meeting.During his press conference in Brussels yesterday, Biden repeatedly deflected questions from reporters about what he expected to get out of the meeting.
Noting he has met Putin before, Biden said of the Russian leader, “He’s bright. He’s tough. And I have found that he is a … as they say, when you used to play ball, ‘a worthy adversary.’”Noting he has met Putin before, Biden said of the Russian leader, “He’s bright. He’s tough. And I have found that he is a … as they say, when you used to play ball, ‘a worthy adversary.’”
Biden added, “But the fact is that I will be happy to talk with you when it’s over, and not before, about what the discussion will entail.”Biden added, “But the fact is that I will be happy to talk with you when it’s over, and not before, about what the discussion will entail.”
The blog will have more details on Wednesday’s summit coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more details on Wednesday’s summit coming up, so stay tuned.