Day: May 22, 2023

In the news today is a report that the Panama Pacifico International Airport is consolidated as the terminal to serve low-cost airlines, with over 30,000 passengers passing through in April. This is the former Howard Air Base, and we have found that the only problem is that there does not appear to be a public transport link from the city – it is around 21 km from where we live on the other side of the city…

The “New Business” court case opens tomorrow, involving former President Ricardo Martinelli (also a candidate for the Presidency in the primaries, and leader in the polls). there are 4 other defendants. The former President has managed to delay the trial since November, arguing for the recusal of the trial judge and a medical disability. He has also be attempting to claim immunity from his legal troubles due to his being involved in the election process. The New Business case dates back to March 2017, after an investigation identified the purchase of the shares of Editora Panamá América through a complex scheme.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/230522/new-business-tiempos-judiciales-electorales

22 MAY 2023

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y

On 22 May, HM Treasury announced a new General Licence.  Anybody intending to use the General Licence should consult the copy of the licence for full details of the definitions, permissions, and usage requirements.  The Licence covers prior contractual obligation of a designated person.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1158368/INT_2023_3024200.pdf

On 22 May, a Notice from HM Treasury advised that 3 existing entries had been amended, and the non-Latin script for a further entry has been amended.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1158255/Notice_Russia_220523.pdf

On 22 May, the Export Control Joint Unit issued Notice to Exporters 2023/08.  It is said that the aim of the Notice is to prevent the undermining of trade sanctions, export controls, and other restrictive measures designed and implemented in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  Awareness of the risk and obligations in relation to sanctioned goods is an important first step for trade.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202308-russia-sanctions-trade-sanctions-circumvention/nte-202308-russia-sanctions-trade-sanctions-circumvention

On 19 May, OCCRP published a report saying that Western sanctions are meant to prevent Russia from supplying its military from abroad, but sensitive electronics are still getting through. Reporters traced several of these supply chains through Kazakhstan — and found that they run through companies newly established by Russians.

https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/kazakhstan-has-become-a-pathway-for-the-supply-of-russias-war-machine-heres-how-it-works

EU Regulation 2023/986/EU added 5 names to the EU Iranian sanctions list following the widespread and disproportionate use of force by the Iranian security forces against non-violent protestors.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.LI.2023.134.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A134I%3ATOC

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=uriserv:OJ.LI.2023.134.01.0006.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2023:134I:TOC