News Headlines - 03 June 2018
▽U.S. seeks discreet way to pay for Kim Jong Un’s hotel during Trump-Kim summit - The Washington Post
The prideful but cash-poor pariah state requires that a foreign country foot the bill at its preferred lodging: the Fullerton, a magnificent neoclassical hotel near the mouth of the Singapore River, where just one presidential suite costs more than $6,000 per night... When it comes to paying for lodging at North Korea’s preferred five-star luxury hotel, the United States is open to covering the costs, the two people said, but it’s mindful that Pyongyang may view a U.S. payment as insulting. As a result, U.S. planners are considering asking Singapore, the host country, to pay for the North Korean delegation’s bill.
▽Qatar 'stronger than ever' one year after blockade: Deputy PM
A year into an economic and transport blockade led by its neighbors, Qatar has emerged "stronger than ever," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah said on Sunday.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates implemented a land, sea and air blockade on the gas exporting nation that restricted travel and imported goods... But one year later, the economy is thriving, according to Al Attiyah, with the manufacturing of national products, including medicine and foods, having grown - although the minister did not elaborate further on how much production has increased.
▽Vogue Arabia cover featuring Saudi princess sparks backlash - CNN Style
The June issue, which claims to be "a celebration of the trailblazing women of Saudi Arabia" features Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah al-Saud, the daughter of the late King, pictured glamorously on the front cover. It was intended to mark the end of a ban on female drivers.
Critics, however, have accused the title of being tone deaf, pointing out that at least 11 activists have been arrested since May 15, most of whom are women who have fought for the right to drive.
▽Tanzanian conjoined twins Maria and Consolata die aged 21 - BBC News
Tanzanian conjoined twins Maria and Consolata Mwakikuti have died at the age 21 after suffering respiratory complications at a local hospital... They were admitted to hospital in December due to issues relating to heart disease but died on Saturday.
▽Picasso’s ‘Weeping Woman’ auctioned for record ￥1 bil. - The Japan News
“Weeping Woman,” an oil painting by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), has sold for ￥1 billion in Tokyo, setting a new national record for a winning bid at a domestic company’s art auction.
According to iArt Co., which organized the Saturday auction, the previous record was ￥360 million for an oil painting titled “Reiko in a Woolen Shawl” by Ryusei Kishida, at an art auction in Tokyo organized by Shinwa Auction Co. in 2000.
