Trade : JSI E-com co-convenors issue "stabilized" text, but no deal in sight (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
Many members of the ongoing controversial Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce appear to have welc omed the "stabilized" text issued on 26 July by the co-convenors at the World Tr ade Organization, but the final agreement appears to be nowhere near closure, s aid people familiar with the discussions.

WTO : US blocks China panel request over IRA, AB selection process at DSB (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The United States on 26 July blocked a first-time request from China for the establishment of a World Trade Organi zation dispute panel to examine Washington's reportedly nearly one trillion dollar s' worth of "green" subsidies and tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that are allegedly inconsistent with the WTO rules, said people famil iar with the development.

UN : UNHCR marks 73 years of the Refugee Convention (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has highlighted the importance of the 1951 Refugee Convention, as being "the cornerstone of refugee protection", which has saved and protected the lives of millions of people around the world fleeing war, violence, persecution and human rights violations.