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Merkel warns US of counter-measures over car tariffs threat (Lead)

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Berlin, July 20 (IANS) German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday warned the US of counter-measures if it imposed punitive tariffs on European cars, saying the move would only create “losers and cause retaliation”, the media reported.

“We have regarding trade a very, very serious situation in the world, I want to clearly state this,” said Merkel at a news conference.

“We don’t want these tariffs, we believe that we will damage each other, not only that we in the EU will be harmed but that these can have a far broader impact,” she said, adding they would pose “a real danger for the prosperity of many in the world.”

Merkel’s comments came days before European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to meet US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss ways to prevent the punitive tariffs.

“These (talks) are our preferred course of action,” Merkel said. “But should they not lead to results, we in the EU, as you have heard, will discuss countermeasures. But this is by far the worst solution.”

The Trump administration is weighing import duties of 20 per cent to 25 per cent on European automotive products on national security grounds. The threat puts more than $50 billion worth of European imports at risk and has created panic in Europe’s largest economy.

Trans-Atlantic duties on cars have been unchanged for decades. The US charges 2.5 per cent on passenger car imports and 25 per cent on pickup trucks and vans. The EU charges 10 per cent on both.

Germany, with some of the world’s largest car makers, would be affected hard by US import tariffs.

US administration officials have proposed a bilateral trade deal cutting tariffs on cars between the two regions, but EU officials along with Merkel have said that’s not possible under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

In her news conference, she also highlighted the importance of a close trans-Atlantic relationship with the US despite current differences in opinion with Trump in some areas.

“One can say values, or our usual framework, are under strong pressure right now”, she said. “Nonetheless, the trans-Atlantic working relationship…is crucial for us and I will continue to cultivate it,” she added.

But she also warned that Europe has become more independent because the US is no longer the country that guarantees order around the globe.

–IANS
anp/soni/bg

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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