Diplomatic Briefing
Your exclusive news aggregator handpicked daily!Archive for December 2, 2022
Newsline: Former residence of Swedish ambassador in Washington lists for $19.5 million
This 11,200-square-foot house, owned by the Swedish government and once the home of a well-known Washington publisher, sits on nearly seven acres, one of the largest parcels now on the market in Washington. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/02/former-residence-swedish-ambassador-lists-195-million/) The Swedish government purchased the property — in Northwest Washington’s American University Park neighborhood — in the 1950s. It has been home to 12 Swedish ambassadors, including Karin Olofsotter, who lived there from 2017 to 2019. She relocated the residence to the Swedish Embassy in Georgetown to be nearer downtown Washington and to have the added interior space needed to host larger events. The grounds have a lighted tennis court and a greenhouse. The driveway has two entrances, both gated, and a there is a circular section in front of the house that connects to a large parking lot and an attached garage.
Newsline: Soccer-loving top US diplomat thanks French President
French President Emmanuel Macron received praise during a state visit to Washington for his diplomacy on issues from Lebanon to Ukraine. And also, from Secretary of State Antony Blinken, over soccer. The top US diplomat, who spent part of his childhood in France, at a luncheon Thursday in honor of Macron offered a light-hearted thank-you to Macron over his favorite team. The years in Paris “gifted me with a lifelong love of soccer — or football, to use the correct word – and also the Paris Saint-Germain team,” Blinken said. “So while I couldn’t be prouder to cheer on Team USA at the World Cup, I’m also thrilled to see Kylian Mbappe working his magic for Les Bleus and, Mr. President, thank you for keeping him in Paris.” (https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer-loving-top-us-diplomat-223848846.html) Blinken made these remarks as he and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed Macron to a luncheon at the State Department.
Newsline: Chinese ‘super embassy’ blocked in London
A Chinese bid for a “super embassy” on the site on the old Royal Mint near Tower Bridge has been blocked amid fierce opposition and a growing political rift between Westminster and Beijing. In a shock decision, Tower Hamlets council voted unanimously to reject planning permission for the new multi million pound development in the heart of central London, despite advisers recommending the new hub be given the go ahead. Councillors normally follow these recommendations. (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/12/01/chinese-super-embassy-blocked-london-blow-xi-jinping/) The move will pile more pressure on London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Housing Secretary Michael Gove, who have a six-week challenge period in which they could decide to call in the verdict. Any public inquiry could take up to 18 months to resolve. Beijing’s new “super embassy” in London would be the largest of its kind in Europe and only around three miles away from Westminster.
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