Briefly

JAPAN

Tokyo edges toward 3rd emergency order

Japan's government was expected to issue a third state of emergency on Tokyo and three western prefectures that could last for about two weeks, according to media reports, underscoring its struggle to deal with a surge in new COVID-19 case numbers. Some analysts say the decision, expected to be made as early as Friday, may push Japan back into recession if retailers are asked to close during the Golden Week holidays, which start next week and run through early May. If adopted in all four regions that made requests, the emergency measures would cover almost a quarter of Japan's population of 126 million.

UNITED STATES

Bill squeezing Russia gas pipeline advances

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday to deliver aid to Ukraine in its struggle with Russia and pressure companies helping to build Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that could deprive Kiev of lucrative transit fees. The pipeline, led by Russian state gas company Gazprom and its Western allies, would bypass Ukraine, depriving it of billions of dollars in transit fees. US President Joe Biden has said the pipeline is a bad deal for Europe, but the project is about 95 percent complete. Ukraine is also seeking Western support in its standoff with Russia.

Biden risks Turkey ire with massacre shift

US President Joe Biden is expected to formally recognize the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as an act of genocide, sources said on Wednesday. The move is likely to infuriate Turkey and further strain already frayed ties between the two NATO allies. It would be largely symbolic but would mean breaking away from decades of carefully calibrated language from the White House. Biden is likely going to use the word "genocide" as part of a statement on Saturday when annual commemorations for the victims are held around the world.

Agencies - Xinhua