Moscow: Russia on Tuesday called the US tightening of oil sanctions on Iran an "aggressive and reckless" policy after Washington announced it was seeking to stop all exports of Iranian crude.
"Such a course of action adds nothing to the Americans' international standing," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "The rest of the world perfectly understands that Washington's policy is becoming more and more aggressive and reckless," it said.
The ministry said that "Washington is not even hiding its desire to make the world bend to its will," branding the heightened Iran sanctions "disturbing".
The United States on Monday announced that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude.
The move targets the Islamic Republic's main economic earner and adds to sanctions pressure that has built up under US President Donald Trump, who has pulled his country out of a 2015 international deal aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme.
Russia, which is allied with Iran in Syria, praised Tehran's "restraint" over "the arrogant American provocations".
It called for all parties "with common sense" to do what they can to ensure the accord over Iran's nuclear activities survives. Trump's decision to do away with the waivers has seen global oil prices rise, along with commercial tensions with China and India.
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Noida (PTI): Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has warned outsourcing agencies and contractors of strict action, including blacklisting and licence cancellation, in case of any unruly behaviour by them or their workers.
The warning comes in the wake of a large-scale protest by thousands of factory workers, including women, in Noida that turned violent on Monday.
Chairing a meeting with outsourcing agencies and contractors of various industrial units on Tuesday, Roopam stressed the need for 100 per cent compliance with government guidelines to maintain industrial peace in the district.
"All contractors must ensure 100 per cent adherence to government guidelines. If any unruly behaviour is exhibited by an agency, or by any of its employees or workers, the agency itself shall be held jointly responsible and in such instances, the agency may be blacklisted, and proceedings for the cancellation of its licence may be initiated," the DM said.
Referring to the revised minimum wage rates prescribed by the state government, the district magistrate said unskilled workers will receive Rs 13,690 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 15,059, and skilled workers Rs 16,868.
She directed contractors to ensure full compliance with these wage standards and to transfer wages directly into workers' bank accounts.
Emphasising the interdependence of stakeholders, Roopam said industry, workers and employers are mutually complementary.
"The smooth operation of industries safeguards employment opportunities, while the stability of employers simultaneously ensures the future of the workforce," she said.
She cautioned that any disruption in industrial activity would adversely impact all stakeholders as well as the overall development of the state.
The district magistrate also appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours or misleading information and urged all stakeholders to work with mutual cooperation and trust.
She assured that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of both workers and employers, and that the administration stands ready to act promptly to resolve any issues.
