Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on November 29, 2015. Reuters
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on November 29, 2015. Reuters
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on November 29, 2015. Reuters
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on November 29, 2015. Reuters

World

Israel suspends contact with some EU groups over labelling

Comes at the orders of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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JERUSALEM // Israel’s prime minister has suspended contacts with European Union representatives regarding the political process with the Palestinians to protest the bloc’s decision to label Israeli exports from the West Bank.

Israel’s foreign ministry said on Sunday that Mr Netanyahu had ordered contacts frozen until a “reassessment process is completed.”

It did not go into detail as to which institutions are affected. The peace process with the Palestinians broke down early last year.

Israel also said it would suspend dialogue on certain political issues earlier this month when the EU issued its new directive that labels Israeli produce made in the West Bank. Israel says the labelling is unfair and discriminatory. The EU says it is an accurate depiction of origin since the goods are not made in Israel. * Associated Press

Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE

Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:

• Buy second hand stuff

 They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.

• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres

 Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.

• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.

Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.

• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home

Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.

The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Price, base: Dh1.2 million

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm

Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined:  12.3L / 100km (estimate)

Zayed Sustainability Prize
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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