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music and opinion from Wales' wandering poet.
One Union
D'you Wanna Know the Diff'rence Between Heaven and Hell?
A song to inspire if not ''Revolution'' then... at least Action!
A way forward for the majority who love and aspire to build a better world
In Moldova a state of emergency
is introduced due to a possible
shortage of electricity
by Dmitry Arkhipov
December 16th, 8:06pm
(Gazeta.ru)
On Monday, December 16, a state of emergency in the
energy sector began to operate in Moldova. This is
reported by Sputnik Moldova.
The state of emergency was introduced ----- due to the
possible occurrence of an electricity shortage in the
country in January 2025, which may be caused by
the termination of the transit of Russian gas
through the territory of Ukraine.
They expect to compensate for the deficit by
purchasing electricity from Romania -- but
this measure will not help to fully cover
the shortage.
The duration of the state of emergency
will be 60 days.
On December 12, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman
Galushchenko said, during the German-Ukrainian
business forum in Berlin that Kiev is preparing
to stop Russian gas transit from January 1.
In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin said
that Ukraine --- does not intend to extend the
transit of Russian gas to Europe for 2025.
Such a decision means that Kiev closes the supply route
through the Sudzha gas measuring station -- which is
located in the Kursk region. This route is the only
one for the transit of Russian gas through
Ukraine... to Europe.
Earlier in Moldova, the opposition accused
Sandu ----- of raising gas tariffs.
____________________________________
MP of the Supreme Court of the PMR
Safonov accused Sandu of ignoring
the gas problem
December 9th, 8:12pm
(RT.ru)
Deputy of the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian
Moldavian Republic (PMR) Andrey Safonov accused
President Maia Sandu of ignoring the gas problem.
"There is less and less time left, until the New Year, and
according to open sources, a solution to the gas issue
for Moldova has not been found. It would seem, that
only lazy, was not noted for her statements on this
topic. But one.. is stubbornly silent," he wrote in
social networks.
Earlier, Moldovan Prime Minister, Dorin Rechan, announced plans to buy electricity in the West.
Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller and Moldovan Energy
Minister Viktor Parlikov agreed to continue
discussing gas supplies from
January 1, 2025.
Spiegel: Riyadh warned Germany three times
about the threat from the fair attacker
by Fyodor Korneev
December 21st, 2:34pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Saudi Arabia warned German law enforcement agencies
at least three times, about a potential threat from the
citizen of the kingdom who ran over visitors to the
Christmas market in Magdeburg. This was
reported by Der Spiegel magazine.
There are no further details about these warnings.
At the same time, Spiegel sources reported that back
in December 2023, German law enforcement officers
received a signal against the criminal, because of
his posts in social networks with threats
against Germany.
At the same time, local security forces, after checking
....did not reveal any risks coming from the man.
_________________________________________________
Scholz and Trump acknowledged
that the conflict in Ukraine has
dragged on
December 19th, 6:43pm
(RT.ru)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President-elect
Donald Trump held a telephone conversation --- and
admitted that the Ukrainian conflict has lasted
"too long".
This was stated by the representative of the German
Cabinet of Ministers, Steffen Hoebestreit.
It is noted that both politicians agree
that it is necessary to find a way
to peace, as soon as possible.
Earlier, US President-elect, Donald Trump,
announced plans to resolve the situation
in Ukraine - before the inauguration.
_______________________________________
Germany says growing awareness
in the West ....of Ukraine's defeat
December 19th, 5:19pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Western countries are aware that Ukraine has lost
in the conflict with Russia, German political
analyst Harley Schlanger told Izvestia
on December 19.
"There is a growing awareness in the West, that the
conflict has been lost, and now the main question
is how to negotiate a peace agreement without
losing face. After all, it was previously stated
that the West will win, and Russia will be
defeated," said Schlanger.
According to the expert, at the same time, an economic
downturn is observed in Western countries, which is
especially evident in Germany, whose economy is
"actually being dismantled".
Because of the sanctions, energy prices and the cost of
living are rising in the country, the economist added.
He also recalled the serious difficulties, including
layoffs, and layoffs faced by key car companies
such as Volkswagen.
"The Russian economy has become stronger, because
Putin and his team have used these sanctions as an
incentive to invest in those sectors of the economy
that create real wealth," Schlanger added.
Arms decline: Italy..... may change
its position on supporting Ukraine
Rome is waiting for the arrival of
the new Trump administration,
and the opposition is already
opposed to helping Kiev.
Earlier in the day, EU leaders confirmed at a summit in
Brussels their intention to continue supporting Kiev,
including military support. In addition - the head of
EU diplomacy Kaya Kallas said that it is pointless
to push Ukraine to negotiate with Russia.
In turn, the head of the French parliamentary faction of
the National Union party, Marine Le Pen, noted that the
West is pushing Ukraine to continue the conflict with
Russia which Kiev could not win from the very start.
The scenario of NATO intervention in the situation
threatens the beginning of the third world war,
the politician warned.
Western countries have stepped up military and financial
support for Kiev - against the backdrop of the Russian
special operation to protect the Donbass, which was
announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, on
February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region
worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.
_________________________________________________
Who is running for the post
of Chancellor of Germany?
5 Sarah Wagenknecht facts
December 18th, 12:08pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The leader of the party "Union of Sarah Wagenknecht - for Reason and Justice" (BSW) --- was nominated as a candidate for the German Chancellor election, which
will be held -- in February 2025. A politician who left
the Left-wing party, due to disagreements and then
pushed aside former colleagues in the elections -
& is considered a pro-Russian candidate. Izvestia
tells us what's known about Sarah Wagenknecht.
Fact 1. In Germany's press, she's known as the"Stalinist"
* Sarah Wagenknecht knows Russian well ---- as she was
born in the GDR, and in her school years was a member
of the "Union of Free German Youth "(similar to pioneri.
- Ed.). She read Karl Marx, was fascinated by the ideas
of communism - & hoped to save " socialist Germany."
She was 19 years old when the Berlin Wall fell & the
GDR & Germany were united. This event, according
to biographers, was, for her, a manifestation of the
"counter-revolution " --- and a personal failure.
* Sarah Wagenknecht's entire political career --- was based
on left-wing parties and her fascination with communism
affected her academic preferences: she read philosophy
at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands ---- and
defended her doctoral dissertation on political economy.
* Sarah Wagenknecht, is considered a pro-Russian
politician because she opposes sanctions against
Russia... although the rationale for this position is
quite pragmatic: economic restrictions deprived
Germany of energy carriers ------ and did not give
anything in return. She promotes the cessation
of aid to Ukraine and the start of peace talks,
which has made her one of the most hated
German politicians ---- for Kiev.
Fact 2. Opposes the "hospitality policy"
* The politician is remembered for her sharp criticism of
former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who lifted
restrictions --- on the admission of Syrian refugees. Wagenknecht was born to a German mother and
an Iranian student, & as a child she was bullied
because of her non-European appearance. But
her family history and left-wing views did not
prevent her from speaking out --- against
refugee migration to Germany.
* According to Wagenknecht, the disproportionate
number of refugees "overwhelms society": there
should be no areas where local residents are a
minority, she says. The politician also believes
that the population suffers from the migration
policy of the authorities, since the influx of
cheap labour, keeps wages for Germans at
low levels. Her stance on migration brought
her closer to the right-wing Alternative for
Germany (AfD) party and allowed her to
attract additional voters --------- as the
constant influx of refugees has
become one of the most
pressing issues in
German society.
Fact 3: She does not support climate extremism and a "culture of engagement"
* Sarah Wagenknecht criticized the Greta Thunberg- inspired "Fridays for the Future" movement.
According to the politician, supporters of the green
agenda.. are a privileged class of urban residents
who can afford organic products & electric cars.
Meanwhile, rural residents do not earn much
and drive gasoline engines. For them, the
additional burden of €40-50 — a tax
on carbon dioxide emissions — is
significant, the politician says.
* Sarah Wagenknecht's opponents accuse her of
populism and speaking out against minorities
because she voted against a bill to simplify
gender reassignment passed by the
German Parliament in early 2024.
The politician said at the time that the law "turns parents
and children into guinea pigs for an ideology that only
benefits the pharmaceutical lobby."
Fact 4. Ignored Zelensky's speech in the Bundestag
* The party of Sarah Wagenknecht --- and Alternative for
Germany boycotted the June speech of the President
of Ukraine.. Volodymyr Zelensky (powers expired in
May 2024) in the German Bundestag. Both parties oppose Kiev's military support.
In a statement, Wagenknecht said that Zelensky
contributes to the escalation and risk of a
nuclear conflict for the whole of Europe,
and therefore "he should not
be honoured."
* Sarah Wagenknecht has previously advocated an
objective view of the situation in Ukraine and a
peaceful settlement of the crisis: in her opinion,
"it will not be possible to end this conflict
without compromises." It also... does not
welcome the deployment of US missiles
on German territory, which could make
the country a possible target for a
Russian strike (we wrote about
the militarization of the EU and
the movement of US weapons).
Fact 5. Quickly gained popularity
* Thanks to her coolness, youth, brilliant analysis and
rhetoric, Sarah Wagenknecht gained popularity in
society. In 2023, she created a new political
association, which she called the "Sarah
Wagenknecht Union - for Reason and
Justice". In the regional elections in
September 2024, the new party
took a solid third place.
* Sarah Wagenknecht has been called a "media
phenomenon"in the Western press. Statements
that she opposes COVID-19 vaccination -- and
mandatory wearing of masks, have attracted
"anti-vaccinators" to her side & her socialist
orientation, combined with conservatism,
has helped rally those who supported
right-wing views, on the climate and
migration ---- but did not want to be
associated with nationalists, as
supporters of the right-wing
AfD are considered.
• The new political alliance not only pulled back
a part of the AfD vote, but also encouraged the
active part of the electorate that previously
could not find any representative of their
views, in the German political field, ie,
representatives of the working class.
_________________________________________
The UN General Assembly adopted
a resolution on combating the
glorification of Nazism
by Sergey Grekhov
(Night Line Editor)
December 17th, 11:15pm
(Lenta.ru)
The UN General Assembly adopted a Russian
resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism, RIA Novosti reports.
119 countries voted for it, while 53 countries,
including Ukraine, the US and Germany,
voted against it.
The document recommends taking measures in the
legislative and educational spheres to prevent the
revision of the history and results of the Second
World War.
At the same time, the resolution included an amendment
stating that Russia seeks to justify the need to conduct
its own fight ---- against neo-Nazism. The Russian
Federation has distanced itself from it,
the agency's publication says.
Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said that ''the refusal of the German authorities to recognize the genocide of the peoples of the
USSR, during the Great Patriotic War and
the siege of Leningrad is an insult, and
Moscow considers this position of
Berlin as an attempt to rewrite
history - in favour of the
Third Reich.''
_________________________
The Bundestag passed a vote
of no confidence - in the
Scholz government
December 16th, 3:40pm
(RT.ru)
The Bundestag has passed a vote of no confidence in
the government of the current German Chancellor
Olaf Scholz.
This paves the way for early parliamentary elections in
Germany. The preliminary date is February 23rd, 2025.
Earlier, Alexander Kamkin, a senior researcher at IMEMO
RAS, said in an interview with RT that the results of the
local elections in Germany's Thuringia and Saxony ----
indicate a total distrust of Scholz and his coalition.
______________________________________
Scholz: Germany will not send troops
to Ukraine - or supply it with Taurus
December 16th, 1:58pm
(RT.ru)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that, while he
heads the government, Germany will not send its
military to Ukraine and will not supply Kiev with
Taurus cruise missiles.
This is reported by RIA Novosti with reference
to the statement of the politician.
Scholz said, that Germany will not take decisions that
could threaten its own security, stressing ----- that the
supply of cruise missiles to Ukraine is unacceptable.
He explained that such missiles have a long range.....
and can be used for strikes on the territory of Russia.
"And we will definitely not send German soldiers to this
war, not with me as chancellor," Scholz pointed out.
The Chancellor drew attention to the fact -- that the issue
of Ukraine causes concern among German citizens, and
added that the country provides the greatest military
assistance to Kiev among European states.
Earlier, the Social Democratic Party of German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in the draft version of
the election program -- excluded the supply
of Taurus to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
____________________________________
Spiegel: German Foreign Ministry intends to --- more actively advocate for sanctions against Georgia
December 13th, 8:27pm
(RT.ru)
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs... wants to actively
advocate for possible EU sanctions against the
Georgian government," the article says.
It is noted that the State Minister for EU Affairs
Anna Luhrman is particularly active in favour
of sanctions against Georgia.
Earlier it was reported that the EU foreign Ministers
will discuss the possibility... of introducing new
sanctions over the situation in Georgia on
December the 16th.
[Rhondda Records adds - aren't non-UN sanctions...... illegal? I know that here in the UK and the US our leaders are tyrannical beasts! But what's happened to ''turn'' Germany?]
_____________________________________
Spiegel -------- Drones spotted over
military installations in Germany
by Sergey Gapchuk
December 13th, 3:22pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Unknown UAVs were spotted over a number of objects in
Germany, including the factories of the defense concern
Rheinmetall and the chemical company BASF. This was
reported by the German edition of Spiegel.
"Drones were spotted, several times, over a US military
base, the Rheinmetall defense concern and the BASF
chemical company," the publication says.
The publication noted that this concerns the security
authorities. However, there seems to be no means
of counteraction, the magazine notes.
The article clarified that the drones were seen over the
Ramstein base, on the evenings of December 3 and 4.
At the same time, the press service of the US Armed Forces - confirmed to the publication that ''unidentified drones'' were found near
the base ------ but assured that they did not have an impact on the facility's operation.
As the KP website wrote, on Friday in the US -- it caused concern about ''mysterious objects'' in the sky. It was
noted that --- since mid-November of this year -- the
emergency services received more than 3,000
reports of drones "the size of a car", which
were noticed at night over New York and
New Jersey.
President Macron Appoints
Francois Bayrou ...as PM
December 13th, 9am
(teleSUR)
This 73-year-old centrist politician becomes
the 4th head of government so far, this year.
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron
appointed Francois Bayrou, his ally since
arriving at the Élysée in 2017, as the
new Prime Minister.
He will become the fourth head of government this year,
replacing the conservative Michel Barnier just nine
days after the vote of no confidence that toppled
Barnier’s administration, the shortest-lived in
the country since World War II.
The 73-year-old centrist politician was received early
in the morning at the Élysée Palace, where he held
a nearly two-hour meeting with Macron before his
appointment was officially announced.
Bayrou faces the daunting task of overcoming the
political divisions in the National Assembly,
which is split among the left --- a slightly
dominant force; Macron’s supporters;
and the far-right.
His first priority will be to form a new government
tasked with preparing a budget for 2025, the
issue that led to Barnier’s downfall.
By appointing Bayrou, Macron is betting on the more
left-leaning faction of his alliance, hoping to win
favour from the Socialist Party.
Bayrou also enjoys a measure of goodwill from Marine
Le Pen’s far-right faction, as he shares her goal
of advocating for a more representative
electoral system.
A text reads, “French political life is now in vital
and urgent need of renewal, reconstruction and
change of landscape,” said François Bayrou in
2017. Rarely has this been truer than today.”
He has previously served as a minister twice, including
in a conservative government in the 1990s, and has
run for president three times (2002, 2007, & 2012).
Bayrou withdrew from the 2017 presidential race to
support Macron, whom he saw.. as embodying his
vision of breaking the traditional left-right divide.
His appointment as head of government - the sixth under
Macron in seven years of his presidency - has been met
with lukewarm reactions from various political parties.
The left party, La France Insoumise (LFI), announced
it will immediately file a motion of no confidence.
The Greens also appear unenthusiastic about the
appointment. The Socialists and Communists,
have left the door open to an agreement,
although they have ruled out joining
Bayrou’s government.
Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, stated
that the right will maintain “the same red lines” it had
with Barnier, whom it ultimately brought down in the December 4th vote.. of no confidence.
However, he noted that there will not be a motion of no
confidence a priori against the new prime minister,
as they wait to see his performance in office.
The IMF has added new conditions to continue financing Ukraine.. In total, creditors have
imposed ---- over 50
obligations on Kiev
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
December 22nd, 1:36am
(Lenta.ru)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), has added three
new conditions for Kiev to continue financing after
the latest audit of Ukraine's compliance with its
obligations.. under the Extended Fund Facility
(EFF). This was stated - by the head of the
Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance,
Daniil Hetmantsev.
One of the conditions was the preparation of an
operational strategy for the securities market
regulator and the stock market. In addition,
Kiev.... should prepare and submit to
Parliament -- a bill on critical third-
party risks.. faced by banks, non-
banking institutions & payment
systems. Another condition is
to conduct and publish an
external assessment of
the regulator's work in
the energy and the
utilities sector.
According to Getmantsev, now there are 51 structural
beacons — this is how the IMF calls its mandatory
conditions — and 34 of them have been fulfilled,
and five.... with a delay.
On December 20, the IMF Board of Executive Directors
approved the allocation of the next EFF tranche to
Ukraine. We are talking about the transfer
of $ 1.1 billion to Kiev.
In October -- the IMF approved the allocation of the
next tranche for Kiev. The organization expressed
the opinion that the Ukrainian economy remains
''stable'' ------ despite the difficult conditions.
IMF considers restoring contacts with Russia
On September 12, the fund decided to resume the consultations with Russia, suspended
in 2022. However, officials of a number
of EU countries - told the head of the
fund, Kristalina Georgieva, that the
implementation of the announced
plans will cut... the willingness
of donor countries to support
Ukraine through the IMF's
initiatives ------ as it will
undermine confidence
in it.
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
explained... that the IMF stated its technical
unwillingness to send a mission to Russia
to consult on the state of the economy.
According to the ministry, the Russian side is ready to
receive representatives of the fund in fulfillment of its
obligations under the charter, but it is too early to
talk about new terms for holding consultations.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexey
Overchuk, said at the 109th meeting of the
Development Committee of the IMF and
the World Bank (WB) --- that these
organizations --- should switch
their attention from Ukraine
to the Gaza Strip.
According to the Russian side, international financial
institutions are not doing enough for Gaza, which
"sharply contrasts with the billions spent on
supporting the agonized Nazi regime
in Ukraine."
A separate fund was created for Ukraine
In October, the World Bank's Board of Directors
approved the creation... of a new financial
intermediary fund, designed to help Kiev.
It is expected that these measures will
allow the G7 countries to fulfill the
promise made at the summit in
June, to provide Ukraine with
up to $50 billion by the end
of the year. The fund.. will
also allow non-EU states
to participate in a
"larger loan".
Russia did not support the creation of the new fund.
However, Moscow was the only one who opposed,
and its share of votes is not enough to block
this decision.
Earlier, the head of the EU Ursula von der Leyen said
that the EU spent 130 billion euros ---- on Ukraine. It
also became known that the EU countries intend to
provide assistance to Kiev --- for 30 billion euros in
2025, including 18.1 billion, which were ''gained''
as profit ------ from frozen Russian assets.
________________________________________
Gaza a‘crucible of suffering’
for civilians: Irish president
December 21st, 5:34pm
(PressTV)
Irish President Michael D. Higgins... says Israel has
transcended all of the boundaries of humanitarian
law ...since the beginning of its genocidal war
against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In his final Christmas address to the country, on Friday,
Higgins, whose term will expire in 2025, made special
mention of the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and
other war zones around the world.
He said Gaza has “now become a crucible of suffering
for children and their families” with over 45,000 dead,
17,000 of whom children, and perhaps 11,000 under
the rubble.
He slammed international inaction
on the killing of civilians.
“The silence of many influential figures ------ in the face of
gross human rights violations against civilians - grants
impunity to those who blatantly impose collective
punishments on civilians, including starvation,
which, as I speak, particularly affects
women and children,” the Irish
president emphasized.
At least 45,227 Palestinians, mostly children and women,
have been killed and 107,573 wounded -- in the war that
Israel began on October 7, 2023, following a retaliatory
operation by the Palestinian territory’s resistance
movements.
Ireland and Israel are currently involved in a diplomatic
spat - over Dublin’s support for Palestinians.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a statement
last week that the regime will close its embassy in
Ireland for what he claimed was “extreme
anti-Israel policy.”
In response to the decision... Irish Foreign Minister,
Micheal Martin, defended his country's stance on
the developments in the West Asia region - and
said demanding accountability for the ongoing
Israeli campaign of genocide in Gaza ...and
respect for international law, cannot be
seen as "hostile acts towards Israel."
Earlier this month, Ireland officially joined South Africa’s
genocide case against Israel at the International Court
of Justice (ICJ) following government approval --- and
called on the court to "broaden its interpretation"
of what constitutes genocide.
___________________________________________
Community Organization Asks
El Salvador Deputies Not to
Repeal Mining Law
December 21st, 4:20pm
(teleSUR)
The Santa Marta Economic and Social Development
Association (ADES), a community organization,
urged the Congress deputies this Saturday
not to repeal the law that bans mining in
El Salvador, given the possibility of a
new regulation that would allow
such practices in the Central
American country.
“On the eve' of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ --- we
ask our honourable Members of Parliament not to repeal
the Mining Prohibition Act. It is a betrayal of the poorest
and most vulnerable people, a betrayal that has roots
in greed ---- to the detriment of natural resources,” the ADES said in an X statement.
In early December, the Salvadoran president, Nayib
Bukele, asked Salvadorans to trust his government
to allow metal mining --- banned since 2017---
because.... “we will do it well and we will
not care for the environment, we will
improve the environment”.
Furthermore, the organisation highlighted: that there is
no mining that does not affect the environment, there
is no responsible mining, the damage is irreversible,
especially in a territory as small as our El Salvador.
The deputy Christian Guevara, of the official New Ideas
(NI) party, entered on Friday night, at the request of the government, a piece of correspondence from
the General Law of Metal Mining to be
studied by the commission of
Technology, Tourism
and Innovation.
The proposal will be known this Saturday, by the
members of that commission, also dominated
by officials. The president of the Legislative
Assembly, Ernesto Castro, called for a
plenary session on Monday, but it is
unknown.... whether the law will
be approved in that session.
Social and environmental organizations, the Catholic
Church and the state-run Universidad de El Salvador
(UES) have called for the anti-mining law not to be
repealed, and for this practice not to be allowed
in the country -- because of its effects on rural
communities and the environment.
_______________________________________
Chile & Bolivia sign agreements
on migration - and their borders
December 21st, 7:45am
(Prensa Latina)
The governments of Chile and Bolivia signed important
agreements on cooperation in the areas of migration,
border transit - and the fight against smuggling.
The first agreement establishes a procedure for the repatriation of migrants who are nationals of both countries or of a third country - and who are
identified when they enter illegally within
10 kilometres of the border.
It also stipulates that repatriated foreigners
must have a record of regular entry into
the territory, to be returned.
Chile and Bolivia have also agreed - that residents of
border areas will be allowed to travel to an adjacent
town in the neighbouring country and stay there for
a maximum of three days.
To this end, they will be issued with a Border
Neighbourhood Transit Card, which will be
implemented gradually, starting with the
municipality of Colchane in Chile, and
the municipality of Sabaya in Bolivia.
A third agreement provides for the strengthening
of coordination measures... to prevent and
investigate smuggling.
This will include the exchange of information and
the conduct of joint operations at authorised
and unauthorised border crossings.
Chile described the signing of the agreements, as
a milestone that will strengthen cooperation in
border control, the fight against smuggling
and regulation of neighbouring transit.
Meanwhile, Bolivian Prime Minister Eduardo del Castillo
said that working together, was the best way to bring
benefits to both peoples.
The two countries have not had diplomatic relations
since 1978, due to Bolivia’s centuries-old claim to
an outlet to the sea, and bilateral relations
remain... at consular level.
___________________________________________
Unexpected blackouts have hit Ecuador
.despite promises of them soon ending
December 21st, 6:20am
(Prensa Latina)
Several cities in Ecuador, reported blackouts on Friday,
due to a fault in a transmission line, triggering outages
despite the government's promise that there would be
no more interruptions.
Last night, residents of Quito, Guayaquil and Santo
Domingo de los Tsáchilas reported on social
media .....that they were in the dark.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that there
was a failure in the 500 kilowatt Chorrillos-Tisaleo
transmission line, as a consequence of adverse
weather conditions in the area, coupled by
heavy rain.
“The Ministry of Energy and Mines, in coordination with
the technical team of the Electric Corporation of
Ecuador (CELEC EP), is working hard to restore
the service...... in the shortest possible time,”
the ministry stated on its X account.
Friday morning Prensa Latina confirmed the suspension
of the service in the La Carolina sector, in the north of
the capital, and there was a blackout in the southern
city of Cuenca.
In the case of Quito, the Electric Company indicated
that a failure occurred “during a voltage change
project that caused the disconnection.”
Earlier, the Minister in charge of Energy and Mines
of Ecuador, Inés Manzano, had hailed the end of
power cuts in the residential sector after three months of rationing.
“We have complied,” said Manzano on her social
networks in reference to the promise of the
president, Daniel Noboa, to end power
interruptions by December 20.
The end of the blackouts does not include seven large
companies (two steel mills, two mining companies
and three cement factories) and experts agree
that the electrical emergency - has not yet
ended, because the country’s electricity
demand has not yet been met.
Ecuador had been dealing with power cuts of up to 14
hours a day since September 23, amid the drought
griping the country -- and continued demands to
the President -- because of the lack of timely
measures to cope with the crisis.
The Minister of Economy and Finance of Ecuador, Juan
Carlos Vega, estimated that the blackouts have
caused losses from one and 1.5 percent of
the Gross Domestic Product.
____________________________________
''Protesters'' block
Rustaveli Avenue
in Tbilisi
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
December 19th, 8:13pm
(Lenta.ru)
Participants of the protest action - blocked Rustaveli
Avenue in Tbilisi in front of the parliament building.
This is reported by a RIA Novosti correspondent
from the scene of the event.
The 21st day of protest of the opposition-minded
population is being held in the Georgian capital.
On December 19, some athletes and representatives
of medical fields paraded in front of the parliament.
People marched to the parliament, having been
previously gathered at various locations in
the capital.
The marchers// oppose the suspension by the Georgian
authorities of negotiations with the EU on accession
to the union. Employees of publishing houses are
participating in the ''protest''.
Earlier, EU ''High Representative'' for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, said that the EU wants to
impose personal sanctions on numbers of Georgian
politicians, but there is still no unity on this issue.
In particular, it is ''planned'' to cancel the
visa-free regime for several politicians.
[Rhondda Records adds --- no doubt waiting to see if Georgia's elected government will falter like in Ukraine... in the face of an unconstitutional rent-a-crowd]
_________________________________________
The EU did not call for sanctions
against Georgia after the summit
December 19th, 7:49pm
(RT.ru)
Following the summit, EU leaders did not call for
sanctions against Georgia and expressed their
readiness to support Tbilisi on the path to
membership in the association.
"The EU Council --- once again --- expresses its serious
concern about the course of action of the Georgian
government, which contradicts the values and
principles of the EU," RIA Novosti quotes
the statement.
At the same time, the association recalled its readiness
to support Tbilisi's aspiration to join the EU ------ if the
country's authorities change their current course.
Earlier, the US announced a new package
of sanctions against Georgia.
________________________________________
EU ''leaders''call for increased efforts
to supply weapons to Ukraine
December 19th, 4:16pm
(Izvestia.ru)
After the summit in Brussels, the EU's leaders - stressed
that discussions on peace in Ukraine should take place
only with the participation of Kiev.
In addition, they confirmed their intention to continue
supporting Kiev, including military support. So, the
country is going to allocate €30.6 billion in 2025:
€12.5 billion ----- from the EU Fund for Support of
Ukraine and €18.1 billion ------ from the G7's loan
program for €45 billion ---- repaid at the expense
of income from the Russian Federation's assets.
In addition, some EU countries expressed their
readiness to introduce new anti-Russian
sanctions ---- and also decided to keep
the assets of the Russian Federation
frozen - if Moscow does not comply
with their ''requirement'' of paying
compensation to Kiev.
Earlier in the day, the newly appointed head of EU diplomacy Kaya Callas, said that it was pointless
to push Ukraine... to negotiate with Russia. She
urged first -------- to make sure of the security
guarantees for Kiev.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for his part, recalled
during the "Results of the Year" - that Russia is ready
to negotiate with Ukraine, despite Kiev's refusal to
engage in dialogue. Moscow agrees to negotiate
without preconditions, but on the basis of the
Istanbul agreements and the realities on the
ground, he said.
Putin also drew attention to the fact that Ukraine needs
not a truce -- but a long-term peace with guarantees.
The Russian president called the peace initiatives
of China, Brazil and South Africa, a sincere
attempt to find a solution.
Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Kiev... against the backdrop of the Russian
special operation to protect the Donbass, which was
announced by Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on
February 24, 2022 - after the situation in the region
worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.
On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin defended the
restrictions imposed by Russia’s communications
regulator, Roskomnadzor, on YouTube & Google.
“YouTube and Google ---- must respect our laws, distance
themselves from online scams, and, in particular, must
not exploit or abuse the network to serve the goals of their governments,” he stated.
Putin pointed out that people turn to search engines for
information about Russian music and culture, but
instead, “content appears that has no relation
to culture or music and is propaganda for
certain political platforms.” He also
accused Western platforms --- of
practically erasing the names
of Russian artists, bloggers,
and politicians.
“All of this is a violation of Russian laws. Therefore, they
must choose: either they respect our laws, which might
subject them to... certain limitations in their own
countries, or they operate exclusively there.
But if they want to work here, they must
comply with Russian laws,”
he emphasized.
Due to Western sanctions, Google has effectively
stopped funding its subsidiaries in Russia - and
providing them with the necessary equipment
for proper operations. “In doing so, it created
additional problems ------- for itself,” Putin
pointed out.
Russia periodically fines major Western tech companies
for various violations of its laws, such as refusing to
remove false information from their servers... or
disseminating prohibited content, including
child pornography, instructions for
making explosives, or calls
for terrorism.
For these reasons, since 2022, Russian authorities have
blocked the services of Twitter (now X) and Facebook,
a company that has been designated as “extremist.”
Since early December, YouTube traffic has dropped
by 50%, marking the second-largest decline since
the sharp 70% reduction in August.
Experts in geopolitics and mass media believe that the
media aggression against Russia, aims to cover up the
aggressiveness of the U.S. and NATO --- and to spread
misinformation about the goals of a special military
operation in the Donbas ------ which is intended to combat Ukrainian Nazism.
________________________________________________
Venezuela -- Exports
Fishery Products to
the U.S. and China
December 19th, 12:58pm
(teleSUR)
This Thursday, Venezuela’s Minister of Fisheries and
Aquaculture, Juan Carlos Loyo, confirmed that the
country exported more than 100 tons of seafood
products, including lobster, black scabbardfish,
and cannonball jellyfish, to China and the US.
The export—which was carried out in compliance
with national and international health protocols
and measures—is part of a plan to establish a
non-oil-dependent economy in Venezuela,
he stated.
The state-owned broadcaster VTV reported that
this export resulted from negotiations held in
Shanghai, China --- during the 7th Edition of
the China International Import Expo 2024.
As part of its plan to diversify external markets,
Venezuela has also exported seafood products
to South Korea and the Dutch islands of Aruba
and Curaçao.
A text reads: “The fishing sector ------- was one of those that
grew in 2023 in Venezuela. Do you know why? Because the fishermen are very well organized and they decide through the Venezuelan Councils of Fishermen and Fishermen Aquaculturists (CONPPA).... what they are to fish, what they need --- and what their priorities are.
There are about 75,500 of them, grouped into 1,300 Councils. I went with them to a fishing trip, I almost died in the attempt. I got horribly dizzy.
The most interesting thing was the birds
that followed us, because they
knew we were going to fish -
and they left us in the lurch
--- when they realized we
couldn’t catch anything.
The fish made fun of us, entered the cage and ate the
bait and left. But why did that happen? They were
expecting tuna and they haven’t arrived, the sea
is hot. What is abundant are sardines. Watch
the story.”
By 2030, Venezuela's authorities project a production of
600,000 tons of shrimp, 60% of which is expected to be
destined for the China market, according to Fernando
Villamizar, president of the Association of Shrimp
Producers of the West (Asoproco).
On May the 18th, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced that seafood exports..... grew by 2% in the
first four months of the year. He also reaffirmed, that economic partnerships with China will enable more growth in the country’s fishing industry. The
Bolivarian leader noted that Venezuela
exports 31 marine species to
24 countries.
______________________________
President Sheinbaum Signs a Decree
to Protect Mexico's Textile Industry
December 19th, 12:09pm
(teleSUR)
The new measures aim to preserve
approximately 400,000 jobs.
On Thursday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
signed a decree to increase tariffs by 35% on
manufactured clothing and 15% on
textile imports. However, the new
regulation will not apply to
countries with which....
now Mexico has free
trade agreements.
She also expanded the list of products that cannot be
imported under the Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and
Export Services Industry Program (IMMEX) -- which
allows companies to, temporarily, import goods to
be used in industrial processes... or the provision
of services. Its goal is to manufacture, transform,
repair, or provide export services without paying
the general import tax, value-added tax, or
compensatory fees.
Economy Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, explained: that the
new measures aim to protect approximately 400,000
jobs in the textile industry ---- which experienced a
4.8% production contraction in 2024. So far this
year.... around 79,000 jobs have been lost
in the textile industry... which is mainly
concentrated in the states of Mexico,
Puebla, Hidalgo, Coahuila,
Guanajuato, and Jalisco.
“Since 2019 --- we have imported more than we exported.
Imports of textiles increased by 0.8%, & manufactured
clothing --- by 12.5%. Companies under the IMMEX
program, which imports parts or products that
are supposedly unfinished, must return at
least 80% of the goods they import.”
He also explained that companies must prove they used
the goods to ultimately export them --- or complete a productive process. The Economy Minister
warned that 48% of these imports did not
meet the requirements for return or
export and remained in the
Mexican market.
“That’s why --- we are closing the door. These are
measures to protect one of the most important
industries for employment in Mexico. If we
don’t take steps to prevent abuse or the
low prices associated with ‘dumping,’
the Mexican textile industry would
be at a disadvantage,”
Ebrard stated.
“The goal ------- is to foster the development of the
Mexican textile industry, promote employment,
and ensure fair market conditions,” he added.
___________________________________
India and BRICS -- Charting a
Path to a New Global Future
by Digvijay Singh
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024
Narendra Modi’s recent engagement at the BRICS
Summit ---- underscored India’s ascendant role in
international governance. In an era marked by
escalating geopolitical tensions, this coalition
of Brazil, Russia, India, China, & South Africa
is reshaping the global order and redefining
the principles of international cooperation.
The summit ---- provided a crucial platform for member
nations to confront pressing challenges, ranging from
territorial disputes to economic inequalities ---- while articulating a collective vision for a balanced future.
With India at the forefront, leveraging its diplomatic
strength and strategic insight - BRICS emerges as
a beacon of hope for new opportunities in global collaboration and development.
A cornerstone of the BRICS deliberations ---------- was the
collective commitment to safeguarding border stability
and tranquillity, particularly in volatile regions such as
the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and
China. The enduring tensions along the LAC have
highlighted the precariousness of peace; yet, the
summit reaffirmed the importance of principles
like mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.
These tenets are indispensable for conflict resolution
and de-escalation --- enabling all nations to prioritise
diplomacy over discord. India emphasised the
imperative of rigorous border patrols to pre-
empt any inadvertent escalations.
PM Modi’s insistence on vigilant engagement along
the LAC signals India’s unwavering commitment to
protecting territorial integrity -- while championing
peaceful dialogue.
The summit’s consensus reinforced the notion.. that
sustainable peace, hinges on strategic cooperation,
particularly in regions rife with geopolitical tension.
The unified stance by BRICS in calling for an immediate
permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is noteworthy,
highlighting the urgent crisis in West Asia.
The humanitarian consequences of this conflict, demand
prompt intervention. As a bloc representing a significant
portion of the global population, BRICS seeks to act as
a mediator in international disputes. Prime Minister
Modi’s reaffirmation of India’s commitment to non-
alignment and his call for peaceful conflict
resolution align closely with BRICS’ vision
of a balanced approach to global issues.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.... cast a significant
shadow over the recent BRICS summit -- highlighting
India’s crucial role within the bloc. As one of the few
nations advocating for neutrality --- while navigating
complex geopolitical dynamics, India demonstrated
remarkable diplomatic skill.
The summit emerged as a vital forum for serious
dialogue, with calls for multilateral diplomacy
and an urgent cessation of hostilities. Prime
Minister Modi’s strong commitment to
peaceful negotiations not only show-
cased India’s leadership ----- but also
underscored its dedication: to safe-
guarding national interests amidst
challenging circumstances.
The summit reinforced BRICS’ position -- as a formidable
counterbalance to the Western-dominated international
order. With nearly 42 per cent of the global population
and 25 per cent of world GDP, BRICS is emerging as a
credible alternative to the G7 & other Western-centric
institutions. A central focus is ---- restructuring global
institutions to reflect the rising influence of the
Global South and challenge the dominance of
a select few powers. A key expression of this
ambition, is the New Development Bank
(NDB), based in Shanghai.
Created to serve as an alternative to traditional financial
institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, the NDB
aims --- to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
By reducing dependence on Western financial systems,
often seen as inequitable ----- the NDB embodies BRICS’
vision for a more inclusive global economic framework.
This initiative enhances funding access for member
states and positions BRICS as a pivotal architect in
shaping a new political economy - that emphasises
cooperative development over unilateral imposition.
Furthermore, BRICS is actively exploring.. alternatives to
the US dollar’s hegemony in global trade. By advocating
for using local currencies in international transactions,
BRICS seeks to forge... a more decentralised financial
ecosystem. The bloc’s efforts towards de-dollarising
are paramount, particularly as nations increasingly
seek to reduce their dependency on the dollar and
establish financial sovereignty.
India has championed the concept of rupee-based trade
with its partners, reflecting the bloc’s collective
aspiration to diversify global financial
mechanisms and also, bolster
economic autonomy.
India’s prominent role at the BRICS summit exemplifies
its ascendant influence on the global stage. PM Modi’s
diplomatic acumen and strategic foresight position
India as a vanguard for the Global South and its
commitment. His articulation of an inclusive
development agenda resonates profoundly
with the ethos of BRICS, which seeks to
reframe the systemic inequalities
perpetuated by the existing
global order.
Central to India’s vision is the pursuit of sustainable
development ------ particularly in green energy. Modi
emphasised India’s leadership in the International
Solar Alliance ----- and advocated for more deep
collaboration within BRICS ----- on renewable
technologies and sustainable development.
As the world grapples with the existential threat
of climate change, India’s proactive stance on
environmental sustainability underscores its
commitment to lead global climate action.
Initiatives - such as the National Green Hydrogen
Mission place India at the forefront of innovation
in green energy, reinforcing its status as a
pivotal player in the global transition to
clean energy.
Decoding the diplomatic front, India’s ability to maintain
neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and advocating
for dialogue underscores its rising status as a mediator
in global affairs. This balancing act, reflects India’s
broader foreign policy strategy, which champions
non-alignment and constructive engagement....
without compromising its strategic autonomy.
Modi’s leadership at BRICS has reinforced India’s
commitment to multilateral diplomacy and
engagements, positioning the nation as
a stabilising force amidst global
uncertainties.
The summit also addressed a plethora of challenges,
including economic instability, climate change, and
terrorism. In the aftermath of the pandemic,
compounded by the disruptions of the
Russia-Ukraine conflict, the global
economy remains precarious.
BRICS leaders underscored the importance of enhanced
economic cooperation and comprehensive partnerships
among emerging markets, advocating for increased
intra-BRICS trade.
As BRICS consolidates its position now - as a vital
counterbalance in international affairs ---- India is
poised to shape the future of global governance, ensuring that the perspectives & needs of the
Global South are amplified and prioritised on
the world stage.
Digvijay Singh is an Assistant Professor of Political
Science at the University of Delhi and founder and
director of the House of Political Empowerment
Research and Innovation Foundation, a
New Delhi-based think tank.
Source: www.news18.com
___________________________________
What’s in BRICS for Us?
by Cielito F. Habito
December 18th, 2024
Are we falling behind and getting left out ---- again? Our
close Asean neighbors Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand,
& Vietnam have already been designated as “Partner
States” --------- by the economic bloc known as BRICS.
The group, whose name comes from the initials of its first five members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, & South
Africa, expanded this year... to now include Iran,
Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia has also been invited, but has
yet to accept.
Waiting in the wings as “Partner States” are 13 others,
but the official members so far account for 35 percent
of global GDP–already more than the collective GDP
of the Group of Seven (G7) composed of seven of
the most advanced economies, namely Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK, and US.
BRICS also dwarfs G7 in total combined population (45
percent of world population vs. G7’s 10 percent), and
covers twice the land area (30 percent of total vs.
G7’s 15 percent). And --- with over 40 countries
expressing interest to join, BRICS is poised
to be a dominant grouping.... in the
years ahead.
BRICS is considered to be the foremost geopolitical rival
to the G7 bloc, with the former seen as China-led... and
the latter as US-led, they being the largest economies
in each. Many see the rivalry as adversarial. Even so,
it is said that BRICS will not (& does not necessarily
aim to) supplant the US as global economic leader,
but simply bring about a “multipolar” world order
that gives the “Global South” a greater voice
and role in the world agenda.
After all, Brazil and India call themselves “nonaligned,”
making it unlikely..... that members will align behind a
common China-driven strategy. India has in fact been
at odds with China ---- and rejects the anti-Western
stance it shares with Russia and newcomer Iran.
These three --- wish to supplant the dollar as the global
reserve currency --- and establish an alternative global
payments system ....to circumvent Western sanctions
on their financial dealings. But other members..... like
South Africa & Egypt value economic diversification
and the flexibility to continue active engagement
with the West. And as BRICS grows further with
the entry of more members, it’s less likely to
take a unified adversarial stance against
the Western economic bloc.
So what’s in BRICS for the Philippines? The rising
economic power of BRICS spells opportunities to
diversify our trade beyond traditional markets
like the US and Japan.
While China is already our top trading partner - its further
economic expansion, along with further new markets its
Belt and Road Initiative could open ----- will further widen
trade opportunities and help strengthen our connectivity
within the region. India also holds wider opportunities
for us, especially in information technology services.
With our strong English-speaking populations, there
is great potential for collaboration in outsourcing
services, software development, and digital
innovation. Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and
newer BRICS members also offer unique
trade prospects, particularly for
Philippine agricultural and
food products.
Opportunities also lie in the alternative development
financing mechanisms of BRICS ----- like the New
Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent
Reserve Arrangement.
These could open new options for development finance
for us, and help reduce dependency on the US-
dominated International Monetary Fund and
World Bank. NDB financing could also be
an alternative to Chinese bilateral infra-
structure loans, and offer potentially
more favorable terms --- while also
diversifying our capital sources.
BRICS membership could gain us more leverage in
negotiations with Western financial institutions,
and obtain for us more competitive loan terms
from traditional lenders. Further opportunities
would lie in overseas employment potentials
for skilled and semi-skilled Filipinos --- with
many already working in BRICS countries
in health care, construction, and
other services.
A core motivation behind BRICS is to reduce dependency
on Western economic systems and promote a multipolar
world order. As the bloc strengthens, it could potentially
reshape global institutions & create alternative systems
for trade & finance. For the Philippines, this shift could
offer a chance to balance its relations with Western
powers and rising Eastern economies, enhancing
its strategic resilience.
BRICS could offer the Philippines more geopolitical room
to maneuver, allowing it to engage with both Western
and non-Western economies without being overly
dependent on any single power bloc.
Closer relations with BRICS could give the Philippines
alternative allies in times of regional tensions or
economic crises, including in dealing with its
complex geopolitical relationship with
China, in the West Philippine Sea.
Should we knock on BRICS’ door now?
I’d say we should.
Source: opinion.inquirer.net
_________________________________________
Malaysia to Boost Economic Ties
with BRICS--- for Global Growth
by Qistina Sallehuddin
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024
Malaysia is committed to enhancing economic and trade
relations with BRICS countries for shared prosperity &
a more balanced global economic development, said
the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the
7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Anwar
said that Malaysia's decision to participate in
the international organisation reflects its
commitment to a shared future.
The prime minister also cited Chinese President Xi
Jinping's recent remarks during the recent BRICS
Summit in Kazan, Russia, urging the adoption of
a spirit of a shared future to oppose the forces
of discord and protectionism.
China had also urged BRICS members and others
to uphold global peace and security and called
for the bloc's members to share their
experience and expertise with
the world.
"Under the leadership of Xi, we have China promoting
this (policy) aggressively, emphasising that the world
should benefit everyone, every country, big or small.
"The principle of a shared future has also been well
received by countries across Asia, Africa, Latin
America and the Global South. (Hence,) this is
why Malaysia agreed to participate in BRICS,"
he said in his keynote address.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India and
China, was established in 2009 as a cooperation
platform for emerging economies, with South
Africa joining in 2010. The bloc collectively
accounts for one-fifth of global trade.
On Oct 24, Malaysia was among 13 nations officially
added to BRICS as a partner country, although
Malaysia is not yet a full member.
Meanwhile, Anwar commended China's phenomenal
success not only in issues of governance and
pragmatic policies under the leadership of
Premier Li Qiang but also in ensuring that
trade, investments and economic
prosperity... will be beneficial to
the international community.
"This is, of course, not an easy remark
as it is contrary to the expressions of
many powerful world economies.
"That is why I think, I would join many of my
colleagues in commending China and its
leadership for this departure from very
obscure, condescending and unfair
trading practices.
"This international expo (CIIE), provides an opportunity,
not only for Chinese companies but also for companies
worldwide, small companies and medium enterprises
to showcase their capacity and capability while
attracting imports, new investments or an
expansion of trade.
"Therefore, multi-country cooperation for free trade and
sustainability goals must be used as a tool to advance
global progress equitably, instead of as a weapon to
quell competition, promote unfair advantage or
create conflict."
New Straits Times
Source: www.nst.com.my
__________________________
The First Vessel From Chancay
Megaport-- Reaches Shanghai
December 18th, 12:23pm
(teleSUR)
This event - marks the effective start of the ‘Belt
and Road Cooperation’ between China and Peru.
On Wednesday, after a 23-day journey across the Pacific
Ocean, the “Xin Shanghai” became the first ship to
arrive at Shanghai’s Yangshan Port from Chancay,
Peru's megaport - officially opened in November.
The journey also... marked the opening of the two-way
operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay
Port, a newly inaugurated flagship project of Belt
and Road cooperation between China and Peru.
The cargo on the voyage includes a variety of
Peruvian products, such as blueberries,
avocados and mineral products.
According to Wu Jianzhong, a regional manager at Joy
Wing Mau Fruit Technologies Corporation Limited
(JWM), owner of the Peruvian blueberries on the
vessel -- half the blueberries will be distributed
in Shanghai, targeting wholesale markets and
supermarkets in east China, while the rest
will be shipped to northern China.
Before the opening of Chancay Port, trade between Peru
and China was primarily handled through Peru’s Port of
Callao. With Chancay Port now operational ---- more
container shipping services have been introduced
along the South American west coast, reducing
shipping time between Peru and China to
around 23 days — much faster than
the current market average.
The launch of the new route is expected to enhance the
entry of Peru’s fresh fruits and other products into the
Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.
To ensure the quality of perishable goods during
transport, China COSCO Shipping Corporation
Limited --- has integrated cutting-edge
technology and digital solutions.
These innovations - enable the real-time monitoring
of temperature and humidity --- ensuring a secure
and efficient cold-chain process.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its
shipping routes.. based on the development of
Chancay Port and contribute to establishing
a new land-sea transport corridor between
Latin America and Asia.
This new direct route between Chancay Port and
Shanghai ---- will contribute to a more efficient,
interconnected trade network linking Peru’s
coastal regions with inland areas, as well
as other Latin American countries, said
Chen Xiaochen, the trade manager
for Latin America... at COSCO
Shipping Lines Co., Ltd.
The route is a significant landmark in China’s broader
strategy of enhancing global maritime connectivity,
demonstrating the country’s growing role in
building a more integrated and efficient
international trade network,
Chen added.
As the first smart and green port in South America,
the Chancay Port, inaugurated in November, is
located about 78 km north of Lima, the
capital of Peru.
With a total length of 1,500 metres and 4 berths, the
port, powered by China’s intelligent technologies,
can handle ships with a capacity of 18,000 TEUs
(twenty-foot equivalent units) and is projected
to process 1 million TEUs annually, with the
capacity to scale up to 1.5 million TEUs
in the long run.
_________________________________________
Ipsos: Starmer breaks recordin
anti-rating of British premieres
December 17th, 10:08pm
(RT.ru)
Keir Starmer's rating has become a record low among
all British prime ministers ------- over the past 40 years.
This is evidenced by the results of a survey
conducted by the research company Ipsos.
"Only 27% of Britons are satisfied with Starmer's work,
while 61% express dissatisfaction, resulting in a net
satisfaction index of -34," RIA Novosti reports.
Earlier, Sky News reported that Starmer refused to
call Russian President Vladimir Putin, after the
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did so.
Also, Daily Mail columnist Peter Hitchens expressed
the opinion that Britain is not ready for a direct
clash with Russia, when lifting the ban on
striking deep inside its territory.
_______________________________________
How Joining BRICSCould Give
Thailand and Malaysia a
New Economic Edge
by George Styllis
December 17th, 2024
(Asia Property Awards)
When Goldman Sachs’ chief economist Jim O’Neill
coined the term BRICS, many Western analysts
doubted the economic bloc would live up to
the name’s implied solidity.
They pointed ----- to the numerous differences and
disagreements within the group and predicted it
would have a limited impact on world affairs.
Fifteen years on, however, the group, founded by Brazil,
Russia, India, China, and later South Africa has proved
its detractors wrong by developing a robustness they
didn’t expect.
Ideological differences have been set aside,
and the group has met every year.
The bloc has since expanded to include Iran, Egypt,
Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, with others
queuing up to gain entry.
Among the latest hopefuls are Thailand and Malaysia.
If their applications are successful --- and they are
widely expected to be --- they will be the first
countries in Southeast Asia to be members.
But what do they stand to gain?
Both countries already belong to ASEAN, the regional
bloc that aims to strengthen trade and political
relations between its 10 members.
Joining BRICS would effectively allow
them to play in a bigger league.
A foreign ministry spokesperson says joining BRICS
will enable Thailand to “play more roles and
promote Thai potential”.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says
it would give the country more economic
and political freedom.
“We should be confident enough to determine our
course of action, our priorities, our strategic
interests, defined on our terms,” he says,
announcing his reason for wanting to
join the bloc.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the
world, India has injected energy into BRICS.
From being dominated by China, India’s influence has
resulted in the group experiencing “an acceleration
in economic growth,” says Alicia Garcia-Herrero,
a senior research fellow at the Brussels-based
think tank, Bruegel.
More countries in Asia and Africa view it as an
important counterweight to the dominant
global bodies led by Western powers
The Covid-19 pandemic, which saw vaccines
hoarded by richer countries, left a bitter
taste among developing nations,
reinforcing the perception of
an “us and them” divide.
They have also felt more united on other issues --- such
as politics, human rights, and the environment. Many
have grown tired of feeling lectured to by the West
and feeling the burden of its conflicts.
BRICS would give Malaysia and Thailand a chance to
flex their muscles on a bigger stage than ASEAN,
says Norbert Witthinrich, CEO of the real estate
agency, SEA Property.
“As middle powers in Southeast Asia, Thailand and
Malaysia see BRICS membership - as a way of
...enhancing their geopolitical influence on
the global stage. Membership could also
give them a platform to voice concerns
and advocate for issues pertinent to
developing countries and the
Global South,” he says.
Joining the bloc, would give them access to a broader
network of emerging markets, reducing their reliance
on traditional Western markets like the US and the
EU, he believes.
Experts like Witthinrich reckon this would benefit
most areas of the economy, including big real
estate projects.
Entering BRICS would encourage trade between
Thailand, Malaysia, and China, most likely in
China’s Belt and Road initiatives.
Some of China’s biggest investments have been in
infrastructure projects in the two countries, such
as the East Coast Rail Link in Malaysia, which
extends to the Thai border.
“The extension....... of the ECRL to the MalaysiaThailand
border and its connection with Thailand’s rail network
aims to promote economic linkages and integration
between the two countries,” says Beijing-based
property consultant James Woo.
“This --- reflects the strategic importance of the Belt and
Road Initiative in enhancing regional connectivity and
economic cooperation. This could create more opportunities for real estate development,
especially for industrial and
logistic projects.”
He adds that China’s state-owned enterprises would
also be keen to take advantage of the closer ties,
having already invested in major factories in
both countries, making everything from
semiconductors... to car parts.
“Expanded trade and investment flows could
drive demand for real estate --- such as
industrial, logistics, and commercial
properties to support the increased
economic activity,” he says.
Access to finance from the bloc’s New Development
Bank will be one of the biggest advantages in
Thailand and Malaysia joining BRICS ---
particularly now that Saudia Arabia,
with its vast wealth, has joined.
Another plus is the ease of investing in BRICS bloc
stock markets, says Clayton Wade, owner of
Premier Homes Real Estate.
“Currently, BRICS members can use a single investment
vehicle - that includes stocks from each country, thus
simplifying the process of trading exchange-traded funds. BRICS investors can purchase stocks across multiple sectors and regions,
in a single transaction.”
There is - of course - a potential trade-off in all of this,
namely in a weakening of the unity and centrality of
ASEAN, which has struggled to remain relevant
and offer meaningful value to its member
states amid shifts in the global order.
Experts also concede.... it might
harm relations with the US.
Malaysia is a major recipient of US trade & investment
and, along with Thailand, has benefited from the US
push to lessen its reliance on Chinese-dominated
supply chains. Thailand, meanwhile, is formally
a US treaty ally.
Yet -- rather than seeing US businesses shy away from
the two countries, it could trigger a fight for influence.
“The intention to join BRICS -------- could prompt Western
countries to enhance their investments in Malaysia, or
even encourage [Malaysia] to consider applying for membership in Western-aligned alliances, such
as the OECD,” says Wen Chong Cheah, an
Asia-Pacific analyst at the Economist
Intelligence Unit.
For the two countries, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and
growing tensions around Taiwan and the South China Sea, reflect a lurch towards an increasingly multi-
polar world in which US power has been eroded
and China’s has been enriched. By attempting
to join BRICs, they appear to be hedging
their bets for the future.
Source: www.asiapropertyawards.com
____________________________________
Rosneft and Reliance Agree to
Biggest Ever India-Russia
Oil Deal
December 17th, 2024
(Reuters)
Russia's state oil firm Rosneft has agreed to supply
nearly 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude to
Indian private refiner Reliance in the biggest
ever energy deal between the 2 countries,
three sources familiar with the deal said.
The 10-year agreement amounts to 0.5% of global supply
and is worth roughly $13 billion a year at today's prices.
It will... further cement energy relations between India
and Russia, which is under heavy Western sanctions
over its invasion of Ukraine.
Rosneft did not reply to requests for comments.
Reliance said it works with international suppliers,
including from Russia --------- and deals are based on market conditions. The company declined
further comment on commercial matters,
citing the confidentiality of supply
agreements.
Russian oil accounts for more than a third of India's
energy imports. India became the largest importer
of Russian crude, after the EU, previously the top
buyer imposed sanctions on Russian oil imports
in response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
India has no sanctions on Russian oil ----- so refiners
there have cashed in on the cheaper crude supply.
Sanctions have made Russian oil cheaper than
rival grades... by at least $3 to $4 per barrel.
India's rising Russian imports, have come at the expense
of rival Middle Eastern producers. The Reliance-Rosneft
deal could represent a new challenge for competitors,
including Saudi Arabia.
Competition among oil producers..... for a share of the
Indian market is hot because it is one of the fastest- growing energy markets, and is becoming more
important as a driver of global demand, as
growth in top importer China... slows.
Under the deal, Rosneft would deliver 20-21 Aframax- sized cargoes (80,000 to 100,000 metric tons) of
various Russian crude grades - and 3 cargoes
of about 100,000 tons each of fuel oil each
month, the three sources said.
The shipments will be supplied for Reliance's refining
complex, the world's biggest, at Jamnagar in the
western state of Gujarat.
Two sources said Reliance and Rosneft will review
pricing and volumes every year under the deal
to factor in oil markets dynamics.
In 2024, Reliance had a deal with Rosneft to purchase
3 million barrels of crude a month. Rosneft has been
also selling crude to Reliance via intermediaries
on a regular basis.
The new deal accounts for roughly a half of Rosneft's
seaborne oil exports from Russian ports, which
leaves... not much supply available for other
traders and middlemen, one source said.
From January to October, Reliance imported an average
405,000 barrels per day of Russian oil, up from 388,500
bpd in the same period last year, according to tanker
data obtained from sources.
The new deal between Rosneft and Reliance was
discussed and approved during Rosneft’s board
meeting in November, two of the sources said.
The pricing of the grades to be supplied on a
delivered basis is set at differentials to the
average Dubai price of the loading month,
according to the sources.
Premiums for the light sweet grades were set at around
$1.50 a barrel for ESPO, Sokol at about $2 per barrel
and Siberian Light at about $1 per barrel against
Dubai quotes for 2025, one source said.
The majority of the supply, will be medium-sulphur and
diesel-rich Russian Urals that are most popular with
Indian refiners and will be priced at a discount of
$3 per barrel to Dubai quotes for the following
year, two sources said.
Source: Reuters
_____________________________________________
There was a shooting ------ at a
Christian school in Wisconsin
December 16th, 7:01pm
(RT.ru)
At least four people were killed and five injured
in a shooting at a Christian school in Madison,
Wisconsin. This is reported by CNN with
reference to the police.
Earlier, two teenagers were killed in a shooting at a
spontaneous party in the Texas city of Houston.
Four people, including two law enforcement officers,
were killed in a shooting in the city of Dunkirk
in northern France.
_________________________________________________
Díaz-Canel calls to prepare children
and youths to defend the nation
December 16th, 4:06pm
(Prensa Latina)
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Monday called to
prepare children and youths so that they can realize
their personal aspirations and contribute to the comprehensive growth of the nation
Work must be done so that the new generations can
develop all their capabilities, and in favour of the
Revolution, the head of State said at Havana’s
Convention Centre, at the opening session of
the commissions of the National People’s
Power Assembly (Parliament).
Díaz-Canel is attending the joint session of the
commissions on Constitutional and Legal
Affairs, Attention to Youths, Childhood
and Equality of Women’s Rights, and
Education, Culture, Science, and
Technology and Environment, in
which the draft bill on the code
for children, adolescents and
youths, is being debated.
According to the president, it is an “emancipatory and
uplifting” legal instrument, which must be enforced
in a creative and innovative way.
He also warned about the need to guarantee its strict
compliance and implement mechanisms to update it,
if necessary.
The permanent commissions will meet on Monday
and Tuesday, prior to the 4th Ordinary Session of
the Cuban Parliament in its 10th Legislature.
During both days, the lawmakers will focus on issues
like the problems that affect the population and the
legislative actions for their solution.
They will also discuss the transformation of the science,
technology and innovation system, the care system and
the accountability of delegates, and will debate,
among other issues, the economic plan for
2025, including estimates for the end of this year.
The 4th Ordinary Session of the Cuban Parliament in its
10th Legislature will meet from December 18 to 20 at
Havana’s Convention Centre.
______________________________
Increase in deaths
from euthanasia
revealed in
Canada
December 16th, 3:37pm
(Prensa Latina)
A report from the Ministry of Health of Canada today
recognized the increase of more than 15 percent of
cases of death by euthanasia, and pointed to
several causes as the responsible ones.
The information published on the digital site Life
News/InfoCatólica revealed that four percent of
total deaths in 2023 occurred through the so-
called practice of .......assisted death.
The number of patients to whom euthanasia was
applied, according to the report, amounted to
15,343 people, of which - over 90 percent
corresponded to individuals in terminal
conditions and the rest without being
in such circumstances.
A revealing fact of the report states for the first time
the demographic origin of the deceased, counting
96 percent white, while less than one percent
were indigenous.
Social conditions also played a significant role in this
process, particularly loneliness, disabilities, loss of
independence, and more than 50 percent of those
who requested euthanasia mentioned being a
burden on family members.
Canada’s law on medical assistance in dying -- dates back
to February 2015 ----- when the Supreme Court ruled that
parts of the Criminal Code should be changed to comply
with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and
gave the government until June the 6th, 2016 to create
a new law.
In June 2016, Parliament passed federal
legislation allowing eligible adults to
request medical assistance
in dying.
On October the 5th, 2020, the Ministry of Justice
and the Attorney General’s Office introduced
a bill that expanded the framework and
conditions required... to authorize
euthanasia.
_________________________________
Ecuador On Track To Allow a
U.S. Military Base in the
Galapagos Islands
December 16th, 9:17am
(teleSUR)
This will happen despite the fact that the Constitution
prohibits the presence of foreign military forces on
Ecuadorian territory.
On Saturday, the Mexican newspaper La Jornada
published an article - claiming that US military
ships will arrive in the Galapagos Islands in
the coming days, effectively establishing a
US military base ......on an archipelago of
invaluable scientific significance.
“Ships, plus military personnel, weapons, equipment, and
submarines, will be able to operate in this archipelago,
which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1978,” journalist Orlando Perez wrote, noting that
this decision implements a decree signed by
President Daniel Noboa.... on February the
15th, 2024.
On December 10th, the Comprehensive Security Project
for the Insular Region ------ and the Guidelines for the
Implementation of the U.S.-Ecuador Cooperation
Agreements.. were approved.
“The initiative -------- aims to combat drug trafficking, illegal
fishing, and other illicit maritime activities in this region
of Ecuador. It also seeks to prevent violent conflicts
and related crimes among narco-terrorist groups
linked to international cartels vying for control
over drug export routes and territorial
dominance.... for drug sales,” La
Jornada’s article mentioned.
The decision of the Noboa administration, follows an agreement signed between Ecuador and the US - on October 6, 2023, by then-President Guillermo Lasso.
“That document outlined ----- that the U.S. Department of
Defense’s military and civilian personnel, as well as its
contractors, would be granted privileges, exemptions,
and immunity ----- equivalent to those enjoyed by
the administrative and technical personnel of
diplomatic missions.. under the Vienna
Convention,” Perez explained.
“In practice ------- this amounts to the establishment of a
military base, similar to what occurred between 1999
and 2009, in the coastal city of Manta.”
“That agreement was not renewed by then - President
Rafael Correa, and the 2008 Constitution prohibited
the presence of foreign military forces or bases
on Ecuadorian territory,” he added.
Due to this constitutional limitation, Noboa submitted
a proposal to the National Assembly ......for a partial
amendment to the 2008 Constitution, to remove the
article prohibiting foreign bases.However, this bill
has not yet been reviewed or approved ---- by the
Ecuadorian lawmakers.
“Former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Fernando
Yepez described the development as an example
of‘unacceptable, shameful, dangerous, and
undignified colonial servility.’
“There is no awareness of national sovereignty, or
Ecuador’s interests, or the negative experiences
with foreign military bases,” Perez concluded.
_______________________________________________
Hungary says it wants a new world
order ---- without US domination
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
December 14th, 9:17pm
(Lenta.ru)
Much of the world wants a new order --- without US
domination. This was stated by the chairman of the
Hungarian Workers' Party, Gyula Tyurmer, RIA
Novosti reports.
According to him, the BRICS countries have succeeded
in building a new world order, but it is impossible
without Russia, which the Western countries
are trying to destroy.
"A significant part of the world wants a new world order.
A world in which not only America rules, but which is
built on an equal, mutual cooperation of countries,"
he stressed.
According to him, such a new world order cannot be
created without Russia. He added that the conflict
in Ukraine is "a full-fledged war of the Western
world --- against Russia."
Earlier, Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey, spoke about
Russia's struggle with the West for a new world order.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has said that
she will not leave the Presidential Palace after the
end of her term of office.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm not going to leave anyone
behind. I'm always asked about it. I will stay here,"
TASS quoted her as saying.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili... who supports
the ''protesters'' in the republic, earlier - called on the
country's schools to demonstrate. She also called
on the protesters to put pressure on the
Constitutional Court.
Zurabishvili's presidential mandate expires on December
16th, but she refuses to resign because she considers the parliament "illegitimate".
__________________________________________
Jamaica introduces bill to remove
King Charles as head of state
and become a republic
by Steffie Banatvala
December 13th, 1:31pm
(The Independent)
Jamaica has tabled a bill in parliament to remove
King Charles as its head of state and transition
the country to a republic.
The Caribbean country... is one of many former
colonies that retained a British head of state
after independence in 1962, after more
than 350 years of colonial rule.
Currently the British monarch is represented by
a largely ceremonial governor general, but
the position is a divisive one and seen
by opponents --- as a symbol of
colonial injustice.
Prime minister Andrew Holness announced intentions
for Jamaica to become a republic by 2025, during a
royal tour of the country, by the Prince & Princess
of Wales. The transition would mean a Jamaican
president would also be the ceremonial head
of state.
There were highly-publicised protests during William
& Kate’s visit two years ago, with some calling for
an apology and slavery reparations ---- marking a
wider regional shift in perceptions of the British
monarchy & a growing reparations movement.
Of the 12 former colonies in the Caribbean, Guyana,
Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and Barbados
have already transitioned to a republic.
“Every year ---- when we celebrate independence on
August the 6th, the nation is invited to reflect on
its achievements since independence & what
remains to be done --- and every year, the
question is asked -- when are we going
to abolish the monarchy - and have a
Jamaican head of state,” Jamaica’s
minister of legal & constitutional
affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte,
told the Guardian.
Now that the bill has been tabled... it must be
reviewed by joint committees, a parliament
vote and a national referendum.
Opposition parties have raised concerns --- over its
proximity to the national elections... and the lack of plans to make the Caribbean court of justice
Jamaica’s top court, instead of the
UK privy council.
“We do not believe -- you can say that you are fully
decolonised, if you still retain the privy council
as your apex court,” said the senator, Donna
Scott-Mottley of the main opposition party.
“You cannot leave the king --- but still have to petition
him when you want justice,” Ms Scott-Mottley said,
adding that the opposition is keen to colloborate
with the government on the issue.
“At the end of the day, this is not about political parties,
it is about our nation. It is about our people and it is
about closing the full circle of independence
for the people of our country,” she said.
Discussions on transitioning to a republic have been raised by successive Jamaican governments
since the 1970s.
But - it continues to be the only country with the British
monarch as head of state, that requires visas to enter
the UK. All Jamaican citizens are subject to these
restrictions ....if they wish to enter the UK.
“The British are... really not doing anything substantial
for our country so it makes no sense to have them as
head of state. Plus, we have it hard to go to England
more than any country …so, by all means, do away
with the monarchy,” said Maureen Brammer,
in Kingston.
_______________________________________
Cambodia bans energy
drink sales at schools
December 13th, 1am
(Prensa Latina)
Prohibiting the sale, consumption, and advertising
of energy drinks within and around educational
institutions in Cambodia was welcomed by
public health experts in this capital
on Thursday.
Specialists stated that it is a preventive measure
against the spread of non-communicable
diseases among students, especially
diabetes, of which ---- there are over
90,000 cases and nearly 70 deaths
recorded in the Kingdom between
2017 and 2021.
The Education, Youth, and Sports Ministry.... took the
measure “to all public and private general education
institutions and technical and vocational training
centres ------ nationwide.”
Khmer Times reported --- that the schools have been
ordered, to educate students about the health risks
associated with energy drinks, monitor compliance
with the ban ----- and remove such products from
vendors operating on or near school schools.
The Education Ministry’s decision came, after
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, called
for stricter monitoring of food and beverage
safety at schools.
______________________________________
Russia approves use of
NovoSkin artificial skin
December 13th, 12:45am
(Prensa Latina)
Authorities in the Republic of Buryatia, Russia, said on Thursday that NovoSkin, a product to replace human skin, was approved for use by the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor).
NovoSkin was developed.... by the Sheneskin biotech
company, based in the industrial centre of Buryatia,
to treat burns, hard-to-heal wounds, and ulcers.
The agency stated that the wound dressing to human
skin, consisting of a collagen-laminin matrix, will be
available --- in all Russian medical institutions.
________________________________________________
Bi-oceanic bridge between
Paraguay and Brazil
makes progress
December 13th, 12:15am
(Prensa Latina)
Construction of the international bridge that will
connect Paraguay with Brazil as part of the
Bioceanic Route... is making progress
towards a crucial phase with over
63% of the work completed.
In the Paraguayan municipality of Carmelo Peralta,
progress has been made in the assembly of the
truss beams -- which are support elements to
improve the stability of the structure, while
in Puerto Murtinho, a Brazilian territory,
work is being done on raising pylon 14
and the final adjustments are being
made to the D1 starting segment
before concrete is poured.
Among the works already completed -- are the
reinforced concrete structures of the access
viaducts on both sides of the bridge, as well
as the preparation for the access ramp on
the Paraguayan side, which has a
causeway protection.
The construction forces also receive the structures
from the advance cars, specialized equipment that
allows the precise placement of the sections that
form the bridge deck.
The Bioceanic Route, considered a milestone in road
infrastructure in Paraguay, will be more than 1,000
meters long and will link the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans - through Paraguay’s Chaco.
The new crossing, whose completion is scheduled
from the first half of 2026, will facilitate border
traffic and speed up customs procedures,
which will result in greater economic
competitiveness in the region.
______________________________________
The US said --- that Chinese garlic has
become a threat to national security.
In Beijing - they laughed in response
by Ekaterina Podvigina (editor of
the Operational Information Dept)
December 13th, 11:56am
(Lenta.ru)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning
called it ridiculous... that garlic grown in China
scared a US politician - who "lacks common
sense." So she commented - on statements
by the Senator from Florida, Dick Scrott -
that Chinese garlic is a threat to the US'"national security".
Scott previously sent letters to the US Department
of Agriculture and other agencies, requesting an
investigation into the safety of a plant from
China... used in cooking.
He did this after reports that garlic in China is allegedly
grown in sewage --- and then harvested in appalling
conditions, often using slave labour, including
child labour.
The senator is concerned about the importation of this
vegetable into the US, as in his opinion the lack of any
proper supervision - allegedly - makes all US families ....vulnerable to ''low-quality food''.
''I don't know if you've noticed that the lies and absurd theories of the American politician have attracted
ridicule - from Chinese Internet users. I'm sure
garlic didn't realize --- that it could pose a
major threat to the United States.''
Mao Ning, official representative of the Chinese
Foreign Ministry... mockingly said. Mao Ning
advised politicians in the United States -
"not to make a mockery of themselves."
Mao Ning also recalled that in the United States, more
and more goods produced in China are beginning to
qualify as a "threat to national security."
She called on Washington, to abandon its policy of
curbing growth -- and protectionism. The diplomat
added that the numerous claims of US politicians
on Chinese imports -------- "from unmanned aerial
vehicles to cranes, from refrigerators to garlic"
---- are just a pretext that the US uses for its
protectionist policies and its attempts to
suppress the development of the PRC.
The official representative of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, stressed -- that the generalization of the
concept of national security... as well as the
politicization and weaponization of trade,
economic and technological issues ---
will only exacerbate security risks
for global production and
logistics chains.
Earlier, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, at a meeting with
representatives of a number of international economic organizations --- called on the US to normalize
bilateral relations and avoid a trade war, since "there will be no winners in it."
According to him, "these tariff, trade, and scientific and
technological wars run counter to historical trends and
economic patterns," against which, Beijing is ready to
maintain dialogue & "keep differences under control."
Against the backdrop of disagreements between the two
countries... US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, noted that - in the event of a full-scale war with China,
the US' weapons reserves --- will be depleted quickly.
Jake Sullivan noted: ''God forbid if we find ourselves in a full-scale war with the PRC. But any war with a country and an army like China's, will lead to a rapid depletion
of ammunition reserves.''
_________________________________________
Putin named the number of
Internet users -- in Russia
December 11th, 4:03pm
(RT.ru)
Russian leader Vladimir Putin, at the plenary session
of the conference "Journey to the world of artificial
intelligence" called the number of citizens of the
country using the Internet.
"We have over 130 million users. That is, it is close to
the number of citizens of the Russian Federation,
which is a very large percentage," the
President stressed.
Putin said that Russia should become a leader in the
use of artificial intelligence --- in all spheres of life.
Putin called AI developments
part of Russia's sovereignty.
______________________________________
State Duma deputies launched
a ''fight'' ...against Nabiullina
by Platon Shchukin (Editor
of the Economics Dept)
December 11th, 3:50pm
(Lenta.ru)
Members of the Just Russia- For Truth faction in the
State Duma, led by Sergei Mironov, have introduced
a bill that allows an appeal to the president of the
country -- with a proposal for the early removal
from the post of head of the Central Bank, if
the initiative is supported by at least
90 deputies. The document.... is
placed in the database of the
lower house of Parliament.
Elvira Nabiullina has been the Chairman of the Bank of
Russia since 2013. Under her leadership, the regulator
raised the key rate to 21 percent in late October, and
in December, experts expect.. it will increase it, to 22-24 percent.
The parliamentary opposition considers the chosen
monetary policy to be harmful for the domestic
economy and insists on a sharp reduction in the rate.
Deputies explain their struggle by saying that the
high cost of borrowed money for businesses
does not allow them to increase the
production of goods, which
leads to high inflation.
Indignation at the approach of Nabiullina's department, is
brought, not only by the small factions. The KPRF --- at a recent meeting with the head of the Central Bank, used such words - as "betrayal" and "sabotage" to describe the policy of the body, but, since then, the regulator
has repeatedly stressed..... that she will not go along with the critics.
[Rhondda Records adds: N. V. Kolomeitsev, of the Communist party of the Russian Federation, (the KPRF), stated yesterday:]
''We are categorically opposed to the current monetary
policy. We do not agree.. with the tax policy being implemented in Russia. It is necessary to stop
supporting ''rental'' industries. For example,
the oil and gas industry, for 30 years, has
had a tax burden --- 3.5 times less than
manufacturing industry.
''If we want to have technological sovereignty, we need to
reduce taxes for manufacturing industries. If we want
to have technological sovereignty, we need to give
privileges - to the machine tool industry. It is
necessary to ensure a significant break-
through in the energy sector, as well.
''We need to stop putting dust in our eyes,
we need to face the problems.
''Inflation is the lack of supply of goods in the money
supply. How can you beat inflation --- if you have a
hundred trillion dollars on deposit? In fact --- they
have killed the investment desire of the banking
sector. The banks ---- are not interested in
investing in machine tool construction,
where the maximum profitability ...is 7 percent.
''If the key rate of 21%, lasts for another year, then we will
have 22 trillion helicopter money, out of 100 trillion. This
is accrued money.... that is not secured by anything.
''Is another redevelopment being prepared? We are very
concerned about this. We will insist -- on a change in
monetary policy and the adoption of amendments
to the law -- that will oblige the Bank of Russia
to be responsible for economic growth.''
_________________________________________
North Korea links political crisis
in South Koreatothe "fascist
dictatorship" government
December 11th, 3:30pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The South Korean government's imposition of martial
law in the country and the possible impeachment of
President Yoon Seok-yeol are the result of the
establishment of a "fascist dictatorship."
This was reported by the Korean Central
Telegraph Agency (KCNA) operating in
the DPRK.
"There was --- a shocking incident. Puppet [ruler] Yoon
Seok-yeol, faced with a serious power crisis and the
danger of impeachment, did not hesitate to declare
martial law --- and turn the weapons of the fascist
dictatorship against the people," the article says.
The agency emphasizes that the incident demonstrates
to the world "the fragility of South Korean society",
and President Yoon Seok-yeol will eventually
be forced to leave his post.
According to the Financial Times.. the KCNA report
is Pyongyang's first reaction to the events in Seoul.
Earlier in the day, it was reported that former South
Korean Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, tried to
commit suicide. At the moment.. he is in a pre-
trial detention centre in Seoul, his condition
does not cause any concerns.
Earlier, on December 9th, South Korean President Yoon
Seok-yeol, was banned from leaving the country, amid
an investigation into his order to temporarily impose
martial law. At the same time, it was reported that
the police imposed a ban on leaving the country
- for the former head of the Ministry of Internal
Affairs of South Korea, the Minister of Public
Administration & Security, Lee Sang-min.
Also banned from leaving... were former ROK Armed
Forces counterintelligence Commander Ye In Hyun
and Army Chief of Staff Park Ahn Soo, who was
appointed as the ''martial law commander''.
Prior to this, on December 8th, the Korean news agency
Newsis reported - that the Minister of Internal Affairs
& Security of South Korea, Lee Sang-min, resigned.
His decision was approved by the country's President
Yoon Seok Yeol. On the same day, the South Korean
prosecutor's Office assigned Yoon Seok-yeol the
status of a suspect in the case of rebellion
against the state system.
The Prosecutor's Office of the Republic has launched
an investigation... into the statement of opposition
deputies on high treason of the Korean president.
Yoon Seok Yeol declared martial law in the country on
December 3. The reason for this step, he called the
threat of a paralysis of power, which arose due to
attempts to conduct impeachment proceedings.
Commander of the State of Emergency, Chief of Staff of
the Army, Park Ahn-soo, noted that, until martial law is
lifted, the activities of the parliament, political parties
and associations ------- are prohibited in the republic.
Military equipment was brought to the streets of Seoul.
The opposition Party of the Republic, in turn, demanded
the resignation of the head of state and announced
that it intends to accuse Yoon Seok-yeol of high
treason. At the same time, all the heads and
senior secretaries of the presidential
administration... resigned.
In addition, the republic's trade
unions - called a general strike.
________________________________
Ecuadorian President ------
exposes car bomb threat
December 11th, 3:05pm
(Prensa Latina)
Ecuadorian President, Daniel Noboa, denounced
today an alleged car bomb threat against him in
Machala, capital of the province of El Oro, on
the southern coast of the country.
The president said he will not back down on
his decisions against organized crime.
“Last night they wanted to intimidate us by placing
a car bomb with dynamite not far from here. They
told me: ‘Mr. President --- this happened. Are you
going tomorrow?’ Of course I will go tomorrow
and if you show up you will get shot. We are
not here to take a step back,” said
the president.
Noboa made his remarks on Wednesday, as he attended
an event in Machala, where he signed an agreement to
widen La Primavera highway, adding that the highway
expansion to four lanes over a 10.25-kilometre
stretch is a step to “protect the history, the
people and the productivity” of El Oro,
a province bordering Peru.
The bomb threat denunciation comes on a day when the
president ordered the deployment of 400 officers to
confront the rise in violence and combat the gangs
operating in the territory. The day before, Noboa
had admitted that increased police operations
in other areas of the country had pushed
criminal groups to El Oro.
This province was recently put under state of emergency,
in a move by Noboa to bring an end to the local armed
conflict, as part of the exception measures he has
been adopting since January 2024.
El Oro has witnessed violent activities as of late, namely
the attempt on the life of a penitentiary’s warden and a
massacre that left 10 dead, riddled with bullets.
Ecuador is suffering a security crisis that has turned
Ecuador into the most violent country in the region.
According to official figures, violent deaths registered an
18% year-on-year drop from January to November, but
the number of homicides still exceeds 6,000 so far
this year.
__________________________________
ALBA-TCP Celebrates Two Decades
as a Pillar of Latin American
Social Movements
December 11th, 2:31pm
(teleSUR)
This integration mechanism has established itself
as a bastion for those seeking alternatives to the international hegemonic order.
In December 2004, Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro laid
the groundwork for the Bolivarian Alliance for the
Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty
(ALBA-TCP) in response to the U.S.-backed
Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
Since then, what began as an act of resistance against
neoliberal policies has transformed into a key platform
for economic, social, and political cooperation
among countries.
In the history of Latin American integration --
ALBA-TCP marked a milestone by becoming
the first organization designed specifically
to combat poverty and social exclusion.
Based on these foundations, this institution promotes
a post-liberal and anti-imperialist approach aimed at
strengthening its members' national sovereignty.
The initial alliance between Venezuela and Cuba was
later joined by Bolivia (2006), Nicaragua (2007),
Dominica (2008), Antigua and Barbuda (2009),
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2009),
Saint Kitts and Nevis (2014), Grenada
(2014), and Saint Lucia (2021).
ALBA-TCP has demonstrated - that another model of
development and collaboration among countries is
possible, through initiatives such as large-scale
literacy campaigns and the Miracle Mission,
which restored vision to more than
5 million people.
At its 23rd summit held in Caracas this year, ALBA-TCP
leaders approved the “2030 Strategic Agenda,” a plan
aimed at strengthening regional integration through
actions.... in the economic, social, cultural, and
communicational fields. They also confirmed
their commitment to the Palestinian cause,
reflecting ALBA-TCP’s solidarity-based
approach to international issues.
Currently, ALBA-TCP faces significant challenges
in a global context, marked by economic crises,
unilateral sanctions & the impact of persistent
neoliberal policies.
“The alliance must seek creative solutions to counter
external dependency -- and foster productive and commercial coordination that benefits member
countries,” said economist Julio Gambina.
Beyond diplomatic agreements, ALBA-TCP has become
a source of inspiration for social movements, as it
represents a vision of integration, based on
cooperation and solidarity, as opposed to
the competition-driven model promoted
by organizations such as the Southern
Common Market (MERCOSUR) - and
the United States-Mexico-Canada
Agreement (USMCA).
“ALBA-TCP is the alliance that allows us to face
challenges and threats together,” the Cuban
President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, pointed out.
With over 63 million people under its influence,
ALBA-TCP continues to be a bastion for those
seeking alternatives to the dominant system,
proving - that the path to a fairer future lies in the union of the peoples of the region.
____________________________________
Venezuelans to Mobilize
for President Maduro’s
Inauguration on
January 10
December 11th, 1:51pm
(teleSUR)
‘We must be prepared to defeat any intrigue, plot,
and conspiracy coming from imperialism,”
the Bolivarian leader stressed.
On Tuesday night, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
called on Chavez supporters to mobilize by the millions
on January the 10th, when the 2025-2031 presidential
term begins.
“On that day, let’s go out into the streets --- to swear for
Venezuela, to swear for independence, and to swear
for the Bolivarian homeland,” he said, during an
event broadcast by VTV.
“I promise to unite, in a single fist, all the historic
strength ---- of General Ezequiel Zamora, the
Liberator Simon Bolivar, and Commander
Hugo Chavez ----- to carry out great
transformations and changes,”
Maduro added.
“We must be prepared to defeat any intrigue, any plot,
and any conspiracy coming from imperialism, the
oligarchy, and fascism,” the Bolivarian
leader stressed.
A text reads, “Let the fascist opposition not be mistaken!
The Venezuelan people continue to fight! Therefore, one
month before January 10, we all remain committed to
our President Nicolas Maduro’s swearing-in... for the
2025-2031 term. On the 10th, I swear with Maduro
for the future.”
“Miraflores Palace ------ will never fall into the hands of a
puppet of the oligarchy or imperialism,” Maduro stated,
referring to the seat of Executive branch --- which is
“the house of the people, for now ....and forever.”
Once the July 28 electoral process concluded, the
National Electoral Council proclamed Nicolas
Maduro ---- as the winner of the 2024
presidential elections.
On January 10, 2025, the Bolivian leader will go to
the National Assembly to take the oath of office.
Meanwhile, social and popular organizations
are promoting citizen participation in that
ceremony through posters and graffiti
with phrases such as “I swear with
Maduro --- for the future.”
________________________________
Romania's pro-EU parties say
they are ''ready'' to support a single candidate
December 11th, 12:19am
(RT.ru)
Romania's pro-EU parties have announced their readiness to support a single candidate in the upcoming... presidential election ''re-run''.
This is reported by RIA Novosti with reference
to the joint statement of the parties.
"Today, the pro-EU formations of the SDP, NLP, USR,
UDMR and the Parliamentary Group of National
Minorities declare... support for a possible
single pro-EU candidate in the
presidential elections,"
the report says.
In addition, the parties noted their strong
commitment to a pro-EU government
and the formation of a pro-EU
majority in Parliament.
Earlier, an independent candidate for the post of head
of Romania, Calin Giorgescu, called on citizens of the
country -- to participate in the presidential election
despite the decision of the Constitutional Court
to annul the results of the first round.*
[Rhondda Records adds: we substituted pro-EU
for the original phrase ''pro-European'' in this
embarassing RT piece. Everyone likes and
wants to be recognized as what they are,
in Romania's case - European. Everyone
dislikes ...the US/Soros/Von der Leyen
run EU. Fiddle-dee-dee.]
*which he won, as the anti-EU candidate. Mention it!
_____________________________
Szijjarto: Hungary will veto
EU sanctions against
Georgian officials
December 10th, 4:31pm
(RT.ru)
Hungary will veto EU sanctions against members
of the Georgian government and other civil
servants... if necessary.
This was stated by Hungarian Foreign Minister
Peter Szijjarto, RIA Novosti reports.
"Hungary is categorically against the inclusion of
Georgian officials in the sanctions list, and if such a proposal is received, we will
certainly veto it, everyone can be
sure of that," the politician said.
According to him, this is "nonsense",
for which "there are no grounds".
Earlier it was reported that the foreign ministers
of European countries intend to consider new
measures against Georgia at a meeting on December 16.
________________________________________
Lithuanian President: Russia
not affected by sanctions
December 10th, 4:16pm
(RT.ru)
Russia, contrary to the expectations of the EU
countries, was not affected by the sanctions.
This was stated by the leader of Lithuania,
Gitanas Nauseda, reports Delfi.
According to him, the EU hoped that
the sanctions would harm Russia.
"Right now I don't get the impression that Russia
is suffering," the Lithuanian president admitted.
The President added, that the "sanctions
fervour" in the association is weakening.
Earlier, the head of Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said that
Europe suffered the most from the consequences
of Western sanctions.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Economic Relations Peter Szijjarto said that
circumventing anti-Russian sanctions
has become a pan-European sport.
____________________________________
Argentina Reaches One
YearUnder Milei’s Rule
December 10th, 1pm
(teleSUR)
Currently -- 87% of families face food insecurity in
low-income areas across 16 Argentine provinces.
Tuesday, December 10, marks one year since Javier
Milei assumed the Argentine presidency, a period
during which he has implemented an economic
plan focused on reducing the size of the State
as a means of achieving macro-economic
balance and controlling inflation.
Previously, on Monday night, he issued messages
where the far-right politician once again echoed
the aggressive and triumphalist libertarian
rhetoric that brought him to power.
One of his videos celebrates the triumph of the “all-or-
nothing war against the cursed caste,” - the “honour
of our Armed Forces,” the “power of social media,”
and “loyalty to defend the leader.” It includes
images of Milei on a tank or wielding a
chainsaw, another one with tech
entrepreneur, Elon Musk, and
several photos showing him
at campaign events
surrounded by
supporters.
“The honest and brave right won. Austerity won.
Order in the streets won. Patriots won,” Milei
declared, closing his message with his well
-known phrase: “Long live freedom, damn
it!” (Viva la libertad, carajo!).
Economic and social indicators, however, reveal a less
optimistic scenario. The Scalabrini Ortiz Centre for
Economic and Social Studies (CESO) published
a report highlighting the economic sectors
that have gained and lost under the
Milei administration.
The report notes significant disparities in the
performance of various economic sectors.
On one side are thousands of economic
agents ----- producing under adverse
conditions for the domestic market,
which is experiencing a relentless
contraction. On the other are
bankers, private service
providers ---- and major
entrepreneurs linked
to the exporting of
agricultural goods
-- minerals -- and
hydrocarbons.
Over the past year, Milei’s policies have favoured growth
in the mining sector (+13.2%) agriculture and livestock
(+5.1%). The most negatively affected sectors include
construction (-16.9%), fishing (-14.8%), commerce
(-8.4%), and manufacturing (-8.2%). In these
sectors, real wages and employment
levels, have fallen.
Higher education was also severely impacted by Milei, who vetoed the law improving university funding, triggering protests... across the country. In the
past year, the Argentine president eliminated
13 ministries, shut down public institutions,
and cut budgets allocated to science,
culture, and education. Around
28,000 public officials --- were
forced to leave their posts ---
through layoffs or so-called
voluntary retirements.
According to a study by the organization
Neighbourhoods Standing, in low-income
areas across 16 Argentine provinces,
87% of families face food insecurity,
and 61% experience ---- severe
food insecurity.
Argentine President Javier Milei closed the conservative
leaders' summit in Buenos Aires - by saying nations like
Argentina, El Salvador and the US under Donald Trump
could change the world pic.twitter.com/CHWuzF2Qgv
— RT (@RT_com) December 5, 2024
The libertarian politician has also failed to fulfill one
of his flagship campaign promises --- dollarizing the
economy. He has shifted his rhetoric - arguing that Argentina will develop “endogenous dollarization,”
meaning - the economy will dollarize itself if few
Argentine pesos remain in circulation.
Another clear sign of inconsistency in public policy
...is seen in the realm of international relations.
Before taking office, Milei claimed he would
“never do business with communists,”
referring to China.
Later, however, in an interview with The Economist,
he stated that “relations with China are excellent,”
seeking to secure support from the Asian country
for Argentina’s external financing ''challenges''.
According to the Argentine Centre for Political Economy
(CEPA) and the Association of Budget & Public Financial
Administration (ASAP), public spending - has decreased
by 30% year-on-year in real terms, adjusted for inflation.
However, the burden of this reduction has been
unequally distributed among the social groups.
“In real terms, the largest cuts have affected public
works (-77.6%), followed by Transfers to Provinces
(-67.5%), Subsidies (-30.3%), Public Employment
and Salaries (-22.2%), and Transfers to
Universities (-20.2%).
However, due to their scale, the most significant cuts
have impacted Social Benefits (-36%), with retirees
and pensioners ------- bearing the brunt (-22%),”
CESO summarized.
Currently, in Argentina, 65.5% of children under 18 live in
poverty and 20% of that group is in extreme poverty. In
this South American country, 50% of the population –
23 million – is below the poverty line, according to
the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA).
____________________________________
Brazilian President Lula ---
Undergoes Surgery for an
Intracranial Hemorrhage
December 10th, 10:52am
(teleSUR)
On Monday night, the 79-year-old leader went to
a medical centre in Brasilia, after experiencing
a headache and discomfort.
On Tuesday, Brazilian President Lula da Silva underwent
emergency surgery in Sao Paulo for an intracranial
hemorrhage. Currently, he is awake and
conversing normally but will remain
under observation for the next
few days.
During the operation, which lasted approximately two
hours, the bleeding detected between the skull and
the brain was drained, resulting from the fall he
suffered at home on October 19.
“The hematoma was removed, the brain is now
decompressed; brain function is preserved,”
and - “he is free of sequelae,” stated the
doctors at the Sirio-Libanes Hospital,
where Lula is expected to remain
hospitalized until, likely,
next Monday.
Lula will stay in the intensive care unit for the next
48 hours “as a precaution” before being moved to
a regular ward. “The important thing is that he
did not sustain any brain injury,” and “the
hematoma was completely drained,”
the doctors emphasized.
On Monday night, the 79-year-old Brazilian leader went
to a medical centre in Brasilia after experiencing “a
headache” and “discomfort.” After undergoing an
MRI, doctors found an intracranial hemorrhage.
The head of state was then urgently transported to
São Paulo, where he underwent surgery --- to drain
the hematoma detected in his head. “The surgery
proceeded without complications,” the medical
centre reported.
The bulletin specifies that the hemorrhage is a result
of the fall he suffered on October 19 at the Palacio
da Alvorada, the official residence of the Brazilian
Presidency in Brasilia, for which, he required five stitches in the back of his neck.
___________________________________
Anglo-Saxonsswitch to barefaced
terrorism over loss of domination
— SVR chief
December 10th, 6:45am
(TASS)
Washington and London are getting nervous over losing
their global domination, so they have switched to
outright terrorism, Russian Foreign Intelligence
Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin
told Razvedchik magazine.
"Certainly, the adversary, as they said in one wonderful
Soviet movie, ‘does not want to cede the sky,’ that is,
refuses to admit that the age of its unchallenged
domination - is over," he said.
"It’s not that Washington and London do not understand
the essence of what is going on, but the sluggishness
of their colonial thinking & deeply rooted racism do
show. Sometimes - though, the Anglo-Saxons can’t
handle the pressure - which is seen, for instance,
in their switch to blatant terrorism and attempts
to physically eliminate their opponents," the
SVR chief added.
"In other words --- in their favourite ‘buy or kill’ formula, the
second part clearly began to prevail," Naryshkin pointed
out. He cited as an example the attempt on the life of
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who "dared to
protect his country’s national interests," as well
as reminding of "threats of physical violence"
directed at Serbian President Aleksandar
Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban.
"It is obvious that literally all outstanding leaders of
the multipolar world being shaped --- are at risk,"
The House of Commons (lower house) of the Canadian
Parliament - for the third time - did not support the
initiative of the opposition Conservative Party
of Canada to pass a vote of no confidence
in the liberal government of the PM
Justin Trudeau.
TASS noted that 152 deputies of the House
of Commons supported the initiative,
while 180 opposed it.
Earlier, Global News wrote that two-thirds of Canadian
residents --------- want Prime Minister Trudeau to resign.
In addition, the President-elect of the United States,
Donald Trump, during a meeting with Trudeau in
Florida ------- threatened to make Canada the
51st US state.
_______________________________________
Venezuela ------- will continue on a free
and independent path, Maduro states
December 9th, 6:55pm
(Prensa Latina)
President Nicolás Maduro, stated on Monday, that
Venezuela will continue on its free, independent,
peaceful, sovereign path with a united people.
“We - are the victors of Ayacucho, of
all times and all centuries,” he said.
Maduro stressed that this commits them to the powerful
popular, military and police fusion that encompasses
the five generations of the Historic Block of free
Venezuela of the 21st century.
The same battles ---- and with the same intensity that the
liberators fought 200 years ago, “today we fight them to
make a homeland that is an example of dignity - with an
educated and cultured people, that builds its maximum
social security, its own economic model, independent,
productive, economic and political,” Maduro added.
A people that feel proud --- of building their diverse
cultural identity and are enriched by the roots of
all the peoples that make up this beautiful
mixture of mestizaje, he stressed.
The Venezuelan president pointed out that yesterday the
generation of the liberators amply accomplished the
mission that fell to them in a brilliant way and
“today we are going to celebrate it, as is
being done throughout America.”
However, more than celebrating, he said, we have to
swear a commitment from our hearts that “we will
be --- like Sucre, Ayacucho and this country will
continue its free and independent course,
peaceful, sovereign and with a
united people.”
________________________________
UN: Haiti Violence Crisis
--- Reaches Alarming
Figures in 2024
December 9th, 4:57pm
(teleSUR)
The UN reports that more than 80% of Port-au-Prince is
under the control of armed groups, which has led over
700,000 people to become internally displaced,
seeking refuge amid chaos.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his
condolences to the affected families - and stressed the
urgent need for a thorough investigation to bring those
responsible to justice. Guterres -- called on member
countries to provide support to the Haitian police,
both in terms of security and financial and
logistical resources.
The situation of violence in Haiti has become untenable,
with more than 5,000 deaths recorded so far in 2024,
according to statements by UN High Commissioner
for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
During a recent press conference in Geneva, Türk
highlighted that last weekend there was a
devastating attack on the Cité Soleil
district of Port-au-Prince, where at
least 184 people lost their lives
at the hands of a gang led by
Micanor Altes, known as
“Wa Mikanò.”
The situation reflects not only the brutality of the gangs
that dominate much of Haitian territory but also a
cycle of violence fueled by cultural beliefs and
community conflicts.
The UN reports that more than 80% of Port-au-Prince is
under the control of armed groups, which has led over
700,000 people to become internally displaced,
seeking refuge amid chaos.
The situation is further aggravated by the country’s
political instability; as, since the resignation of President Ariel Henry in 2021 the transitional council has fallen into disrepute - due to corruption allegations.
__________________________________________
Protesters blocked the avenue in the centre of Tbilisi
December 9th, 4:46pm
(RT.ru)
Protesters gathered on Rustaveli Avenue
in central Tbilisi in front of the Georgian
Parliament building.
This is reported by RIA Novosti.
It is noted that the police blocked the movement
of cars along Rustaveli Avenue.
Earlier, the Georgian Interior Ministry noted
that the participants of the riots in Tbilisi
- were prepared in advance.
______________________________________
The National Bank predicts an almost
twofold rise in inflation in Ukraine
December 9th, 4:26pm
(RT.ru)
The National Bank of Ukraine has
predicted an almost twofold
increase in inflation in
the country.
According to the forecast, by the end of this year,
inflation in Ukraine will grow 1.9 times —
from 5.1% in 2023 to 9.7% in 2024.
"Food inflation increased as a result of the more
significant than expected impact of adverse
weather conditions on agricultural crops.
Both administrative inflation and fuel
prices rose slightly faster than
..expected. According to the
National Bank's estimates,
price rises continued
in November," the
document says.
In August -- the international rating agency Fitch Ratings
Brazil's Petrobras confirmed today the largest gas
discovery in Colombian history, after the drilling
of the Sirius-2 well, located in the
Caribbean region.
A related release has located the well, where drilling
works started on June 19th, 2024, in the area of
Block GUA-OFF-0, 77 kilometres from Santa
Marta ------ bearing a 830-metre water
blade depth.
The preliminary assessment of the drilling results confirms
volumes of gas beyond six billion cubic feet, the release
noted, adding that that this finding could increase
Colombia’s current gas reserves by 200%.
By virtue of such a finding, the Joint Venture comprising
Petrobras International Braspetro as Operator (44.44
percent shares), and Ecopetrol (55.56 percent
shares), will initiate acquisition bids of
meteoceanic data... as a part of the
Production Development Project
of this discovery.
The consortium is contemplating an investment of
1.2 billion dollars on exploration phase one and
2.9 billion dollars in the production
development phase.
Actual production is supposed to start three years
after all the relevant environmental licenses have
been granted, following the confirmation of the
finding’s commercial feasibility, by 2027.
The four wells to be eventually developed may render
about 470 million cubic feet/day for 10 years, through
an innovative ‘subsea to shore’ design, the release...
indicated.
__________________________________________
Venezuela - and - China
Expand Energy ---- and
Financial Cooperation
December 5th, 2:05pm
(teleSUR)
On Thursday, Venezuelan Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, held a
meeting with the president of China’s National Development and
Reform Commission, Zheng Shanjie, during which they signed
an agreement outlining a new energy and financial pathway
between the two countries.
“The new agreement will allow us to activate our cooperation at a
more efficient level and expand our horizons in areas of work to
overcome common challenges,” Rodriguez said from the Great
Hall of the People in Beijing, where she also met with Chinese
Vice President Han Zheng.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed the work plan
established - following Venezuelan President Nicolas
Maduro’s visit to China in 2023.
“We began - with an extraordinary meeting with the president of the
National Development and Reform Commission of China, our friend
Zheng Shanjie. We reviewed our cooperation agenda --- which had
been expanded during the September 2023 visit,” Rodriguez said.
“Since that visit, the ‘all-weather, all-round strategic
relationship’ between President Maduro and
President Xi Jinping has deepened,”
she added.
In recent years, Chinese-Venezuelan cooperation has significantly
increased, with energy and financial collaboration serving as the
central axis from which other strategic sectors have emerged.
“We are part of a strong, united front of international cooperation
to defend the United Nations Charter and strengthen the Global
South. We reject hegemonism and neoliberalism, which
threaten the sovereignty of nations,”
Rodriguez concluded.
__________________________________
UNICEF launches appeal to help
109 million children in 2025
December 5th, 11:29am
(Prensa Latina)
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched today
its plan for 2025 that seeks to raise 9.9 billion dollars
to reach 109 million children in 146 countries.
The appeal aims to respond to the child population affected by
multiple conflicts, climate shocks, displacement and health
crises, the entity said in a statement.
“The magnitude of children’s humanitarian needs is at an
historically high level, and more children are affected
every day,” said the head of UNICEF, Catherine
Russell, regarding the announcement.
According to estimates by the Children’s Fund, at least
213 million are in an acute context of unpredictable
and unstable humanitarian emergencies, an
extremely high figure in the opinion of
the executive director.
In this context, donor funding is essential to ensure
that the response is timely, effective and sufficient.
“Unicef’s mandate is to reach each of these children with
the essential services and supplies they need -- and to
ensure that their rights are protected and respected
- a mandate that has guided our work for the past
78 years,” Russell added.
The appeal hopes to provide primary health care to
56.9 million children and women, along with
20.6 million children and caregivers
accessing community-based
psychosocial and mental
health support.
At the same time, it will enable 34 million children aged six to 59
months to undergo wasting tests, 24 million children to access
formal or non-formal education and another 55.3 million
people to receive a sufficient quantity and quality
of water.
For the coming year 2025, the main funding needs are
Afghanistan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Palestine and Lebanon.
_______________________________
Cuban parliament head
------- congratulates his
Georgian counterpart
December 5th, 10:48am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of the National Assembly of People's Power
(Cuban parliament), Esteban Lazo congratulated his
Georgian counterpart, Shalva Papuashvili, for his
re-election as head of the legislature of the
Caucasian nation, Prensa Latina
learned today.
According to what was announced this Wednesday by the
ambassador of the Caribbean nation in Tbilisi, concurrent
from Baku, Carlos Valdés, also the president of the
Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, sent a
letter of congratulations to Papuashvili, upon
being re-elected to occupy the position of
leader of the parliament of Georgia.
In the message, Lazo emphasizes his conviction that the president
of the Georgian legislative body will be successful in his mandate
and will continue with the commitments made ------- in order to
strengthen the relations of friendship, mutual understanding
and cooperation.... between both parliaments and peoples.
Valdés added that the letter reiterates the conviction, that both
parliamentary leaders will continue working to strengthen and
deepen the relations of mutual understanding & cooperation
between the legislatures and peoples of Cuba and Georgia.
Lazo also stressed in his letter, that, as the presidents of both
Parliaments, they are assisted in expressing the will of their
peoples..... who have historically lived in friendship,
brotherhood, and respect.
Finally, in his congratulatory message, the president of the Cuban
legislature proposes to his Georgian counterpart - that they work together with the embassy of the Caribbean nation to guarantee the success of their interparliamentary relations.
_________________________________________________
Chinasanctions US companies
for arms sales to Taiwan
December 5th, 8:59am
(Prensa Latina)
China announced countermeasures against 13
US military industry companies and six of
their senior executives linked to
arms sales to Taiwan.
The measures, published under Order No. 14, of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, establish the
freezing of movable, immovable and other assets of the
companies Terradyne Brown Engineering, BRINC
Drones, Rapid Flight, Red 6 Solutions, Shield AI,
Scenics, Firestorm Labs........ Quietus Drone
Systems... Havoc AI, Nieros Technologies,
Cyberlex, Domo Tactical Communications
and Group W in Chinese soil, in addition
to prohibiting any type of transaction
or cooperation with organizations or
individuals in the country.
Six senior executives of the said companies (Barbara Borgonovi,
Gerald Huber & Charles Woodburn, among others) - will face the
freezing of their assets in China, the prohibition of carrying out
economic activities with Chinese entities, and the denial of
entry into the country, including the regions of Hong Kong
and Macao.
The measure responds to the recent sale of arms from the United
States to Taiwan, valued at 385 million dollars. Beijing considers
this action a serious violation of the principle of One China and
the three joint communiqués between both countries.
For the Chinese Foreign Ministry, this violates the sovereignty and
security interests of China, sends an erroneous message to the
On Monday, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab
presented new information on emblematic cases of violence
unleashed by far-right Small Commandos (“Comanditos”)
following the July 28 presidential elections.
“About a thousand people were arrested for throwing stones and
bottles at the police, burning trash, and summarily condemning
innocent individuals. They are not political prisoners!” he
emphasized, adding that they were sentenced to
over two years in prison.
So far, the Venezuelan Prosecutor’s Office has conducted 1,104
investigative procedures related to far-right paramilitary
organizations. The Venezuelan authorities have also
carried out 129 medical examinations on citizens
detained during the July incidents.
Currently, 20,000 direct and indirect victims of the violence
unleashed by the Venezuelan far-right are represented by
the Committee for Justice for the Victims of July 2024.
Among them are relatives of people who lost their
lives during the post-election protests.
One emblematic case is the homicide of Jose Torres, a first
Sergeant of the Bolivarian National Guard. This 26-year-old
officer was killed by violent groups who shot him in the
neck on July 29 in a parking lot in Maracay.
Investigators identified Reiner Marquez, who carried a firearm
near the crime scene, as the killer. He is currently in custody.
“He is not a political prisoner; he is a murderer,” Saab stated,
refuting narratives promoted by some U.S.-backed non-
governmental organizations.
“Lynching a police officer and trying to kill him. In any country, that
would be a crime. In Venezuela, however, that is ‘demonstrating
peacefully,’ according to the international press. Five hundred
dollars is the reward that the comanditos have been promised
for each wounded national guard or police officer.”
The Attorney General also addressed the homicide of Mayauri
Silva, a 49-year-old woman who worked for the Santiago
Mariño mayor’s office and was a spokesperson for the
Hugo Chavez Battle Units (UBCh).
“On August 3rd, an individual followed her and shot her three times
at close range, killing her in Turmero, Aragua state,” the Attorney General revealed. Those implicated in her murder were hired by Fernando Venancio Martinez, who lived in the same
neighbourhood as the victim --- and had repeatedly
threatened her. Taking advantage --- of a hate-
incitement campaign, he ordered her killing.
Venancio was apprehended along with the direct perpetrator of the
crime, Reifer Seijas, and an accomplice, Yoslei Ramirez. Others
involved include Johan Martinez, who is on the run, and
another criminal who was killed in a confrontation
with the police.
“To those leading dirty war campaigns against Venezuela,
I ask: Are Mayauri’s killers .....political prisoners?” the
Attorney General emphasized.
He also referred to the case of the Venceremos community radio
station, which was attacked by far-right paramilitaries who stole
equipment and gravely injured Raul Castejon and Dani Pereira.
In this case, a dozen individuals were arrested. They were found
in possession of Molotov cocktails and knives and have been
charged with crimes such as terrorism, incitement to
hatred, and resistance to authority.
“Are those who almost killed Raul and Dani Pereira, political
prisoners?” asked Attorney General Saab, who emphasized
that his institution is making great efforts to uncover the
truth ----- and confront disinformation campaigns.
____________________________________
UN Secretary Calls for Unity
to Combat Modern Slavery
December 2nd, 2:34pm
(teleSUR)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for global unity
in the face of contemporary forms of slavery that hinder the
enjoyment of basic human rights, slow down development,
and perpetuate inequalities.
In his message for the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery,
Guterres warned that this threat also undermines sustainable
economic development.
According to figures provided by the Secretary-General, nearly 50
million people worldwide are trapped in inhumane conditions due
to human trafficking, forced labour, and sexual exploitation.
Guterres urged states to fulfill their commitments made in the Pact
for the Future signed last September, which demands an end
to contemporary forms of slavery.
“To turn words into action.... governments must strengthen law
enforcement, uphold human dignity, protect, free, and support
victims, and bring perpetrators to justice,” he stated.
He also emphasized that businesses have a responsibility
to ensure their supply chains are free from exploitation
and to promote fair and transparent labour practices.
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed
every December 2nd in coincidence with the anniversary of
the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons
and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others,
adopted in 1949. This date ---- aims to raise public
awareness about the scourge of modern slavery.
According to data from the international organization,
approximately 50 million people are subjected to
modern slavery: around 28 million are in forced
labour and 22 million are in forced marriages.
Additionally, nearly one in eight people subjected to forced
labour are children, with almost half of them being in
situations of commercial sexual exploitation.
86% of forced labour cases occur in the
private sector.
Guterres reiterated that it is essential to act collectively
to eradicate these serious human rights violations
and ensure a more just and equitable future
for all.
______________________________
Saudi Arabia:Kingdom Calls for Urgent
Humanitarian Actionin Gaza
at Cairo Conference
December 2nd, 2:19pm
(teleSUR)
In Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian
Response in Gaza, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince
Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation and
delivered a powerful speech ---- addressing the
escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
He emphasized that the situation has “reached an unbearable
limit” and stressed that further deterioration in the region
cannot be tolerated.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip
has resulted in the deaths of at least 44,000 Palestinians
and left over 100,000 injured.
Prince Faisal condemned Israeli actions against vulnerable
populations, including children, women, and the elderly.
He highlighted the destruction of infrastructure, the
forced displacement of 2 million Palestinians, and
land confiscation as factors that will “perpetuate
suffering, fuel extremism in the region,” - and
undermine prospects for coexistence and
sustainable peace.
The Foreign Minister also criticized Israel’s illegal settlements in
the occupied West Bank -- and its policies affecting Jerusalem’s
legal and historical status, describing them as direct violations
of international law threatening viability of a 2-state solution.
He called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
and warned that legislation prohibiting the UN Relief and
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees from operating
within Israel ----- could have “catastrophic
consequences” for both the West
Bank and Gaza Strip.
Since October 2023, Saudi Arabia has provided over 6,600 tonnes of food, shelter equipment, and medical supplies — including ambulances — to support Palestinians in Gaza.
Prince Faisal characterized the ongoing violence as a “brutal
genocide” that poses a significant challenge to the
international order. He urged for recognition of
Palestinian statehood and adherence to
all relevant UN resolutions.
Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief (the Saudi
aid agency), was also present at the conference, underscoring
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian assistance amid
this ongoing crisis.
________________________________
India ....promotes its unified
payment interfacein BRICS
December 2nd, 2:15pm
(Prensa Latina)
India is actively promoting expansion its Unified Payment Interface
(UPI) within BRICS to help further project remittance flows among
its members, the authorities stressed on Monday.
As part of its global scope, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is
expanding the initiative in the emerging economies’ group
created by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
(BRICS) to, also, improve financial inclusion, the
Finance Ministry stated.
The governmental institution noted that UPI is currently operational
in essential markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore,
Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius.
UPI’s entry into France is particularly significant as it marks its
first incursion into Europe, the official source underscored.
Modi added that such an expansion will enable Indian consumers
and entrepreneurs to seamlessly receive payments, even while
living or traveling abroad.
In October 2024, UPI achieved a historic milestone by processing
more than 16 billion financial transactions in one month, the
official sources stated.
Launched in 2016, by the National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI), UPI revolutionized the country’s payments ecosystem by
integrating multiple bank accounts..... into a single mobile app.
For her part, the rector of the Matanzas university,
Leyda Finalé, said that the visit of the delegation
from the Russian academy and the signing of the agreement.... is a follow-up to the trip by UM personnel to Russia, in May.
The first vice-rector of the Mirea Technological
University, Nikolay Ivanovich Prokopov,
thanked the warm welcome offered
by the UM and expressed that his
centre is extremely grateful for
the opportunity: to add to its
experiences with a Cuban
academic institution.
Initially... the exchanges will focus on areas such as
science, doctoral training and academic exchange,
in pursuit of a better development for students,
he said.
The rector of the Russian academy and responsible for
the youth area in the institution, Gregory Valeriovich, argued that older people in Russia --- have great
knowledge of Cuba, not so much the young
generation --- so meetings like these
contribute to strengthening the
ties between both nations ---
with an emphasis on youth.
_____________________________
Interior Ministry: protesters in Georgia
call for blocking strategic objects
November 29th, 4:46pm
(RT.ru)
Protesters in Georgia - are calling for the blocking of
objects of strategic importance. The police of the
republic remind --- that this promises violators
prison terms.
"In social networks ---- there are calls to block various
objects of strategic importance, including picketing
TV channels, railway stations, central highways
and other key objects," the Georgian Interior
Ministry is quoted by Sputnik Georgia as saying.
Deputy Head of the Ministry, Alexander Darakhvelidze,
stressed --- that violators can face up to three years
in prison.
____________________________________
Special forces, water cannons,
special equipment - mobilized
in the centre of Tbilisi
November 29th, 4:26pm
(RT.ru)
In the centre of Tbilisi, special forces, water
cannons and special equipment, were
mobilized on Freedom Square.
This is reported by Sputnik Georgia.
The rallies, which turned violent, came after Prime
Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, said that Georgia
refuses to hold talks on joining the EU
until the end of 2028.
Provocateurs were seen at the demonstration in Tbilisi.
They used lasers to blind the police. Security forces
were also pelted with stones and garbage. Some
demonstrators were equipped with hard hats,
some of them were wearing masks.
According to the latest data, 32 employees of the
Ministry of Internal Affairs were injured in the
riots in the Georgian capital.
_____________________________
Sinn Fein Tests Its Power
in today's Irish Elections
November 29th, 8:45am
(teleSUR)
During the campaign, the left-wing party proposed
holding a referendum on Irish reunification
before 2030.
On Friday, approximately 3.7 million Irish citizens are
participating in general elections, where the leftist
Sinn Féin (SF), the Christian Democratic Fine Gael
(FG), and the centrist Fianna Fáil (FF) parties
are locked in a tight race.
After years of coalition government involving centrists,
Christian Democrats, and Greens, voters will elect
174 deputies from a pool of 686 candidates, 248
of whom are women. Among them is SF leader
Mary Lou McDonald, competing against
political figures such as FG leader
Simon Harris and FF member
Micheál Martin.
According to polls, all three parties are polling around
20 percent support, likely ........forcing them to seek
agreements with one another and/or other smaller parties. Both Harris and Martin have expressed willingness to renew the coalition pact from the previous legislature, if necessary, while - categorically - ruling out cooperation with Sinn Féin.
In this scenario, McDonald would need to gather
support from the broader left—a strategy that
failed in 2020 despite Sinn Féin winning the
popular vote. That outcome... led to the
historic coalition between FF and FG
long-standing rivals, since the Irish
Civil War (1922–1923) - who have
alternated in power ever since.
The three leaders could also turn to the independent
bloc, which polls at around 20% support, while the
smaller parties such as Labour, Social Democrats
Greens, polling between 4% and 6% - present
themselves as potential coalition partners.
During the campaign, Christian Democrats and
centrists, emphasize the strong performance
of the economy, calling for votes to maintain
financial stability... in a prosperous nation
struggling with a severe housing crisis,
deteriorating public services,
and rising immigration.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has centred its platform
on addressing these issues in an attempt to
replicate its electoral success from five
years ago -- and adding a plan to hold
a referendum on Irish reunification
before 2030.
Polling stations will close today at 10:00 PM GMT, but
the counting of votes from 43 constituencies will not
begin until Saturday, at 9:00 AM. Preliminary results
may emerge by mid-afternoon, but the final results
could take days due to the complexity of Ireland’s
single transferable vote electoral system.
____________________________________________
''Protesters'' in Georgia ------
start erecting barricades
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
November 29th, 12:31am
(Lenta.ru)
Participants of the protest action against the decision
of the ruling party of Georgia to temporarily stop the
process of integration of the republic into the EU ---
began to erect barricades from improvised means,
using electric scooters and other items. This, is
reported by RIA Novosti.
Georgian security forces continue to push back the
protesters at the parliament in Tbilisi, periodically
using a water cannon. The protesters who were
forced out of the parliament, moved along the
adjacent Rustaveli Avenue. A few dozen
metres away, protesters dumped
rubbish bins ----- to light fires.
___________________________________
RIA Novosti: riot police disperse
protesters near parliament
in Tbilisi
November 28th, 11:37pm
(RT.ru)
Security forces --- disperse opposition
protesters at the parliament in Tbilisi.
This is reported by RIA Novosti.
According to the agency, at first the security forces
issued a "warning signal", after which they used a
water cannon. At the same time, it is noted that
whistles and disapproving shouts are heard
from the crowd in response, and the flags
of Georgia and the EU are also visible.
_________________________________________
Provocateurs use lasers to
blind police officers at
rally in Tbilisi
November 28th, 9:35pm
(RT.ru)
According to eyewitnesses -- at a rally in Tbilisi,
provocateurs use lasers to blind police officers.
Some demonstrators are equipped with hard hats,
some of them are wearing masks. Participants
of the action, throw stones and garbage at
the security forces.
Earlier it became known that, at a rally near the
parliament building in Tbilisi - three employees
of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were injured.
In addition, the operator of the Georgian TV
channel, "TV Pirveli" Niko Kokaya, was also injured during the rally.
______________________________________________
Georgian Presidentarrives
...for opposition protest
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
November 28th, 8:35pm
(Lenta.ru)
Georgian Salome Zurabishvili joined the protesters outside the parliament building in Tbilisi. This is reported in the Telegram channel,
Sputnik Georgia.
The politician, along with the demonstrators, is
heading to Freedom Square - where special
forces and water cannons have already
been mobilized.
Earlier it was reported that in Tbilisi, during a protest
against the decision of the ruling party of Georgia
to temporarily stop the process of integration of
the republic into the EU, an employee of the
Ministry of Internal Affairs was injured.
Georgia has refused to open EU accession talks
until 2028. According to Prime Minister Irakli
Kobakhidze - the country also refuses all
EU budget grants, until the end of the
specified period.
________________________________________
Members of Trump's future
team ------ receive threats
November 28th, 4:04pm
(RT.ru)
"Several of President Trump's cabinet nominees and
administration appointees -- have been subjected to
violent, un-American threats to their lives and the
lives of those who live with them," Trump
campaign spokeswoman Caroline
Leavitt said in a statement.
It is noted - that they received reports of a bomb,
as well as threats to call emergency services
to their homes - under false pretenses.
The FBI is investigating.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed
the opinion that Trump is still not safe right now.
_______________________________________________
SberAnalitika: Russians' average salary
increased by 13% ------- in nine months
November 28th, 1:32am
(RT.ru)
In Russia, the average salary for the first nine months
of 2024, increased by 13%, to 83.2 thousand rubles.
This is evidenced by the data of the study
"SberAnalytics", RIA Novosti reports.
According to the agency -- earnings have increased
most in Tatarstan since the beginning of the year:
there, residents ' incomes increased by 21.8%.
The second and third places were taken by
the Kurgan and Orenburg regions with
indicators of 21.9% and 21.1%,
respectively.
It is noted ---- that the fastest income growth among
workers is in the manufacturing industry and trade.
Also in the top three --- was the housing and
utilities sector.
Earlier, analysts conducted a study and found that the
leaders among Russian regions in terms of average
wages - in the third quarter of this year - were
Chukotka, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous
District, Moscow, the Magadan Region,
and the Nenets Autonomous District.
_____________________________________
Brazil: Riot police shoot indigenous
people during protest in Dourados
November 27th, 8:27pm
(teleSUR)
On the morning of Wednesday --- the Indigenous
Missionary Council (CIMI) reported the invasion
..of the Military Police Shock Troops of Mato
Grosso do Sul -- in the village of Jaguapiru,
in the Indian Reserve of Dourados, Brazil.
The indigenous residents of the village were holding
a peaceful protest to denounce the chronic lack of
water that has afflicted a significant part of the
population of the Dourados Reserve for
decades, according to CIMI.
The Military Police of Mato Grosso do Sul stormed into
the site to quell the protest, shooting two Guaraní
participants at close range, as shown in a video
published by the Council.
In the publication, officers drop a man to the ground
and a woman tries to intervene, at which point the
police shoot him on the ground. Also -- a woman
ends up being beaten in the leg by the agents,
who also threw bombs at the community and brutally arrested a group of indigenous people.
According to the country’s Constitution, the indigenous
area is under federal jurisdiction, so that the actions
of the Military Police in the village of Jaguapiru are
illegal.The violent police force’s break-in at the
indigenous reserve follows a failed attempt to
reach an agreement to end the protests.
According to Campo Grande News, the State
Secretariat of Justice and Public Security
(SEJUSP) of Mato Grosso do Sul sent an
official document committing to drill
two wells in the reserve with a
budget of 250,000 reais
(about $42,490).
The village leaders did not accept the proposal,
so they maintained roadblocks on the roads,
claiming that the amount was insufficient
and also demanding the immediate
drilling of wells.
On the morning of Wednesday --- the Indigenous
Missionary Council (CIMI) reported the invasion
of the Military Police Shock Troops of Mato
Grosso do Sul - in the village of Jaguapiru,
in the Indian Reserve of Dourados, Brazil.
_____________________________________________
Caracas Hosts -the Installation of the
International Anti-Fascist Committee
“For a New World”
November 27th, 5:30pm
(teleSUR)
The activity was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic, Yván Gil, and Rander Peña, the
representative of internal affairs of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
On his social networks, Gil highlighted: “Together, we
will lay the foundations for the launch of the World
Anti-Fascist Front --- an initiative originated in
Venezuela, committed to the struggle
for humanity.”
This event brought together approximately
400 delegates ------ from 75 countries.
The main objective of this committee, is to specify and
assign tasks arising from the recent World Congress
against Fascism, which took place in September.
During his speech, Minister Gil emphasized the
importance of this initiative, noting that a
“new era” in the international fight
against fascism - is beginning.
The minister also warned - about the resurgence
of fascism in various nations, attributing it to
“bourgeois leaders” who use violent and
discriminatory actions against their
peoples. In this context - he urged
delegates -- to continue the fight
for peace, equality, and justice
at the global level.
The installation of the International Anti-Fascist
Committee represents not only a joint effort to
combat fascism but also seeks to promote a
new paradigm based on solidarity and
cooperation among nations.
This event --- marks a significant milestone in
the quest for a more just and equitable world.
_____________________________________________
International tourism in Colombia
with a nine percent increase
November 27th, 11:42am
(Prensa Latina)
International tourism in Colombia registered
an increase of 9.4 percent from January to
October --- with the arrival of five million
325 thousand 486 non-resident visitors,
according to a report released today
by Procolombia.
According to the report of that organization in charge of promoting tourism and foreign investment in the South American nation, the main boost to this
growth came from non-resident foreigners.
This sector represented 65.4 percent of the total
arrivals to the country, with a figure of three
million 483 thousand 689 visitors, which
means an increase of 11.1 percent
compared to the same period
in 2023.
For their part, Colombians residing abroad registered
one million 429 thousand 410 arrivals, with a growth
of 10.2 percent and a participation of 26.8 percent.
As for cruise passengers and travellers from Venezuela
for vacation purposes, these segments contributed 4.3
percent and 3.4 percent of total arrivals, respectively.
In the first half of 2024, the source said, 80.3 percent
of spending by foreign visitors in Colombia was
concentrated in 10 countries, with the US,
Mexico and Ecuador - leading the list.
This spending, processed through credit cards,
generated revenues of more than one billion
dollars, with an average spending of
104 dollars per card.
The United States and Spain lead among the issuing
markets, concentrating more than 37 percent of
reservations to Colombia.
Meanwhile, Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena
remain the most requested destinations by
international travelers, Procolombia noted.
According to the director of the entity, Carmen
Caballero, these results confirm Colombia as
a leading destination in the region, not only
for its cultural and natural wealth, but also
for the effectiveness of an international
tourism promotion strategy designed
to highlight the diversity and
beauty of the country.
_________________________
The ruble exchange rate fell sharply:
What will happen next & what to do
by Evgeny Belyakov
November 27th, 10:35am
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
On November 27th, the dollar soared above 114 rubles,
the euro - 120 rubles. What's happening in the foreign exchange market? Why... did the ruble weaken so
sharply against the dollar, and the yuan, too?
And, what to expect next?
Exactly one year ago, a dollar was worth about 90
rubles. It has been hovering around this figure for almost nine months. And in mid-June, it even strengthened to 85 rubles. Since August,
there has been a gradual growth. And
the sharpest movement started
one week ago.
The reasons are pretty obvious. The main one is
another package of US sanctions. In particular,
the inclusion in the SDN list... of 50 Russian
banks at once, including Gazprombank,
through which many foreign trade
operations were conducted.
The SDN list, is the toughest version of restrictions
for financial organizations, which paralyzes their
work in the international market.
''There is also, the growth of the dollar itself against all
world currencies, and a seasonal surge in consumer
activity and budget spending within the country,"
explains Dmitry Polevoy, Investment Director
at Astra Asset Management.
Our exchange rate... is floating. That is, the Central Bank considers it wrong to directly interfere in its formation.
But you can influence it in various, indirect ways.
In November, the financial authorities spent 4.2 billion
rubles a day on foreign currency. Starting Thursday,
they will stop doing this.
At the same time, the Central Bank will continue to sell foreign currency - by 8.4 billion rubles a day. Thus, the demand for rubles from the Central Bank will grow strongly. This will help the ruble strengthen.
There are other ways to support our native currency.
For example.... the government may re-introduce
a rule on the mandatory repatriation of foreign
currency earnings.
Exporting companies could be required to transfer
a certain share (say, 80%) of foreign currency
earnings to Russia - and exchange them for
rubles. As a result, demand for the ruble
increases and its exchange rate
strengthens.
__________________________________
Blinken:G7 completes allocation
of $50 billion to Ukraine at the
expense of Russian assets
November 26th, 6:08pm
(RT.ru)
The United States and its G7 allies are finalizing a
process to provide Ukraine with $50 billion from
frozen Russian assets.
This was stated by the head of the US
State Department Anthony Blinken,
RIA Novosti reports.
"We are finalizing the process to allocate
$50 billion... secured by frozen Russian
sovereign assets to support Ukraine,"
Blinken said.
Earlier, head of the French Defense Ministry,
Sebastian Lecornuh, said that France will
supply Ukraine with missiles -------- at the
expense of income from Russian assets.
The transfer of income from Russian assets
to Ukraine is theft, Russian presidential
spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
_________________________________
NetEase: Russia and China have
taken similar actions against
the US
by Oleg Artyukov
November 26th, 4:25pm
(Pravda.ru)
In China, they told about similar actions of Beijing
and Moscow ------- in relation to the United States.
In recent weeks, the world's attention has been
focused on the results of the US election and
its consequences. Then, the main topic of
discussion was the test of the Russian
system "Oreshnik", the existence of
which, came as a surprise.
While everyone was following these events, few people
paid attention to the unusual behaviour of the Kremlin
and its partners in Beijing - according to the material
published on the Chinese Internet platform NetEase.
"An amazing coincidence, but.... Russia and China
actually took similar actions at the same time,"
the author noted.
He drew attention to the fact ---- that a few days ago
the Russian government announced a ban on the
export of waste and scrap of precious metals,
as well as waste and scrap of electrical and
electronic products. Shortly before that,
Russia --- in response to sanctions ---
restricted the export of enriched uranium to the United States.
At the same time ------- it became known that since
December 1st, China has introduced strict export
controls on dual-use goods, including some types
of rare earth metals - gallium and germanium.
These materials are in high demand in the
US --- where they are widely used in the
military industry.
According to the author of the material in NetEase,
these events - are not random. Russia and China
are deliberately seeking to limit US access to
strategic raw materials, which is one of the weak points of US industry.
"China and Russia --- simultaneously --- began to put
pressure on the vulnerabilities of the US military
industry," the author of the material believes.
It seems that the situation is developing in accordance
with the plan of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Recently, he instructed the government to
consider introducing restrictions on the
export of strategic raw materials.
And, apparently, the idea is beginning to come to life,
and the work is being carried out in a characteristic
style for Putin — with unexpected twists. China's
participation in this plan came as a surprise
and portends big problems for the US
and its allies.
"The time has come for the United States to face
the consequences of retaliatory sanctions,"
China believes.
Author Oleg Artyukov is a journalist and
columnist at the Pravda Politics
Department.Roo*
_________________________________
Venezuela ---- Rejects G7 Statement
Reaffirms Its National Sovereignty
November 26th, 3:49pm
(teleSUR)
“It is particularly ironic that these same countries,
which made a loud mockery in 2019 by
recognizing an impostor as ‘interim
president’ ....now pretend to give
lessons on the will of electoral
processes,” reads the
official text.
The statement emphasizes that the G7, instead of
offering lessons on democracy, should reflect on
its own history of interventions and support for
regimes that have perpetrated human
rights violations.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has issued a strong statement -- in response to the criticisms from the G7 regarding its electoral & political process, labeling
their observations as “absurd” & a manifestation
of imperialist interference.
In a context where G7 powers proclaim themselves
as arbiters of global democracy, the Venezuelan
government denounces their hypocrisy - while
recalling the political and economic failures
these countries face.
Venezuela also warns... of the possibility of a
new attempt to delegitimize its institutions,
suggesting that any opposition figure such
as a “Guaidó 2.0,” will face resistance
from the Venezuelan people ------
who have demonstrated their
commitment to sovereignty
and national dignity.
The Venezuelan government emphasizes that the
arrogant and interventionist attitude of the G7
will not go unanswered and announces a
comprehensive review - of its relations
with each of the countries that make
up this group. “Respect for national
sovereignty is non-negotiable,”
declares the statement.
The text also declares that recent history has shown
that the Bolivarian people will not accept further
external tutelage. “Venezuela is free, and it will
remain so, no matter how much it pains those
who have not overcome their imperial
complexes,” concludes the
official message.
This pronouncement comes at a critical moment for
international relations, where self-determination
and national sovereignty have become central
themes in the global political debate.
The response from the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela reaffirms its firm stance against
external pressures and its commitment to
a political model based on participation
and popular will.
____________________________________
4 Pakistan security forces killed
...as capital stormed by ex-PM
Imran Khan supporters
November 26th, 11:02am
(PressTV)
At least four security forces have been killed, as
thousands of supporters of jailed former prime
minister Imran Khan... flood the Pakistani
capital --- and breach the government-
imposed lockdown --- demanding
his release.
The government had imposed an internet shutdown,
blocked major highways, and deployed thousands
of police and paramilitary forces in the capital
Islamabad --- to prevent pro-khan rallies.
However, supporters of the ex-PM
on Tuesday afternoon filled the
streets ---- and breached
the lockdown.
Armed with sticks and slingshots, more than 10,000
pro-Khan protesters clashed with police in central
Islamabad, less than three kilometres from the
government sector they aim to occupy.
According to the military-backed government led by
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, protesters killed at
least four security forces - during a confrontation
between the two sides that soon turned violent.
Khan... who has been charged in over 150 criminal
cases, was barred from standing for the February
elections ...that were marred by allegations
of rigging.
The 72-year-old star cricketer turned politician, who
served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022,
has frequently denounced the charges,
as designed to block his comeback.
The former prime minister’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) party has defied the current crackdown ....and
called for regular rallies, among which, Tuesday's
is the largest in Islamabad... since he was
imprisoned back in August last year.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said "miscreants"
involved in the protest rally had killed four
members of the paramilitary Rangers
force... on a city highway leading
to the government enclave.
Separately, Sharif said that the victims
had been “run over by a vehicle.”
“These disruptive elements --- do not seek revolution
but bloodshed. This -- is not a peaceful protest, it is
extremism,” the prime minister said in a statement.
Islamabad has been under lockdown since late
Saturday, with over 20,000 police officers,
many equipped with riot shields and
batons, patrolling the streets.
The government, which announced a two-month ban
on public gatherings last week, says the protesters
are attempting to derail a state visit by Belarusian
President Alexander Lukashenko, who arrived for
a three-day official visit on Monday.
“We are deeply frustrated with the government. They
do not know how to function. The treatment we are
receiving is unjust and cruel,” a protester said.
______________________________________________
Russia saysWest is trying to
unleash a colour revolution
in Georgia
November 26th, 8:43am
(Prensa Latina)
Western countries are trying to unleash a colour
revolution in Georgia, Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov warned.
“There is no need to talk in detail about the fact - that
the situation in the world remains extremely tense
and is becoming more so every day thanks to the
efforts of our Western colleagues,” Lavrov said
-- at the meeting with the heads of the special
and security services of the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS).
Lavrov added ---- that they also do not look down on
various dirty geopolitical methods, from organizing
large-scale information wars to directly unleashing
colour revolutions ---- as they are now trying to do
in Georgia.
“In this way..... Western states provoke internal conflicts
and hotbeds of tension in other countries of the world,
for example, they use a network of non-governmental
organizations ---- to destabilize the internal political
situation in the states of the Global South and the
Global East,” he said.
On November the 16th --- Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) -- published the final results of
the parliamentary elections held on October 26th.
According to the document, the ruling Georgian Dream
party won the elections, garnering 53.93 percent
of the vote and receiving 89 seats in the
150-seat parliament.
Four opposition parties won representation in the
parliament --- but declared that they do not
recognize the results announced by the
CEC and refuse to accept the seats,
calling the voting results falsified
and demanding an international
investigation and new elections.
The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office... has launched
an investigation into opposition claims that the
election results were falsified --- but most
opposition parties refuse to cooperate
with the agency.
On August 26th, Russian intelligence warned that the
United States was preparing a “colour revolution” in
Georgia - because it did not agree with the current
political situation in the country.
___________________________________
Frente Amplio’s victory -
arouses global interest
towards Uruguay
November 26th, 8:37am
(Prensa Latina)
Uruguay is at the centre of continental and global
attention, following the electoral victory of the
Frente Amplio presidential candidate,
Yamandú Orsi.
Yamandú Orsi said yesterday that he has received
a flood of messages of congratulations, each of
which is new - for a country with little space in
the trends of continental communication - and
the large companies that manage information.
The country’s relative political and citizen peace
contributes to this, even though, in the matter
of security, there are more and more public
acts of violence, which the authorities
affirm go hand in hand with drug
trafficking and crime.
Orsi will debut in the international arena as president-
elect on March 6th at the Mercosur summit, to which
he was invited by outgoing president, Luis Lacalle
Pou, who will hand over pro tempore presidency
of the bloc. Orsi will meet with the leaders of
Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia
and Panama.
During the meeting, Orsi said that he would promote
the insertion of Uruguay in the world economy,
but take care of the unity of Mercosur.
The comment marks a distance from Lacalle Pou’s
position, who leaves the presidency without
achieving any free trade agreements with
any nations outside the bloc, particularly
with China ---- despite criticism from his
peers in the Southern Common Market.
“I am deeply integrationist in a world that is
shutting itself in,” Orsi told the press after
visiting former president José Mujica
on Monday.
The president-elect noted - that one must have
“a good relationship with the region because
in a month --- everything can change,” in a
world that... “is sitting on a powder keg.”
_________________________________________
"Political earthquake": West shocked
by the leadership of a candidate
loyal to Russia in Romania
by Semyon Zimin
November 25th, 11:38am
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
The unexpected success of Calin Giorgescu, known for
his views on rapprochement with Russia, in the first
round of the presidential election in Romania, has
caused a loud political scandal. This was
reported by the Financial Times.
Observers were caught off guard: political analyst
Costin Ciobanu noted, that no one expected the victory
of the candidate from the radical right party --- and
added that the result was even more surprising:
the defeat -- of the current Prime Minister,
Marcel Ciolacu, who failed to reach
the second round.
Giorgescu, according to the publication, has repeatedly
expressed skepticism about Romania's membership in
NATO and opposed the deployment of the alliance's
missiles on the territory of the state. Moreover
- he does not hide his respect for Russian
President Vladimir Putin - calling him
one of the few bright personalities
in world politics.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin is cautiously monitoring the
process - but is in no hurry to draw conclusions.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian
president, said that Moscow has so far
...refrained from commenting or
making predictions.. about
the Romanian elections.
___________________________
Head of the Central Bank of Iran:
Tehran and Moscow completely
abandoned the dollar
in settlements
Danila Likhachev
November 25th, 9:21am
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Russia and Iran have completely abandoned the use of
the dollar in mutual settlements. The two countries
switched to national currencies. This was stated
by the head of the Central Bank of Iran,
Mohammad Reza Farzin.
According to him, the agreements between Russia
and Iran allowed for the transition. They were
signed... in the financial sector.
"We concluded a currency agreement with Russia -- and
completely excluded the dollar. Now we only trade in
rubles and rials," Farzin said during a conference
on modern banking and payment systems.
The head of the Central Bank of Iran also noted that
Moscow and Tehran have managed to agree on the
exchange rate issue. It will be used for foreign
trade operations.
Earlier it was reported that Russia and Iran will soon
sign a large interstate treaty. Its goal --- will be to
maintain equality in the new, multipolar world.
_________________________________________________
Lebaneseaccuse the West
of distorting factsabout
the conflict in Ukraine
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
November 24th, 2:59am
(Lenta.ru)
The West turns the facts on their head --- blaming Russia
for the conflict in Ukraine. This opinion was expressed
in an interview with RIA Novosti -- by the coordinator for Asia and Abroad of the Free Patriotic Movement Party of the Republic of Lebanon, Youssef Awad.
The politician stressed - that Palestine is simply
defending itself from the attacks of Israel, but
Israel turns everything....... "upside down".
"Israel says they are being attacked and they are
defending themselves. This, is similar to what
was done with Russia earlier," Avad said.
Earlier, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN,
Vassily Nebenzia blamed the US for the escalation of
the conflict - between Palestine and Israel. He also
said that the United States for years, blocked any
signals from the UN Security Council...... arguing
that ''quiet regional diplomacyis more effective."
Ukrainian activists came out --- for a memorial event organized by the Embassy - in connection with the famine of the 1930s, the so-called Holmidor - which Banderists havealways blamed on the Soviet Union.
"Country.ua" Ukrainian edition,
writes about it.
Igor Posolenik, a priest of the apostate Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said that the way to the
monument to Taras Shevchenko, where the
Ukrainians were heading - was blocked
by Greek communists with red flags.
As a result, the action was disrupted - local residents
started throwing firecrackers at Ukrainian activists.
The priest noted that, in a clash with the
communists... a Ukrainian diplomat was injured.
(source - RT)
_________________________________
President Sheinbaum.. Presides
at beginning of Mexico’s Most
Important Port Expansion
November 23rd, 4:37pm
(teleSUR)
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.... carried
out the start of construction work on the expansion of
the port of Manzanillo, which will involve a joint public
and private investment of 63 billion pesos ($3 billion
USD), to become one of the major infrastructure
projects of the six-year period.
For the first stage ----- a public investment of 9 billion pesos is planned, which will be supplemented by
another 1,631 million pesos from the Ministry of the Navy and 20,885 million pesos from
private investment.
For the second stage, public investment
is estimated at 4,425 million pesos, and
private investment, 27,582 million pesos.
The federal government is investing in the construction
of a new Mexican Petroleum (PEMEX) --- storage and
distribution terminal --- and a maritime terminal.
This project includes the preparation of areas
for the port, construction dredging in its first
phase, and the preparation of container
and hydrocarbon terminals.
Private investment will complement development with
the construction of specialized container terminals.
The opening ceremony was led by Claudia Sheinbaum,
along with senior government officials, as part of the
anniversary of the Consolidation of Independence
at the Sea in Manzanillo, Colima.
Sheinbaum.... along with the Defense and Navy
Secretaries and other members of his cabinet,
presided at a ceremony in which the governor
of Colima, Indira Vizcaíno, underlined the
federal government’s support for the
development of the port of Colima,
the most important in Mexico.
She underlined -- the importance of mitigating the
negative impacts of their operation and ensuring
that the investment benefits local people.
____________________________________
Nicaraguan National Assembly
Approves The New Historic
Constitutional Reforms
November 23rd, 3:08pm
(teleSUR)
The National Assembly of Nicaragua unanimously
approved the constitutional reform suggested by President Daniel Ortega.
The National Assembly of Nicaragua, passed this
Friday - unanimously - and in the first legislature
amendments to the 1987 Political Constitution,
submitted on November 19 by the President
Daniel Ortega and it should be approved in
a second reading and enter into force in
January 2025.
During the session, the president of the National
Assembly, Gustavo Porras, stressed that this
update of the Constitution represents an
important advance for the Nicaraguan
people. This achievement reflects the
full representation of political forces
in the Legislative Branch and is
set against a background of
“Revolution and Evolution”.
According to the Nicaraguan officials, the main aim
of the reforms is to adapt the legal framework to
new times and realities through a process of
transformation and modernisation, and
consolidate a more inclusive legal
framework that is in line with the
nation’s current challenges.
Nicaragua’s vice president, Rosario Murillo, described
the day as historic, emphasizing that the people were
claimed their right -- to a representative constitution
that would give all citizens prominence and power.
In her daily speech to the Nicaragua’s people, she
emphasized the importance ----- of guaranteeing
fundamental rights for families, men, women a
nd young people, in the context of building
a future free from poverty.
“To families, to men and women, to the youth, on
all aspects of life in society, guaranteeing the
fundamental rights of us ---- the Nicaraguan
citizens - who proudly and honourably are
building a future free from poverty,”
she stated.
The reforms establishes the revolutionary character of
the Nicaraguan state and reaffirms the independence
sovereignty... and self-determination of the country, extends from 5 to 6 years the presidential term,
establishes the figures of “co-president”,
which the executive will “coordinate”
with other powers of the State, as a
reflection of the will of the people.
_____________________________________
Venezuela’s Interior Minister
Denounces: Newfascistic
Destabilizing Plans
November 23rd, 1:45pm
(teleSUR)
The Venezuelan Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace,
Diosdado Cabello denounced new destabilizing plans
in the country which had their centre in the state of
Zulia -- with the participation of businessmen, judges, prosecutors, and military personnel linked to the Venezuelan extreme right.
Cabello said in a press conference today, that
investigations have revealed corruption and
conspiracy offences. One of the objectives
of the plan was to train paramilitaries to
attack electrical and oil sites, as well
as a strong sabotage of the Guri.
The minister revealed - that José Enrique Rincón, owner of several companies, especially in the industrial area, was one of the main organizers of the operation --- along
with his children. He also stated that the citizen has direct links - with Iván Simonovis, María Corina Machado, Tomás Guanipa and Juan Pablo Guanipa.
In addition, Cabello added that “The raids are in full
swing -- with the dispatch of officials from Caracas.
We sent them - and they found explosives installed
in Zulia, mined through corruption and controlled
by Mr Rincón”
The Venezuelan official states that the financing for
these terrorist and destabilizing activities, comes
from drug trafficking & Colombian paramilitaries,
led by the country’s right-wing ex-presidents ---
Iván Duque and Álvaro Uribe.
“The Venezuelan state --- will act firmly and forcefully in
each case” - emphasized the Minister. He also added
that these citizens have gone beyond the political
and are planning acts of violence against the
Bolivarian people. “Let the world know ---
that here in Venezuela, fascism will
not be able to prosper,” he said.
_____________________________________
Iran Activates Advanced Centrifuges
in Retaliation for IAEA Resolution
November 22nd, 3:09pm
(al Manar)
Iran has denounced a United Nations nuclear
watchdog resolution as “unjustifiable”
initiating the operation of advanced
centrifuges in reciprocal response.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy
Organization of Iran (AEOI)... issued a joint
statement early Friday ---- announcing the
activation of ---- “a substantial number of
advanced centrifuges of various models.”
The statement emphasized, that the move is a
defensive measure to protect Iran’s national
interests and address its increasing need
for a civilian nuclear program, in line
with its obligations - under the
Comprehensive Safeguards
Agreement.
The action follows a resolution passed by the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Board of Governors --- which accused
Tehran of inadequate cooperation,
and called for a “comprehensive”
report on its nuclear activities
by spring 2025.
The resolution passed.. with 19 votes
in favour, 3 against, & 12 abstentions.
Iran described the resolution as a “non-consensus”
measure driven by the “pressure and insistence”
of the US, UK, France and Germany, despite
lacking support from nearly half of the
35-member Board of Governors.
“The actions of the three European nations and the
United States — countries with a documented
history of reneging on their commitments...
including under the Joint Comprehensive
Plan of Action (JCPOA) and resorting to
unlawful sanctions and pressures
against the Iranian nation - are
both confrontational and
unjustifiable,” the
statement read.
It criticized the resolution as “politically motivated”
and warned.... it undermines the constructive
atmosphere fostered during IAEA Director
General Rafael Grossi’s recent visit
to Tehran.
“This politicized and destructive measure undermines
..the positive momentum achieved between Iran and
the Agency and blatantly contradicts the professed commitment of the 3 European nations and the
United States to preserving the integrity and
impartiality of the IAEA. It lays bare their
use of the nuclear issue as a pretext to
advance illegitimate objectives,”
the statement added.
Despite its condemnation of the resolution, Iran
reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with
the IAEA within the framework of the
Safeguards Agreement.
“The principled policy of the I.R. of Iran -------- has
consistently been to engage constructively with
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
within the framework of rights and obligations
enshrined in the Treaty on the NPT and the
Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement,”
it said.
Iran signed the JCPOA in 2015, proving the peaceful
intent of its nuclear program to six world powers.
However, the deal has been in jeopardy since the
United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and
reimposed sanctions on Tehran.
In response to unmet commitments by other
signatories, Iran began rolling back its
JCPOA obligations in 2019.
Source: Iranian media
_______________________________
Szijjarto calledsanctions against
Gazprombank--- a threat to
Europe's energy supply
by Semyon Zimin
November 22nd, 2:59pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Economic Relations Peter Szijjarto said that the
inclusion of Gazprombank in the US sanctions
list - is aimed at jeopardizing the stability of
the supply of energy ---- in Central Europe.
On his page in social networks, he noted that such a
decision aims to create additional problems for a
number of countries in the region.
Despite external pressure, the Hungarian government
is making every effort to ensure the country's energy
security --- Szijjarto stressed. According to him,
Budapest is actively working to resolve the
situation together with international
partners - in order to avoid the
negative consequences
of sanctions.
In another publication, the minister criticized the
actions of the United States, saying that the US
leadership encourages the use of long-range
missiles by Ukraine -- to strike at Russian
territory. Szijjarto expressed concern -
that such steps put the world at risk
of a global conflict.
According to him, some pro-military forces in the West
ignore the possible catastrophic consequences and
continue to move along the path of aggravation.
_________________________________
Russian journalists not accredited
for UNESCO IPCC meeting
November 22nd, 2:01pm
(RT.ru)
Russian journalists were not accredited to attend
the meeting of the International Program for the
Development of Communication (IPCC) and
were not allowed access to the UNESCO
headquarters, the Russian Permanent
Mission to the organization said.
The UNESCO secretariat "declares freedom of speech
only in words, but in practice it restricts the rights of
journalists," the diplomats said.
RT condemned the inaction of UNESCO, which ignores
attacks on Russian journalists. In its latest report - on
the safety of journalists - the organization once again
did not say a word about the safety of Russian
media employees.
In particular, the report does not mention numerous
cases of violence against RT journalists and other
Russian media outlets, including murders and
attempted murders.
____________________________________________
‘Bolivar Act’To Become the New
U.S. Weapon AgainstVenezuela
November 22nd, 1:12pm
(teleSUR)
It prohibits agencies from entering into contracts
with any entity that maintains relationships
with the Venezuelan government.
During the past week, the U.S. has intensified its
unconventional aggressions against Venezuela.
Acting in blatant disregard for the Bolivarian
nation’s sovereignty, Secretary of State
Antony Blinken recognized far-right
politician Edmundo Gonzalez as
the supposed president of
Venezuela. But that’s
not all.
Currently, both the Democratic and Republican
parties are pushing for the approval of the
“Banning Operations and Leases with the
Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian
Regime Act” (Bolivar Act).
Commonly referred to as the “Bolivar Act,” this bill
was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives
on November 18. However --- before it becomes law it must secure approval from the Senate.
What Does the Bolivar Act Establish?
The Bolivar Act prohibits U.S. agencies from entering
into contracts with any entity that maintains
significant commercial relationships with
the Venezuelan government, except for
....those agencies approved by the
Secretary of State for reasons
of “national interest.”
This provision -- expands the scope of existing
sanctions, introducing greater uncertainty for
international actors conducting operations in
Venezuela. The term “significant commercial operations” is not clearly defined in the bill,
leaving the interpretation of its scope to
the discretion of the State Department
- and the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB). This legal ambiguity
could be used as a tool to adjust
sanctions according to U.S.
strategic interests.
To increase discretion in applying unilateral U.S.
sanctions, the Bolivar Act also establishes
exceptions for licenses issued by the
Office of Foreign Assets Control
(OFAC).
These licenses allow transnational companies
such as Chevron and Repsol to continue
operating in Venezuela.
Once the discretion to determine which companies
or individuals are subject to sanctions is granted,
the State Department could permit flexibility
based on the strategic priorities of the
incoming Trump administration.
Marco Rubio, the next head of the State Department,
has been a fervent advocate for stricter sanctions
against Venezuela and Cuba, which has allowed
him to position himself as the spearhead
against progressive Latin American
governments.
However, the Bolivar Act excludes activities related to
humanitarian assistance and intelligence operations,
which have historically been used to interfere in
the internal affairs of Latin American countries
by funding opposition media and NGOs.
What Does the Bolivar Act Imply?
In an interview with Truth Mission, economist
Francisco Rodriguez stated that the Bolivar
Act is more symbolic than effective, as it
does not introduce new sanctions but
reinforces “a firm stance” against
Venezuelan President
Nicolas Maduro.
The practical impact of the legislation, however,
could be significant. By converting executive
provisions into legislative norms, the Bolivar
Act limits the U.S. Executive Branch’s
ability to modify or eliminate
sanctions in the future.
In response, the Venezuelan National Assembly
approved, in its first discussion, the Simon
Bolivar Special Law Against the Blockade
and for the Defense of the Country. This
instrument aims to protect Venezuelan
interests against U.S. economic
aggression.
The Venezuelan law ---- includes provisions for the
permanent political disqualification --- of citizens
who promote foreign actions against Venezuela.
It also proposes the recovery of assets from
opposition figures who have conspired
against the Bolivarian nation
from abroad.
_____________________________________
China against double standards
in international law—
Foreign Ministry
November 22nd, 12:54pm
(TASS)
China condemns double standards and the biased
application of international law, Chinese Foreign
Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian stated at a briefing.
"China --- has always opposed the manipulation of
international law by individual countries to serve
their own interests -- rather than respecting it
or applying double standards. I would like to
emphasize -- China has consistently urged
the ICC to remain objective and fair, in its
decisions - and to exercise its functions
& powers in accordance with the law,"
China's foreign ministry spokesman
stressed - commenting on the US's
reaction to ICC arrest warrants
against Israeli PMi Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense
Minister Gallant -- as well as the decision against Russia's President, Vladimir Putin.
He also highlighted -------- Washington's use of double
standards, in handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
within the United Nations. "The United States - used
its veto power unilaterally to block a draft resolution
on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, thus undermining
the efforts of the Security Council and the global
community. The world could clearly see how the
US applies its double standards," Lin Jian said.
Earlier --- the United States blocked a draft resolution
prepared by the ten non-permanent members of the
Security Council ---- calling for an immediate and
unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This
marks the 5th time Washington has blocked
resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza
since tensions escalated in the Middle
East ----- in October 2023. The United
States has also opposed Palestine's
bid for full membership in the UN.
On November the 21st, the ICC announced it had issued
arrest warrants -- for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav
Gallant - for alleged war crimes and crimes against
humanity committed between October 8, 2023 and
May 20, 2024 on Palestinian territory, including
the Gaza Strip.
US President Biden called the decision ''unjustifiable'' ---- and ''outragious''.
The ICC also demanded the arrest of Mohammed
Deif, commander of the Palestinian Hamas
military wing, who was declared dead
by the Israeli army in August.
For his part, EU top diplomat Josep Borrell said the EU
considered the arrest warrants issued by the ICC for Netanyahu and Gallant --- to be binding.
________________________________________
November with less
homicides in
El Salvador
November 22nd, 10:41am
(Prensa Latina)
November registers today 17 days free
of homicides, according to a morning
report of the National Civil Police.
No gang-related murders were registered on Thursday,
November 21. “We ended Thursday, November 21,
with 0 homicides in the country,” the institution
said on its official X account.
Although it will not reach the 27 days without fatalities
recorded in October ------ the month of November will
apparently rank among the safest in recent times
as a result of the effectiveness of the Territorial
Control Plan and the exceptional regime.
Meanwhile.... the authorities continue their offensive
against the groups responsible for the violence, and,
the day before, the Attorney General’s Office issued
144 arrest warrants against gang members
involved in different crimes.
The operation was aimed at capturing members of
the Mara Salvatrucha operating in San Miguel,
Usulután and La Unión.
The authorities specified that ---- among the accused
there are 103 who will be notified in the penitentiary
centres where they are already in prison.
During the action, vehicles, cell phones, computers
and other objects linked to the different criminal
acts - were seized.
Although the authorities released close to 10,000
innocent people, the number of alleged gang
members in prison is close to 80,000,
according to official statistics.
____________________________
Health system crisis
persists in Haiti
November 22nd, 9:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Haiti's public health system is undergoing a
profound crisis affecting the population,
especially pregnant women.
''Today ---- the country does not have a public maternity centre. The only maternity hospital that existed was
the one in Chancerelles. It has been operating for
months,'' doctor Ronald Laroche stated, in
Le Nouvelliste.
''There is nowhere for a pregnant woman to give birth,
and the few places that exist -------- are paralyzed.''
''We are in a terrible situation, catastrophic, whose
severity is not measured in general terms,'' the
doctor said ------- lamenting the death of four
women who needed a cesarean section....
but did not have access to gynecologists
or anesthesiologists because they were
unable to reach them - because of the
violence.
The violence in the country took a dramatic turn in
the health field, as the situation worsened to the
point,, where both public and private hospitals
became a disaster, Dr. Laroche said.
“In the absence of a functioning health system and the
face of escalating violence, human lives continue to
be lost -- every day, hence the authorities and the
international community must become aware
of this health agony ---- and act quickly,”
Laroche concluded.
__________________________
Young Cubans prepare for
big day of voluntary work
November 22nd, 9:36am
(Prensa Latina)
The 65th anniversary of the first voluntary work
called in Cuba by Ernesto Che Guevara will be
commemorated by young people here from
today until next Saturda
Throughout the island, youth will mobilize to support
activities related to food production and recovery
from recent weather events.
According to the call of the Young Communist League
(UJC), the participants will also collaborate with the
rescue of organoponics, the constructive
maintenance of health centres, and
education, the coffee harvest, the
sugar harvest, sanitation, and
hygiene, among other tasks.
Yasmany Rodríguez, a member of the National Bureau
of the UJC, explained to the newspaper Juventud
Rebelde, that the objective will be to achieve an
organized, massive, and productive day, “in
which youth with their contribution in the
voluntary work pay the deserved tribute
to who was their greatest inspiration
and example the Heroic Guerrilla.”
On November 23, 1959, the first day of voluntary work
was carried out.. in El Caney de las Mercedes, the
municipality of Bartolomé Masó --- in Santiago
de Cuba, headed by Ernesto Che Guevara.
The idea arose... to build a School City for 20 thousand
children, children of peasants of the Sierra Maestra,
which would become, in the words of Che, “a
permanent symbol of the worker-peasant
alliance where our revolutionary power is based.”
________________________________________
France, Germany and ItalyCall on the EU
to Act Quickly to Prevent Economic
Decline
November 22nd, 8:36am
(teleSUR)
Trump’s election as president should serve as a
wake-up call for Europe to prioritise its own
interests, Italian minister Urso said.
On Friday, the economy ministers of France, Germany,
and Italy, called for joint action by the EU - to bolster
competitiveness against the US and China.
“Collectively,we need to pick up the pace of action,”
emphasized France’s Economy Minister, Antoine
Armand... during the closing session of the
Trilateral Business Forum organized in
Paris by the business associations of the three countries.
He warned that, if decisions continue to be
delayed, “entire sectors will be wiped out.”
“What we need ---- is a policy that strengthens Europe’s
industrial base,” stated German Secretary of Economy
Bernhard Kluttig. He stressed that “it’s important that
we act together” and, most critically, “we must act
immediately” with “sensible pragmatism,” which
includes simplifying regulation.
“We need to act fast, fast, fast,” - echoed Italy’s
Economy Minister, Adolfo Urso - who referred
to the repercussions of accumulated delays,
as detailed in Mario Draghi’s report on
Europe’s competitiveness issues.
For Urso ---- Donald Trump’s election as U.S. president
should serve as a wake-up call for Europe to respond
and prioritize its own interests - as Washington does.
“Europe’s problem isn’t the U.S. or China, because
Europeans can’t decide for those countries. The
problem is - that Europe doesn’t decide,” Urso
pointed out, insisting that EU environmental
policy must align with strategic autonomy
and address the realities of the world
pragmatically. This - does not mean
abandoning the major goals of the
European Green Deal but rather
reorienting them ---- “without
giving up either prosperity
or independence.”
The German secretary stressed that the EU needs
“trade agreements” in the current context and
specifically advocated for the agreement
negotiated with Mercosur --- which is
currently blocked, primarily due to
France’s firm opposition, citing
significant potential harm to
its agriculture.
Kluttig also noted that ----- “reducing bureaucracy, is a
decisive factor for progress,” adding that businesses
should not be forced to expand administrative
control departments, but should - instead -
increase their number of engineers ----
to accelerate innovation.
On Friday... the Movement of French Enterprises
(MEDEF), the Federation of German Industries
(BDI), and General Confederation of Italian
Industry (Confindustria) signed a joint
declaration calling for a boost in
competitiveness, a reduction
in bureaucracy, accelerated
innovation, and facilitated
investment..... through a
single capital market.
“We must move from words to action,” demanded the
MEDEF president, Patrick Martin -- who announced
his intention to present this declaration to the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.
In their declaration, the business organizations
stated - that the next months leading up to
Trump’s inauguration would be crucial
for Europe to make a decisive shift.
Otherwise, “opportunities will be
lost, and it will be too late.”
_____________________________
Venezuela sends 2nd shipment
of humanitarian aid --- to Cuba
November 21st, 5:30pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Venezuelan Government sent another shipment
consisting of more than 200 tons of humanitarian
aid to Cuba on Thursday to compensate for the
damage caused by the hurricanes that hit the
Caribbean island in recent weeks.
The solidarity shipment departed from the port of La
Guaira, in the state of the same name (north), in the
presence of Bolivarian Foreign Minister, Yván Gil,
and Cuban Ambassador, Dagoberto Rodríguez,
among other officials.
The head of Venezuelan diplomacy.. explained to reporters that the shipment left for the port of
Santiago de Cuba (east) and is made up of
more than 200 tons of aid, including
construction materials ---- and
support for communities.
“We are talking about more than 54,000 items
inside these more than 20 containers,”
he said.
Gil pointed out that this aid from Venezuela ---- is to
address an emergency caused by climate change
that has impacted the Cuban nation, which was
affected by hurricanes Oscar, which first hit
the far east of the country, and in early
November by Rafael, which hit
the west.
Cuba was also affected by two earthquakes, the
largest of which measured 6.7 on the Richter
scale and caused material damage to
homes and infrastructure.
The Venezuelan foreign minister stressed, “We have
received Cuban solidarity at all times, the Cuban
people and their Government have always
been there to support us, in literacy, in
medical and technical missions, in
agriculture and food.”
He reaffirmed that the Venezuelan Government will
always be responding with “a lot of solidarity and
strength to support sister Cuba in the context of
the strategic bilateral alliance that we have and
the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our
America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).
On November 6th, the Bolivarian Republic sent the first
shipment of humanitarian aid containing construction
materials, primary care and other items.
In his program Maduro Live de Repente, broadcast on
social networks, radio and Venezolana de Televisión,
President Nicolás Maduro informed that mattresses,
roofs, cleaning materials, parts, food, and stoves,
among others, were sent.
He added... that they have been waiting for the
activation of the joint support of Nicaragua,
Bolivia, Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and
the entire Caribbean.
The Alliance is the expression of unity and love,
Maduro said, and assured that --- “Cuba has
brothers who love and support it and
we are going together, ALBA-TCP
and Venezuela.”
____________________________________
Brazil’s Police accuse Bolsonaro
and others - of attempted coup
November 21st, 3:25pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Federal Police (PF) of Brazil today accused
former President Jair Bolsonaro, and 36 other
people of alleged crimes to violently abolish
the Democratic Rule of Law, coup d'état
and criminal conspiracy.
The 884-page investigation report
was forwarded to the Supreme
Federal Court (STF).
Among the accused..... is former General Walter
Braga Neto, ex Minister of Defense (2021-2022),
This is the first time former president Bolsonaro
faces accusations ------ of being responsible for
conspiring against democracy in the country.
The Police, who also sent the document to Bolsonaro’s
defense lawyer, Braga Netto -- and the leader of the
Liberal Party, Valdemar Costa Neto, indicate.. the
alleged conspirators had organized themselves
into several cells, according to their tasks.
This helped investigators learn about
individual responsibilities.
One group was in charge of spreading misinformation
and attacking the electoral system; another was
tasked with “inciting military personnel
to join the coup d’état.”
There was also a “legal core”, to support pro coup
actions, one for the parallel intelligence and a
third one to promote coercive measures.
As the next step, the Police must forward the report
to the Attorney General’s Office, which would then
proceed to assess the information and decide
whether or not to file charges against those
involved, something the Attorney General,
Paulo Gonet, is not likely to do
until next year.
The delay will largely follow
from the case’s complexity.
The police accusation is based -- to a good extent on
testimonies given by Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid,
former assistant to Bolsonaro, who did so --- in
exchange for lenient treatment.
Commanders of the Army and the Air Force in the
Bolsonaro Government (2019-2022) told the PF
that the he had presented them with the coup
project, with - only then - commander of the
Navy, Almir Garnier, accepting his plans.
____________________________________
Pezeshkian ---- to the US & Europeans:
You are killing women and children
November 21st, 2:49pm
(PressTV)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, says the US
and certain European states have always adopted
hypocritical approaches as bombs manufactured
at their factories are killing women and minors
worldwide.
“You are a party which kills women and children
with bombs. Shame on you!,” he said in the
southeastern city of Zahedan on Thursday.
His remarks came after the Third Committee of the UN
General Assembly adopted a resolution tabled by
Canada and supported by the West, accusing
Iran of a “violation of its international
obligations".
The draft resolution, approved by a vote of 77 in favour,
28 against - as well as 66 abstentions - on Wednesday
......claimed that “respect for human rights” had
deteriorated in the country.
Iran’s deputy permanent representative to the United
biased, and hypocritical” resolution against Iran.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran ---- categorically rejects the
unjust and politically motivated resolution concerning
the human rights situation in our country. While we
acknowledge... that there is always room for
improvement - it is crucial to underscore
the selective, biased, and hypocritical
nature of this resolution,” she said.
There are no boundaries to the hypocrisy, blatant
double standards, and selective application of
human rights in the foreign policy of Canada
and its allies, Ershadi stated.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran remains steadfast ------- in
its commitment - to promoting and protecting human
rights. It will.. continue its constructive cooperation
& engagement with UN human rights mechanisms
as well as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)."
These accusations of human rights violations against
Iran come - as the humanitarian situation is further
deteriorating in the Gaza Strip, due to Israel’s
brutal aggression - and the failure of the
international community - to put
an end to it.
Backed by the United States and its Western allies --
Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.
The bloody onslaught on Gaza has, so far, killed 44,056
Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured
104,268 others. Thousands more are also missing
and presumed dead under rubble.
___________________________________________
Siluanov announced Russia's plans
to use the proceeds from frozen
assets of the West
November 20th, 7:27pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Russia intends to use the proceeds from frozen assets of the West as a response. This statement was made on November 20th by the Minister of Finance of the
Russian Federation Anton Siluanov on the TV
channel "Russia 1".
"We also........ have frozen resources of Western investors
and Western financial market participants, companies.
The proceeds from these assets will be used in the
same way as the actions of those countries that
have frozen our gold and foreign exchange
reserves and use the proceeds from the
placement of these reserves," he said.
Siluanov stressed that this is Russia's response to the
same actions of the West. In addition -- he noted that
the measures will be implemented after information
about the West's unfriendly actions.
Earlier, on November 15, a senior representative of the
EU told reporters that in the spring of 2025, the EU
intends to transfer €1.9 billion from the frozen
Russian assets - to Ukraine.
Earlier, on November the 12th, Estonian Kaya Kallas, a
candidate for the post of head of EU diplomacy, said
that the transfer of assets to Russia is legal.
At the same time, the chairman of the State Duma
Committee on the Financial Market, Anatoly
Aksakov --- in an interview with Izvestia ---
refuted her words, calling the decision
of Western politicians to confiscate
Russian frozen assets - illegal.
On October 23rd, the EU Council approved the issue of
a loan to Ukraine in the amount of €35 billion, repaid
from the frozen assets of Russia. It was specified ---
that it is the EU's contribution to the G7 loan in the
amount of up to €45 billion. The maximum loan
repayment period is 45 years.
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, called the loan to
Ukraine at the expense of frozen assets of
the Russian Federation a new fraudulent
scheme of Brussels --- to appropriate
someone else's property.
She stressed that Moscow's decisive response to
what is happening - will not be long in coming.
Western countries have stepped up military and
financial support for Kiev against the backdrop
of the Russian special operation to protect the
Donbass, which was announced by Russian
President Vladimir Putin on February 24,
2022, after the situation in the region
worsened --- due to shelling by the
Ukrainian military. Soon - the EU
approved the decision to freeze
the assets of the Central Bank
of the Russian Federation.
_________________________________
The analyst explained the decision of
embassies to suspend work in Kiev
November 20th, 3:59pm
(RT.ru)
Alexey Podberezkin, Director of the Centre for Military and Political Studies at MGIMO, commented in an interview with kp.ru on the decision of a number of embassies of foreign countries in Kiev to suspend work, due to possible security threats.
According to him, Washington expects an escalation
after allowing Kiev to strike deep into Russia with
long-range weapons.
"I am absolutely convinced that there will be strikes on
heating networks and electricity, and, of course, to
remain in the city without heat, without sewerage,
without water supply, to put it mildly, is not very
comfortable," said Podberezkin.
He also recalled cases of unintentional rockets
hitting embassy buildings, as was the case,
for example, in Yugoslavia.
"If it is a fairly serious missile, such as the X-101 or X-
32, then it will just be a big crater. And the rats.... ran
away from the sinking ship," the analyst concluded.
On November 20, the Embassies of Italy and Greece
in Kiev announced the suspension of work
due to security threats.
The US Embassy in Kiev was also closed
due to reports of an alleged air attack.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman,
Maria Zakharova, said that Ukraine is
no longer valuable to the West.
__________________________________
The former president of Abkhazia called
the protests in the country an attempt
at a coup d'etat
November 19th, 4:22pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Opposition protests in Abkhazia, during which demonstrators entered the republic's parliament, were an attempted coup.
This was stated by the retired President
of the country Aslan Bzhania, in an
interview with Izvestia.
"It was an attempted coup d'etat. The action was
planned, it was organized by a certain part of
the opposition. Of course, I will analyze it in
order to understand the underlying causes
of this phenomenon," Bzhania said.
He noted that the protests will most likely not end
there, but without his resignation, the
consequences would have been
more severe.
The ex-president believes that Abkhazia suffered
serious reputational damage because of the
incident, because many people, including
investors, are afraid.
Bzhania noted that the protesters had different
motives, for example, among them were
people who were sincerely mistaken
and thought that the course of the
President of the republic was
allegedly wrong and the
country needed to
change power.
The politician drew attention to the fact that the
footage from the demonstrations showed that
the demonstrators were not in the mood for
dialogue. In addition, they used force,
although they had no right. This
resulted - in the seizure of the
parliament building complex,
but the opposition failed to
take power by force.
The former president pointed out that many residents
of Abkhazia have weapons under the law, which he
himself considers too loyal. If the protests had
continued, some of the parties might have
"lost their nerve", and it is not known
how people would have used
their weapons.
Bzhania noted that those who demanded his
resignation, do not yet have their own
program, and their ideas, which the
ex-president himself heard about,
coincide with his views.
Earlier in the day, Bzhania resigned, fulfilling his part of
the agreement with the opposition, which he agreed to
amid protests in the country. Later, the President's
resignation was accepted by the Parliament of
the republic. Together with Bzhania, the head
of the Government of Abkhazia, Alexander
Ankvab, will leave the post, but other
ministers will remain in place.
Earlier, on November 11th, clashes occurred near the
building of the State Security Service of Abkhazia in
Sukhum. Prosecutor General of the republic Adgur
Agrba said that operatives detained several
people that day, and then decided to
release them.
Later, on November 15, a truck of protesters broke
down the gate of the fence around the parliament
building, some of the protesters entered the
internal territory, and the opposition
clashed with the police. Bzhania
said the next day that he was
ready to resign --- if the
demonstrators left
the parliament.
________________________________
Uruguay’s 2024 Presidential Election:
Key Candidates, Issues, and
Runoff Insight
November 19th, 4:08pm
(teleSUR)
Tomorrow at 19:00 (local time), presidential candidates
Yamandú Orsi of the Frente Amplio Party (FA) and
Álvaro Delgado of the Partido Nacional (PN)
will conduct their final campaign events.
Yamandú Orsi will conclude his tour in Las Piedras, a
town where the FA secured 54% of the valid votes
in the October elections.
Meanwhile, Álvaro Delgado will deliver his last speech
at the Obelisk in Montevideo, where his coalition
received 43% support.
In the final weeks of the campaign, Orsi has
concentrated on key locations, visiting
Velázquez, Lascano, and Cebollatí,
three areas in Rocha where the
FA did not win against
coalition parties.
In contrast, Delgado has hosted an event on
the Montevideo Rambla, visited 15 cities in
the interior, and met with various officials.
In the most recent presidential debate, Yamandú Orsi
was deemed the winner by 88% of his potential
voters, while Álvaro Delgado garnered support
from 86% of those planning to vote for him,
according to El Observador.
Orsi focused on presenting programmatic proposals,
while Delgado adopted a more confrontational
stance, emphasizing criticism of the
Broad Front and its policies.
As they approach the election, both candidates aim
to attract undecided voters, whose decisions will
be crucial in determining who will govern
Uruguay for the next five years.
_____________________________________
Lula rules out wars ----- in
G20 summit discussions
November 18th, 12:55pm
(Prensa Latina)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ruled
out the issue of armed conflicts and wars as the
central theme of the discussions at the G20
Leaders' Summit that begins today in
Rio de Janeiro.
During an interview with Globonews television station,
Lula specified ---- that his choice was guided by a
strategic vision aimed at the needs of the most
vulnerable, instead of focusing attention on
global warlike confrontations.
“I think I made sure ----- not to bring the war to the G20
because otherwise we would not be discussing other
things that are important for the people who are not
at war, who are the poor people, who are the
invisible ones in the world that people
often do not see,” he pointed out.
He emphasized - that the priority of his agenda, is aimed
at issues such as hunger, racial and gender inequality,
in addition to other social challenges that affect
billions of people around the world.
For the progressive leader, the debate on wars,
while relevant, should not overshadow the
needs of the most disadvantaged.
“These are the people..... who are hungry, the people
who are despised, the victims of racial inequality,
the women -- who are victims of gender politics.
That’s why I’ve made a point - of bringing these
issues instead of bringing wars,” he explained.
Although he avoided focusing on armed conflicts
in the discussions, Lula reaffirmed Brazil’s and
the G20’s commitment to the pursuit of peace
in regions of conflict.
“We are going to give a recommendation that we want
peace in the Gaza Strip, we want peace in Lebanon,
peace in Ukraine and we want to put an end to all
wars,” he remarked.
The president also drew attention to the global
economic impact of armed conflicts.
_______________________________________
Hunger and Poverty, Are Not
the Result of Scarcity, Lula
Says - at the G20 Summit
November 18th, 11:26am
(teleSUR)
On Monday, Brazilian President Lula da Silva
inaugurated the Group of 20 (G20) summit
in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing - that
eradicating hunger is essential to
achieving a world at peace.
The progressive leader painted a grim picture for the
heads of state and government of the world’s most
powerful economies, including Joe Biden (United
States) and Xi Jinping (China).
“Today ----------- the world is worse off. We have the highest
number of armed conflicts since World War II and the
largest number of forced displacements... ever
recorded. Extreme climate phenomena are
showing their devastating effects in all
corners of the planet,” he said, and
denounced -- the widening social
gaps.... in the aftermath of the
COVID-19 pandemic.... which
left a world with 733 million
hungry people.
“Such a figure ------- is as if the combined populations of
Brazil, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, South
Africa, and Canada, were going hungry,” warned
Lula, who deemed it “unacceptable” ----- that
trillions of dollars are allocated to military
expenditures and called on G20 leaders
to end hunger ------- a “scourge that
shames humanity.”
“Hunger and poverty are not the result of scarcity or
natural phenomena but are the product of political
decisions that perpetuate the exclusion of a large
part of humanity,” said the Brazilian president ----
who experienced hunger firsthand ---- during his
childhood in Brazil’s harsh northeastern region.
Lula’s statements came moments after the launch of
the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an
initiative spearheaded by the Brazilian president
and founded with 147 members.... among which
Argentina, currently led by far-right President
Javier Milei, is notably absent.
Over the next two days, G20 leaders will meet at the
Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro to discuss
how to eradicate hunger, reform international
organizations, and advance the
energy transition.
Currently, the G20 comprises Argentina, Australia,
Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea,
Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, Türkiye, the UK and the US.
As of 2024, it also includes two
regional bodies: the EU and
the African Union.
____________________________
Abkhazian president tasks
Security Council with
maintaining order
after protests
November 18th, 9:21am
(TASS)
Abkhazia’s President Aslan Bzhania has tasked the
country’s Security Council with maintaining law
and order in the republic, the presidential
press service said.
"The head of state gave specific instructions to
Security Council members to prevent illegal
actions," it said, after the first meeting of
the Abkhazian Security Council meeting
after the outbreak of protests.
According to the presidential press service,
participants in the meeting, which was
chaired by the president, discussed
the current situation and how to
stabilize it.
_________________________________
Armed men -- block Abkhazian cabinet
officials from accessing workplaces
November 18th, 8:37am
(TASS)
Armed individuals are preventing employees of
Abkhazia's Cabinet of Ministers from entering
their workplaces, the republic's presidential
press office reported.
"Armed individuals ----- are preventing employees of the
[Abkhazian] Cabinet of Ministers from entering their
workplaces. According to... available information,
the building of the Cabinet of Ministers located
in the city of Sukhum, Lakoba Street 21, is
also blocked by the opposition," the
agency said.
Early on November 18, armed individuals did not allow
ministry employees to go to their workplace, the
presidential press centre wrote, quoting
Abkhazia's acting Culture Minister,
Dinara Smyr.
At the same time, the administrative building of the
Cabinet of Ministers at 9 Zvanba Street - continues
to operate as usual, a TASS correspondent reports.
This building houses Abkhazia's Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Education,
the Fund for Disabilities, the Pension Fund and
the Road Fund... as well as Apsnypress news
agency and several republican newspapers.
On November 15, Abkhazia’s parliament was expected
to consider the ratification of the agreement with
Russia...... on the implementation of investment
projects in Abkhazia by Russian legal entities,
but the session was canceled ---- after the
lawmakers failed to agree on its agenda.
The opposition, meanwhile, demanded that the issue
be removed from the agenda ----- entirely. Later, the
opposition demanded President Aslan Bzhania
resign. However, Bzhania refused to step
down and called on people not to yield
to provocations.
Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman,
Maria Zakharova said that Russia had not interfered
in Abkhazia’s domestic processes and hoped that
the situation would be settled peacefully.
The ministry warned Russian nationals ------ against
traveling to Abkhazia. Deputy Speaker of Russia’s
Federation Council (upper house of parliament),
Konstantin Kosachev, told TASS that Russia
supports the constitutional order in the
friendly country and stressed that
Russia has never supported
state coups.
___________________________________
Secret prisonsin Ukraineoverseen
by Western intelligence —
former SBU officer
November 18th, 6:31am
(TASS)
The operations of secret prisons and torture facilities
in Ukraine... are carried out with the approval and
under the supervision of Western intelligence
services, former employee of the Security
Service of Ukraine (SBU) Alexander
Mazur, told TASS.
"Western intelligence knows everything ------- the number
of prisons, who is held there, and who is in charge. All
the information - is reported to the top officials. They
oversee 100% of the operations, and they are fully
aware of everything. Nothing happens without
their approval," Mazur said.
This gentleman picks holes in the intellectual ''mistakes'' of the West and points to the best solution for the world's people.
Britain's enemy is not Russia but its own ruling class, UN report confirms by John Wight November 19th, at 2:48pm
John Wight has written for a variety of newspapers and websites, including the Independent, Morning Star, Huffington Post, Counter- punch, London Progressive Journal, and Foreign Policy Journal.
As the UK political establishment rips itself to pieces over Brexit, a far greater crisis continues to afflict millions of victims of Tory austerity.
A devastating UN report into poverty in the UK provides incontrovertible evidence, that the enemy of the British people, is the very ruling class that has gone out of its way these past few years to convince them it is Russia.
Professor Philip Alston, in his capacity as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, spent two weeks touring the United Kingdom. He did so, investigating the impact of 8 years of one of the most extreme austerity programs among advanced G20 economies in response to the 2008 financial crash and subsequent global recession.
What he found was evidence of a systematic, wilful, concerted and brutal economic war, unleashed by the country's right-wing Tory establishment, against the poorest and most vulnerable section of British society – upending the lives of millions of people who were not responsible for the aforementioned financial crash and recession, but who have been forced to pay the price.
From the report's introduction:
"It…seems patently unjust and contrary to British values that so many people are living in poverty. This is obvious to anyone who opens their eyes: to see the immense growth in foodbanks, and the queues waiting outside them, the people sleeping rough in the streets, the growth of homelessness, the sense of deep despair - that leads even the Government to appoint a Minister for Suicide Prevention - and civil society to report in depth, on unheard of levels of loneliness and isolation."
Though as a citizen of the UK, I respectfully beg to differ with the professor's claim, that such social & economic carnage, seems "contrary to British values,"(on the contrary - it is entirely in keeping with the values of the country's Tory establishment, an establishment for whom, the dehumanization of the poor and working class, is central to its ideology), the point he makes about it being "obvious to anyone who opens their eyes," is well made.
For it is now the case that in every town and city centre in Britain, it is impossible to walk in any direction for more than a minute, before coming across homeless people begging in the street. And the fact that some 13,000 of them, are former soldiers, casualties of the country's various military adventures in recent years, undertaken in service to Washington, exposes the pious platitudes peddled by politicians & the government as reverence for the troops & their 'sacrifice,' as insincere garbage.
As inequality increases, the wealthy and powerful become more desperate to cling onto their gains and distract us - with imagined threats and political sideshows - such as Jingoism, Russophobia and red-baiting...
Overall, 14 million people in the UK are now living in poverty, a figure which translates into an entire fifth of the population. Four million of them are children, while, according to Professor Alston, 1.5 million people are destitute – that is, unable to afford the basic necessities of life.
And this is what the ruling class of the fifth largest economy in the world, a country that parades itself on the world stage, as a pillar of democracy and human rights, considers progress.
The values responsible for creating such a grim social landscape, are compatible with the 18th, not the 21st century. They are proof positive, that the network of elite private schools – Eton, Harrow, Fettes College et al. – where those responsible for this human carnage are inculcated with the sense of entitlement and born to rule ethos that defines them, are Britain's hotbeds of extremism.
Professor Alston:"British compassion for those who are suffering, has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach, apparently designed to instill discipline where it is least useful, to impose a rigid order on the lives of those least capable of coping with today's world, and elevating the goal of enforcing blind compliance, over a genuine concern to improve the well- being of those at the lowest levels of British society."
Here, set out above in bold relief, is the barbarism that walks - hand in hand - with free market capitalism. It is the same barbarism that was responsible for pushing post-Soviet Russia into a decade-long economic and social abyss, in the 1990s, and the values that have pushed 14 million people in the UK into the same economic and social abyss, in our time.
Austerity, it bears emphasizing, is not and never has been, a viable economic response to recession, in a given economy.
Instead, it is an ideological club, wielded on behalf of the rich and big business, to ensure that the price paid for the said economic recession, is borne exclusively by those least able to bear it - namely the poor and working people. It is class war by any other name, packaged and presented, as legitimate government policy.
However in Britain's case in 2018, this is a war like no other, because, as Professor Philip Alston's report lays bare, one side in this war has been throwing all the punches and one side has been taking them.
As the saying goes, wars take place when the government tells you who the enemy is; revolutions take place when you work it out for yourself.
(Source - RT)
_______________________________________________
Keiser Report: Reality of Creditor Jubilees
- fantastic - asks ''why don't we act like Jesus preached - and forgive debt?''
When what we do now, is what led to the slavery of feudalism: by refunding the creditors, instead!
Neocons have taken over Committee: UK's FCO Committee Report 'Through the Looking Glass' by Neil Clark
''The decision not to intervene in Syria has had very real consequences for Syrians, their neighbours, the UK and our allies. We believe the Government needs to under- stand the role the UK's inaction has had, and learn the lessons from it, for the future.''
Between December 2015 and June 2016 there were a total of 51 British air strikes in Syria. This year, there has been further bombing, including the targeting of military bases near Damascus and Homs in April.
"We believe that the consequences of inaction can be every bit as serious as intervening," the Foreign Affairs committee report states.
How can we explain this extraordinary attempt to portray Britain's extensive and well-documented operations in Syria as 'not intervening'? After all so much is on the public record, including, on the Ministry of Defence website, details of RAF air strikes.
A look at the membership of the Foreign Affairs Committee is illuminating. Its chair, Tom Tugendhat, Tory MP for Tonbridge and Malling, is a hard- core neocon and a former member of the Intelligence Corps. Peter Oborne, the highly respected political commentator, wrote about the 'neocon coup' that took place on the committee last year and warned us of its consequences. But how many were paying attention?
Other members of Tugendhat's committee include Ian Austin, the Labour MP who likened Russia's holding of the World Cup to Nazi Germany's hosting of the 1936 Olympic Games, and who told Jeremy Corbyn to "sit down and shut up" when he was criticizing the Iraq war.
Then we've Chris Bryant, a signatory to the statement of principles of the uber neocon, Henry Jackson Society, and Priti Patel, who stepped down from the Cabinet, in 2017, when it was revealed she had undisclosed, unofficial meetings with Israeli ministers.
In fact, if we look at the composition of the committee and compare it to the far more balanced one under the chairmanship of Crispin Blunt, (which produced a critical report on the UK government's intervention in Libya in 2016) it's no surprise we've got the document we have.
Neocons know that after the disasters of Iraq and Libya, 'interventionist' foreign policies have been utterly discredited. So, the only way out is to portray Syria, however ludicrously, as an example of UK 'non-intervention', in the hope that some people might fall for it and support 'rectifying' the 'inaction' at some point in the near future. Perhaps in response to a non- independently verified chemical weapons attack in Idlib, later this month?
The Foreign Affairs Committee report, which makes George Orwell's 1984 look quite understated, is perfectly timed for that.
(Source - taken from longer article on RT, Beyond Orwellianism') :
Rail’s funding for enhancements during 2019-24 will be
£9.4bn followingthe government’s spending review.
This is down almost 10% on the £10.4bn which rail regulator
the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had previously calculated.
The reduction was omitted from Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s
announcement last week when he told the Commons the
government would deliver on “record investment plans
in infrastructure.”
Industry experts have said the decision is likely to affect a
number of forthcoming projects, which they say calls into
question Britain’s ability to rebuild following the corona-
virus pandemic.
The government defended its decision,saying it continues
to“invest significant sums in modernising our railway” but
admitted it was“closely examining”spending to“strive for
a better deal for taxpayers”given the scale ofsupport
for railways.
A Department for Transport spokesman added: “We must
ensure that, where necessary, projects are reviewed to
reflect the changing demand for rail services as a
result of the pandemic.”
Rail unions have warned the decision threatens jobs when
Britain should be investing and building its way out of the
Covid and climate crisis — also hitting out at the govern-
ment also over its latest environmental targets, which
were announced today.
Transport Salaried Staffs’ Associationgeneral secretary
Manuel Cortes said: “On the day when the government
has committed itself to increased binding targets to cut emissions, it is foolhardy to cut investment to the green transport offered by our railways.
“The fact that this spending cut didn’t feature in the Chancellor’s
speech, in which he lauded record investment in rail, but was
instead snuck out, says it all. The Tories are duplicitous -
and their commitment to levelling up and investing in
our futures, is paper thin.
“Without doubt cutting investment in our railways is both short-
sighted and reckless, particularly when borrowing costs are at
a historic low.
“You can’t trust Boris Johnson and this lot as far as you can
throw them.”
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said itwas timefor the
government to “come clean” on what it plans to cut.
He added: “How is Britain to be rebuilt after Brexit, and after
the pandemic, which has ravaged this country’s economy?
And what has happened to this government’s promises?
“This revelation puts a question mark over not only some long-
planned, and much-needed, improvements to our transport
infrastructure, but to the whole question of rebuilding this
country after the pandemic.”
Environmental campaigners hit out at the government’s continued
spending on road building while snatching back cash to improve
rail infrastructure.
Greenpeace UK’s Sam Chetan-Welsh: “The Chancellor is happy
to waste £27bn on road building schemes that will tear up our
countryside --- adding to harmful air pollution and climate-
wrecking emissions that we desperately need to reduce.
“But when it comes to the little money that was available
for upgrading our railways, he’s snatched it back at the
first opportunity.
“This is completely indefensible, as is his attempt to bury this
bad news, by leaving it out of last month’s spending review.
“Rishi Sunak either doesn’t get that we’re in a climate
emergency or he simply doesn’t care.”
RMT representatives demanded thegovernment reverse the
cuts and instead invest and build its way out of the corona-
virus and climate crises.
The union said the spending cut could jeopardise planned
works to electrify parts of the rail network, threatening both the creation of new skilled jobs and Britain’s carbon reduction promises.
General secretary Mick Cash said: “These massive cuts to
rail infrastructure budgets are a shameful indictment of the
government’s understanding of the importance of our rail
network and fly in the face of their stated objective of
building and investing our way out of the
Covid-19 crisis.
“At a time when our economy and transport links need a
once in a generation investment in rail to create skilled
jobs and shift passengers and freight off the roads
and on to rail, this Tory austerity by stealth, will
only serve to do the opposite.”
_________________________
Unison says Welsh Labour must democratise leadership contest by Peter Lazenby Friday, July 27, 2018
Labour’s biggest trade union affiliate in Wales is demanding that the party democratise the process of electing its Welsh leader.
At present, there are three blocks of voters in leadership elections – party members, affiliated trade union members and elected members of legislative bodies (the Westminster Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, and the European Parliament).
Each block of votes carries the same weight.
The Labour Party in Wales has around 25,000 individual members and 76,400 affiliated union members.
It has 58 legislators - 29 Welsh Assembly members, 28 MPs and one MEP - whose combined voice counts for one-third in leadership elections.
Unison says the voice of MPs, AMs and MEPs in a leadership election “is completely out of proportion,” compared with party and trade union members.
The union wants a 50-50 split between party members and union members, with legislators simply have one vote each.
Unison Cymru/Wales Labour Link chair, Dan Beard, said:
“We cannot support the disproportionate voting bloc of elected members continuing in its present form.
“The Labour Party is the fastest-growing political party in western Europe, and it’s time we agreed a more democratic method of electing our leaders.
“It’s vital unions retain a significant voice, when electing the leader and deputy leader of Welsh Labour.
“Unions helped establish the Labour Party at the beginning of the last century and we have supported it through some very difficult times.
"Our members help to keep the Labour Party’s feet on the ground, and in touch with its natural supporters.
“Reforming the electoral college will mean that, whoever becomes the new leader of Welsh Labour, will have a firm mandate from the members and trade unions --- to work together, to deliver the policies contained in the manifesto.”
A pioneering new report argues that thousands more engineering jobs could be created, by stopping the renewal of the Trident missiles system.
The report, Defence Diversification: International Learning for Trident Jobs, was published today by the Nuclear Education Trust. It examines various government and Civil Service initiatives in Britain, western Europe and the United States.
It argues that an internationally led programme to diversify the work of Trident’s workers, would cost far less than it would to renew the cold-war-era nuclear weapons system — estimated to be between £180 billion and £205bn over the next several decades.
The authors claim that further jobs — particularly in the skilled engineering sector — may be created by ditching Trident, and point to the decline in British arms industry employment, in which 263,000 jobs have vanished since 1980.
CND general secretary Kate Hudson said that the report demonstrates, from real-world examples, how the scrapping of unpopular projects such as Trident doesn’t have to mean the loss of high-skill employment.
“Far from it, in fact — if there is the political will to fully engage with defence diversification, far more high- skilled jobs can be created in the engineering sector,” she said.
Shadow minister for peace & disarmament Fabian Hamilton commented that while it is not Labour’s policy to get rid of Trident, “a defence diversification strategy would go hand in hand with Labour’s plan to invest in our economy.
“We do not lack the talent, we simply lack the funding.
“There is no denying that Trident is a major employer in some parts of the country, so proper funding must be made available so those in high-skilled work stay in high-skilled work.
“High-skilled jobs are good for our economy and, if we decide to transition away from Trident, defence diversification is the only way to ensure that the vital skills used in the development of Britain’s nuclear weapons, are not lost.”
The study argues that workers and local communities must be lead decision makers in diversification decisions related to nuclear weapons, and that serious government intervention - at every level - must be taken in their support.
Vatican calls for more regulation of markets, financial systems, condemns ‘economic cannibalism’ May 17th, at 10:52am
The Vatican called on Thursday for more regulation of markets and financial systems.
A major document says economic crises showed they were not able to govern themselves, and needed a strong injection of morality and ethics.
‘Considerations for an Ethical Discernment Regarding Some Aspects of the Present Economic-Financial System,’ jointly prepared by the doctrinal office and the department on human development, appeared to take aim at the plans to further de-regulate markets in some countries, such as the US, Reuters said.
The document attacked the “economic cannibalism” of some financial practices, saying profit for the sake of profit and not for the greater good, was “illegitimate.”
The Vatican condemned an “amoral culture of waste” that has created oligarchies in some countries, while leaving great masses of impoverished people “without any means of escape.”
The pronouncement is considered official teachings of the Catholic Church and could affect the attitude of the church’s 1.2 billion members.
Marx's theory still shines with truth: Xi May 4th, at 10:53am
Xinhua - Two centuries on, despite huge and profound changes in human society, the name of Karl Marx is still respected all over the world and his theory still shines with the brilliant light of truth, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand gathering in Beijing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth.
Xi said Marx is the "teacher of revolution for the proletariat and working people all over the world, the main founder of Marxism, creator of Marxist parties, a pathfinder for international communism and the greatest thinker of modern times."
"Today, we hold this grand gathering with great veneration to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth, to remember his great character and historic deeds and to review his noble spirit and brilliant thoughts," Xi said at the event.
''With noble ideals and no fear of difficulty or adversity, throughout his life, Marx devoted himself to perseveringly striving for the liberation of humanity, scaling the peak of thought in his pursuit of truth, and the unremitting fight to overturn the old world and establish a new one'', according to Xi.
''Marx is not only a great figure who bore the weight of the world, but also an ordinary person with a passion for life, who was sincere and true to his friends'', Xi said.
''The most valuable and influential spiritual asset that Marx left us is the scientific theory named after him -- Marxism. Like a spectacular sunrise, the theory illuminated the path of humanity's exploration of the law of history, and humanity's search for their own liberation'', Xi said.
"The thought and theory of Marx are of his times and go beyond his times," Xi said. "They are the essence of the spirit of that times and the essence of the spirit of all humanity."
Xi said Marxism is a scientific theory that reveals the rules of human society's development, in a creative manner.
Having developed the materialist conception of history and surplus value theory, Marx showed how humanity would leap from the realm of necessity, to the realm of freedom, and also showed the road for people to realize freedom and liberation, Xi said.
Marxism, the first ideology for the liberation of the people themselves, is a theory of the people.
"Marxism, for the first time, explored the path for humanity's freedom and liberation from the stance of the people, and pointed out the direction, with scientific theory, toward an ideal society with no oppression or exploitation, where every person would enjoy equality and freedom," Xi said.
Stressing that practicality is a prominent characteristic of Marxism that makes it different from other theories, Xi said Marxism is a theory of practices that directs the people to change the world.
It is an open theory that is constantly developing and always stands at the frontier of the times, Xi said.
"That is why it is always able to keep young, explore the new issues in the development of the times and respond to the new challenges for human society."
The general secretary said that over the 170 years since publication of The Communist Manifesto, Marxism had been spread around the world, unrivaled in the history of human ideology in terms of the breadth and depth of its influence.
After the end of World War II, a large number of socialist countries were established, Xi said, stressing that the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially, has greatly increased the socialist strength in the world.
"There might be setbacks in the development of socialism in the world, but the overall trend for human society's development has never changed, and it will never change," Xi said.
"Marxism has not only profoundly changed the world, but also China," Xi said.
The reverberations of the October Revolution in Russia brought Marxism-Leninism to China, pointing out the direction forward, offering a brand new choice for the Chinese people in their struggle to survive, and setting the scene for the birth of the CPC.
Since the CPC's birth, it has combined the fundamental principles of Marxism with the reality of the Chinese revolution and construction, transforming the Chinese nation from "the sick man of East Asia" to one who has stood up, by uniting and leading the people through long-term struggle.
"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only through socialism, can we save China," Xi said.
Since reform and opening up, the CPC has combined the fundamental principles of Marxism, with the reality of China's reform and opening up, and the nation who stood up, has grown rich.
"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only through socialism with Chinese characteristics, can we develop China," Xi said.
In the new era, the CPC again combined the fundamental principles of Marxism with the reality of China in this new era, uniting and leading the people in "under- taking the great struggle, building the great project, advancing the great cause and realizing the great dream."
The Chinese nation has come to embrace a tremendous transformation, as the one who has grown rich, now, is becoming strong.
"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only by adhering to and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, can we realize national rejuvenation," Xi said.
"It is perfectly right for history and the people to choose Marxism, as well as for the CPC to write Marxism on its own flag, to adhere to the principle of combining the fundamental principles of Marxism, with China's reality, and continuously adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the times."
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China lifts 740 mln rural poor out of poverty since 1978 September 3rd, at 12:57pm
Xinhua - China lifted 740 million people in rural areas out of poverty from 1978 to 2017, roughly 19 million each year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday.
The poverty ratio in rural areas dropped 94.4 percentage points during the same time period with an average annual decrease of 2.4 percentage points, according to the NBS.
NBS data shows that China's poverty relief achievements have contributed more than 70 percent to global poverty alleviation work, in the past 40 years.
The average annual income of rural residents in impoverished areas rose an average of 10.4 percent each year from 2012 to 2017, up 2.5 percentage points from the average for rural residents.
Over the past five years, over 68 million people were lifted out of poverty in China. The country aims to further lift 10 million people out of poverty this year and eradicate poverty by 2020.
China recently released guidelines on winning the battle against poverty in the next three years, in order to prepare the nation for eradicating poverty by 2020.
According to the guidelines, the impoverished people should be guaranteed food & clothing, and children from poor families should be guaranteed a 9-year compulsory education. Basic medical needs and living conditions of the impoverished, should also be guaranteed.
People whose annual income is lower than 2,300 yuan (337.3 U.S. dollars), are defined as living below the poverty line, in China.
Almost half of Russians see USSR collapse as shameful – poll January 17th, at 12:11pm
The collapse of the Soviet Union is considered a reason to be ashamed, by 45 percent of Russians, according to a recent opinion poll. The only option that scored higher, is Russia’s failure to eradicate poverty.
The poll, conducted in late 2018, by the Levada Center is its latest study of what Russians are proud and ashamed of, about their nation. The demise of the USSR, saw a rebound in popularity from a low point of 28 percent in mid-2015, and is at a level comparable with the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The only more popular answer is Russia’s failure to eradicate poverty, which was named as a reason to be ashamed, by 61 percent of the people polled. This answer has topped Levada’s polls, for decades.
Russians are also ashamed of fellow countrymen treating each other disrespectfully (37 percent), Russia’s failure to catch up economically with the Western powers (24 percent), the out- come of Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms (24 percent), and Joseph Stalin’s reign of terror (21 percent).
On the opposite side of Russians’ national identity are the qualities and events, people are proud of.
Defeating Nazi Germany in World War II remains the one thing Russians are overwhelmingly proud of (87 percent).
There is also the role that the country played in space exploration – about half are proud to belong to a space pioneering nation.
The third most popular option is accepting Crimea (the breakaway former Ukrainian region) as part of Russia again, which is seen as a point of national pride, by 45 percent.
Many people are also proud of Russian literature, science, and martial prowess, Soviet-era industrialization and the best qualities of the Russian character, like resolve and patience.
A record 75 percent said Russia is definitely, or most likely, a great nation today, while 88 percent believe that it should be one.
There was no apparent correlation between wishing greatness for Russia and regretting the USSR’s collapse, the agency noted, suggesting that Russians expect a great nation to - first and foremost - provide social justice, and protection.
Sixty-two percent said the Russians are a great people.
Levada remarked that about 80 percent of the people polled, identified themselves as Russians.
When asked what makes them feel connected to their people, most respondents named national history (53 percent), Russia’s land (35 percent), their place of birth (33 percent), and the nature that they call their own (25 percent).
The formal national symbols, including the flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem, was the least popular option (5 percent).
Interestingly, religion is a relatively small factor in Russian national identity (9 percent).
(Source - RT)
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Number of Russians who regret collapse of USSR hits 10-year high December 26th, 2017, at 7:20am
The number of Russians who regret the collapse of the Soviet Union has reached its highest level since 2009, with almost an equal share saying the event could have been avoided.
A public opinion poll conducted by the independent Levada Center in late November this year found that 58 percent of Russians now regret the collapse of the USSR. Twenty-five percent said they felt no regret about this, and 16 percent could not describe their feelings in one word.
When researchers asked those who regret the end of the USSR what the primary reasons were behind their sentiments, 54 percent said that they missed a single economic system, 36 percent said they had lost the feeling of belonging to a real superpower, 34 percent complained about the drop in mutual trust among ordinary people, and 26 percent said that the collapse had destroyed the ties between friends and relatives.
The same research showed that 52 percent of Russians think that the collapse of the USSR could have been avoided, 29 percent said that the event was absolutely inevitable, and 19 percent did not have a fixed opinion on the matter.
The share of those who regret the demise of the Soviet Union has risen continuously over the past decade, but in 2009 it was even higher than today – at 60 percent. The all-time high – 75 percent – was recorded in 2000.
President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly addressed the issue of the collapse of the USSR in his speeches. In an address to the Russian parliament in 2005 he called the event the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century and a cause of major disruption for the Russian people. In September 2016, Putin said the Communist Party should have transformed the Soviet Union into a democratic state, rather than see it break into separate nations.
At the same time, Putin has always emphasized that he and other Russian officials have no plans to revive the USSR, and has expressed anger that people cannot accept this. He's also accused Western governments of deliberately confusing modern Russia with the USSR and harming the interests of ordinary people, on the pretense of preventing an imaginary threat.
Historian:Russia's October Revolution Was Inevitable, Relatively Bloodless November 10th, at 4:33pm by Ekaterina Blinova
The October Uprising of 1917 became the logical conclusion of the February Revolution, Michael J. Carley, a professor of history at the Universite de Montreal has told Sputnik. According to the academic, the Russian Revolution was inevitable and occurred because evolutionary processes of change to benefit the lives of ordinary people had failed.
"February 1917 marked the beginning of a revolutionary change in power in Russia, that was accomplished in October," Michael Jabara Carley, professor of history at the Université de Montréal and the author of "Silent Conflict: A Hidden History of Early Soviet-Western Relations,"told Sputnik, commenting on the 100th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution.
"The tsarist order was bankrupt and doomed. Almost everyone at the time said so. The immediate cause of the bankruptcy was the Great War [The First World War]," the Canadian academic stressed, adding that "the result was calamity marked by millions of casualties, large territories lost and an economy thrown into chaos, by the unsustainable financial and economic demands of fighting a world war."
Russian Provisional Government: 'Neither Revolutionary, Nor Democratic'
The so-called February Revolution, which is regarded as a combination of a popular uprising with an elitist anti- monarchist plot, led to the abdication of Russian Emperor Nicholas II and the establishment of the Provisional Government.
Still, the Provisional Government"was neither revolutionary nor democratic,"the academic pointed out: The crux of the matter was that it was largely controlled by the "bourgeois" urban and rural elites and old tsarist establishment"that was opposed to the revolution and attempted to block its further development."
October Uprising Was Relatively Bloodless
The professor explained why, contrary to popular belief, the October Revolution of 1917 that took place on November 7 (October 25 in the Julian calendar) was relatively bloodless.
"Well, in the first instance because the Provisional Government was utterly discredited. It had no popular support. It was a head without a body. It could give orders or issue decrees, but had no power to enforce them. In a revolutionary period, power comes from the support of the insurgent masses and the Provisional Government had none,"Carley told Sputnik.
The professor suggested that 1917 could have been averted if old elites as well as their forebears had not blocked"political and economic evolutionary processes"in Russia.
'Provisional Government Became a Cork in the Bottle'
"The Provisional Government became a cork in the bottle holding back the revolution,"the historian said."The revolutionary masses in Petrograd [Saint Petersburg] and elsewhere put pressure on their socialist leaders to blow the cork out of the bottle…. It was the Bolsheviks who put themselves at the head of the mass movement & articulated its demands, essentially peace, bread and land."
He pointed out, however, that"the Bolsheviks themselves were not united on all the big issues and most importantly on the seizure of power in October (the Julian calendar)."
"I would propose that the Provisional Government collapsed of its own rot. The insurgent masses led by the Bolsheviks only had to kick it over,"Carley remarked.
Was the October Revolution of 1917 Inevitable?
"It is a question impossible to answer except in this way: popular revolutions come about because political and economic elites over time are too selfish to share wealth and power with the masses,"Carley responded."Like the tsarist autocracy, they treat the masses as a resource to be exploited and rung dry. When evolutionary processes of change fail, revolution is often the result."
According to the academic, it is wrong to think that such revolutions succeed "because of the evil genius and cruelty of a small revolutionary elite"
"They succeed because of mass support and effective, responsive leadership."
The question then arises as to whether it was possible to follow an evolutionary path, rather than go through a revolution.
"A revolution occurred because evolutionary processes of change to benefit the lives of ordinary people had failed,"the professor responded."Serfdom, inequality, exploitation, violence, continued unabated until 1917."
October 1917: 'Driver of Transformations Across the Globe'. Revisiting the October Revolution of 1917.
Addressing the 14th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that"the largely utopian social model and ideology" the Soviets tried to implement initially following the 1917 revolution became "a powerful driver of transformations across the globe, caused a major revaluation of development models, and gave rise to rivalry and competition, the benefits of which were mostly reaped by the West."
The Canadian professor disagrees that the term "utopian" could be used with regards to the "Communist model," for instance.
"Is free, public education for everyone, no matter what their class, nationality or religion, utopian? Is the elimination of illiteracy, utopian? Are women's rights, or universal health care, utopian? Was the desire to create a more equal society, socially, economically and politically, utopian?"Carley asked, adding"in fact, that Soviet society was eventually able to withstand and then to destroy almost single- handedly, the so-called invincible Nazi 'colossus.'"
Still, he believes that the 1917 revolution certainly was"a powerful driver of transformations"around the world since it"inspired successful revolutionary movements in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Cuba."
As Putin noted during his Valdai speech "many Western achievements of the 20th century were an answer to the challenge posed by the Soviet Union," such as"raising living standards, forming a strong middle class, reforming the labour market and the social sphere, promoting education, guaranteeing human rights, including the rights of minorities and women, overcoming racial segregation."
Red October: Allied Intervention and 'Beginning of Cold War'
The October Revolution became the trigger for the Civil War (1917-1922) and prompted the Allied intervention of major foreign powers in Russia.
The Canadian academic pointed out that the October Uprising "produced an immediate violent reaction by the United States, France and Britain, whose elites attempted to overthrow the Soviet government."
"The foreign intervention against Soviet Russia fed a civil war and exacerbated the violence of the counter-revolution by many times over,"Carley said."On its own, the former tsarist elite could never have mounted such violent resistance to the October Revolution."
The professor underscored that after their failure to overthrow the Soviets,"the Western powers spent the next 70 years, with the exception of a truce between 1941-1945, in trying to harm or bring down the USSR and all those revolutions to which it had given birth."
According to the academic, the Cold War started in October (November) 1917.
"Just ask the Chinese, Vietnamese, Cubans, or N. Koreans about the frightful price of resistance to US and Western hegemony,"Carley remarked."Or for that matter, we might ask, if we could, the soldiers, sailors and workers of Soviet Russia, what price they had to pay, to defend their revolution."
(Source - Sputnik)
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Communist leader dispels new Russian budget as "oligarch orientated" October 28th, 2017 Fort Russ News - KtovKurse translated by Inessa Sinchougova
Communist Party leader, Gennady Zyuganov, called the draft federal budget for 2018-2020, "a budget of the oligarchy", which will increase stagnation and poverty.
On Friday October 27th, the State Duma considered the first reading of the draft budget for 2018 for the planning period 2019-2020. According to the draft of the Ministry of Finance, the budget deficit in 2018 will be 1.3 trillion rubles or 1.37% of GDP, in 2019 it will be 867 billion rubles or 0.84% of GDP, and in 2020 - 960 billion rubles or 0.87% of GDP.
Such a budget Zyuganov considers "a budget for the oligarchy, where further stagnation and deepening of poverty in the country will occur."
In his opinion, the draft budget does not meet the current challenges and can only aggravate the split in Russian civil society.
The Communist Party leader stressed that incomes and expenditures are constantly declining. Zyuganov noted that "in plain language" this means that the "share of the national pie" created by the working people is constantly shrinking in the budget.
Zyuganov's main issue with the budget was the reduction in government expenses for 14 out of 13 articles listed within. He explained that for eight of these articles, expenses are simply cut, and for four other articles, a small increase is offset by inflation, and as a result, real costs are below the ones prophesized.
According to Zyuganov, the current budget policy "creeps of the old Gaidar-Chubais reforms. It does not smell of modernization, nor a breakthrough for the future."
"I do not know why the president has not reacted to this helplessness, to this impotence of the financial and economic blockade on behalf of the government," Zyuganov said.
President Vladimir Putin does not oversee forthcoming bills until they pass all the stages of parliamentary negotiation - that is until his signature is required. It remains to be said that a majority of Russia's parliament and governmental organs, are liberal representatives, both economically and culturally, whereby it is only the President that stops certain bills being passed.
Without looking at the document in detail (which is not yet available to the public) it makes sense to assume that the Communist Party leader has every right to become concerned at this early stage.
Zyuganov's Communist Party enjoys the second most popular rating in the Russian political sphere, after United Russia (Vladimir Putin.)
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And a Record Number of Russians Want Socialism Back !!!
First published in Komsomolskaya Pravda Translated by Kristina Kharlova
The number of those nostalgic for the Soviet Union, is now growing steadily.
According to the findings of sociologists, 56% of respondents now express regret for the collapse of the Soviet state.
A majority of Russians regret the collapse of the Soviet Union, and do not mind if it's restored — conclude the sociologists of "Levada-centre".
2016 sees a record number of respondents nostalgic for the Soviet Union, in the whole history of public opinion surveys.
At the same time, the percentage of those who don't long for the Union, decreases over time: if, in November of last year it was 37%, today only 28% do not feel any pity.
58% of Russians would like a socialist system and the Soviet Union to be restored, and 31% say they don't want the Soviet Union back.
Over half of respondents, 51%, believe that it was still possible to save the country in 1991 while 33% of Russians say the collapse was 'inevitable'.
Experts, meanwhile, note that those most nostalgic for the Soviet Union don't yearn so much for the Soviet ideology, as for the stability, justice, confidence in the future, secure jobs, free education, medical care and housing.
Serbia:Mass anti-NATO demonstrations silenced Nothing has been the same since NATO brutally bombed Yugoslavia 17 years ago. The 5th column, trained by NATO, took over the destroyed country to continue the job that the West had started.
The economy collapsed, the country was ripped apart, and the Army, dismissed.
Year by year, malicious plans brainstormed by NATO, and executed by the government, are pushing all of the Balkans into the deep maw of the West's 'modern' imperialism.
The latest move was the Agreement with NATO about logistics. Parliament has approved, and the President has signed, an agreement which gives NATO soldiers immunity and freedom of movement on the territory of Serbia. The same people who killed thousands of innocent Serb civilians are now given freedom and immunity. NATO personnel rule the roost in Serbia
NATO personnel are exempt from paying taxes, VAT and/or customs duties. The adoption of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), lets NATO soldiers use Serbia's infrastructure, with free transit across the whole territory of Serbia, as well as protection from the law -- being given 'special status' while staying in Serbian territory.
However, although almost two decades have passed since NATO's cruel attack, most Serbs have not forgotten how important freedom is -- which is the main problem for the ruling elite.
In the mainstream media, news about signing the agreement with NATO, was published as small & irrelevant. In a couple of sentences, mainstream journalists wrote about it, as if it was tomorrow's weather forecast, but they couldn't fool people.
Boiling situation hidden by Government
The situation was boiling. A few patriotic parties and war veterans managed to organize a protest -- & expected no more than a thousand people in Belgrade, to show their disagreement with the ruling party's decisions.
On the 20th February, more than 15,000 Serbs, mostly youth, came onto the Belgrade streets to join in with the protesters. Even the police were surprised, quickly trying to reinforce -- fearing nonverbal shows of disagreement.
The mainstream media weren't at all interested in massive protests in the capital city. They just reported, after the protest, that there were only a couple of hundred demonstrators.
Amongst all media, just one, the alternative patriotic website, Srbin info, sent reporters to the vicinity, to cover the whole protest.
It was the only media that had pictures and videos of the massive protests, showing the huge number of protesters.
During the protest, over 2,000 readers per second were following their live streaming of the demonstrations. Each minute, their website was gaining more followers.
Just a couple of minutes after the end of the peaceful protest, huge cyber-attacks began.
The weak website couldn't defend itself from the biggest attacks in its history, & the web- site eventually crashed. Attacks continued for 24 hours, never letting the website repair.
The only possible source of the attacks on the website & freedom of the speech, is the ruling elite. There is no one else who would be able to manage such strong attacks.
The main problem for the alternative, free media in Serbia is that the web providers, most of them belonging to the SBB company, part of the Soros foundation, don't want to reveal who was behind the attacks. However, some opposition forces, also attacked by hackers, discovered that the IP address of the hacker belongs to one of the directors of SBB company.
It is also interesting that 25% of web providers and some mainstream media in Serbia - belong to David Petraeus, former director of the CIA.
Despite their crashed website, Srbin info reporters managed to find way to send the real story & used Facebook to spread the truth. A video showing the masses of people protesting, was viewed by over 1,700,000 Facebook users --- a huge number for Serbia, with its 7 million population.
For 48 hours after the attack, the website was closed.
Thanks to its loyal readers, who appreciate Srbin info's fight for freedom of speech, donations were collected to make a new website, with better protection.
But the problem of having a neutral web provider who will not sabotage the website -- after orders from the Government -- still exists. A much worse problem.... is that the once proud and honorable Serbia, is now under the boots of imperialists.
‘Appalling injustice’overturned as UK court clears names of Post Office workers wrongfully convicted due to faulty software
April 24th, 11:09am (RT)
Dozens of former Post Office workers have had
their convictions for theft and fraud thrown out
--- after an accounting system used in their
branches was later deemed faulty,
bringing partial closure to a
decades-old legal scandal.
Some 39 subpostmasters were cleared on Friday of
wrongdoing after being accused of stealing from
their offices. Their cases hinged on a soft- ware programme called Horizon.
The system, developed by the Japanese firm Fujitsu,
was used by the Post Office to keep track of trans-
actions and accounting. There was one problem:
the software had a bug, that caused accounting
errors, leading to hundreds of suspected cases
in which employees were accused of theft.
According to reports, some employees even used their
own money to try and correct the software’s account- ing errors, and avoid accusations of wrongdoing.
Between 2000 and 2014, the Post Office prosecuted 736
subpostmasters based on data outputted by Horizon.
Six other convictions were overturned back in
December. According to the BBC, the
miscarriage of justice is one of the
largest the UK has ever seen.
Shockingly, the Post Office “knew there were serious
issues about the reliability of Horizon” but didn't take
action, to investigate possible defects, concluded a
judgment issued by the Court of Appeal of the Royal
Courts of Justice in London. Instead of looking into
the matter, the Post Office consistently claimed that
Horizon was reliable, effectively “steamrolling” any
employee who challenged the software’s accuracy,
one of the presiding judges commented.
Many former employees who were slapped with criminal
charges due to Horizon’s bug went to prison or had their
lives ruined in other ways. One ex-employee spent nine
months in prison in 2007 after her Post Office branch
reported a shortfall of £59,000. The ordeal took her
away from her two children and “destroyed
everything.”
Another subpostmaster who was convicted of theft in
2008 and spent more than three years behind bars
denounced the Post Office as a “disgrace” and
demanded that the “bullies” responsible for
pressing the charges against ex-workers, such as himself, be held accountable.
Post Office chief executive Nick Read expressed his regret
over the episode, and said that the quashing of convictions
served as a “vital milestone” in correcting past wrongs by
his organisation, adding there should be compensation
for the victims that “reflects what has happened.”
In December 2019, the Post Office settled a civil claim
brought by 555 ex-employees for £57.75 million, but
did not admit liability.
Prime Minister Borish Johnson also weighed in,
describing the scandal “an appalling injustice
which has had a devastating impact on these
families for years.”
No one has yet been held accountable for the scandal. The
government launched an 'inquiry' into the matter last year,
but campaigners seeking justice say that the investigation
lacks teeth and suffers from a conflict of interest because
it is being carried out by the Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy, which runs the
Post Office.
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LEN RE-ELECTED - VICTORY FOR LEFT!
"Serving you, our members, is the greatest privilege of my working life. I'm proud to have stood shoulder- to-shoulder with you in your struggles and proud to have been asked by so many, to continue to fight for you"
_________________________________________________
The Corbyn Supporters From Hell - Attila The Stockbroker,15th Oct 2015 at The Blue Boar Hotel, Maldon, Essex, UK
ONE UNION
Two weeks before Brexit, the African Union announced a new single African passport that permits holders to enter any of the 54 AU member states without a visa – an interesting turn in African history which NO-ONE in the West knows or cares about ! What a stunning reflection of how far our mindset and media are, from the 'world community' we say we love.
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ADAM JOHANNES, CO-CONVENOR, PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY
“Most people under 40 have never been a member of a trade union. So unions are irrelevant, right? Wrong. Unions are more relevant than ever before. With in- work poverty, zero hours contracts and precarious employment, trade unions urgently need to make inroads into the private sector where the majority of us work, but a majority are still un-unionised.”
3 recent campaigns show how this might be done -
1. BETTER THAN ZERO
"Better than Zero" is an exciting campaign launched last year by the Scottish TUC to combat employers using zero-hours contracts. It is run by young people for young people to take on the issue of insecure work. Its activists are mostly in their teens or twenties. The campaign calls upon an older generation not to stand by while a generation of young people are forced into insecure work.
It has responded to tip off from employees in workplaces charging staff for training or uniforms, and bars and restaurants where workers tips are taken by the company. It's fought against people routinely expected to work additional late hours at short notice, with little or no thought given to how they'll get home & whether they will be safe.
The campaign uses direct action, stunts and creative protests such as targeting bars and restaurants with 'flash mob choirs', activists and former staff posing as customers, before each stand up in a restaurant to make speeches while other activists leaflet out- side, Halloween funeral marches on exploitative employers, or, memorably, activists clad in chemical-spill clean up garb placing several popular bars & restaurants in 'quarantine', for exploitative work practices. A recent campaign victory saw restaurant chain Las Iguanas end a policy of deducting money from staff tips.
2. SPORTS DIRECT
Unite has waged a dynamic fightback against Sports Direct including pickets of over 30 stores across the UK, occupations, direct action such as the unfurling of a #SportsDirectShame banner by Newcastle United fans at the club owned by Sports Direct boss, Mike Ashley, other banner drops from bridges, shareholder action, and a social media campaign,
Sports Direct is Britain's biggest sportswear company. It made over a billion in profits last year, but the majority of its workers agency staff are on zero hour contracts with no holiday or sick pay, and no guaranteed work from one week to the next. It has been called more 'workhouse' than workplace with intense surveillance and searches of staff, a culture of fear, bullying and intimidation rife.
Unite's campaign had forced the issue of its Victorian working conditions into national media & a company review. Unite demands all staff are re-employed on permanent contracts on a living wage. So far they have won a pay rise for staff and the company is now being investigated by HM Revenue & Customs after the union exposed it for effectively paying under the minimum wage.
3. PIZZA EXPRESS
Unite scored a victory against Pizza Express after exposing and ending the company deducting a proportion of staff's hard earned tips as an 'admin fee', recruiting new members. The campaign involved union activists going into Pizza Express branches to speak to waiting staff, weekly pickets, handing out hundreds of flyers with customers given a ‘scrap the admin fee’ postcard to leave with their cash tips, and finally a 'meal of justice' when protesters went into a restaurant, enjoyed a meal and when the bill came, one person stood up and told customers about the admin fee while others handed out postcards. Customers often respond with spontaneous applause.
We need to think creatively of how to bring politics into the workplace whether collections for refugees in Calais, foodbanks or local homeless, organising delegations from our work to local protests, or even setting up People's Assembly networks with likeminded people we work with.
Cardiff People's Assembly is part of The People's Assembly Against Austerity, a UK anti-cuts network sponsored by eight trade unions. Locally we have worked with Unison defending our city's library service & PCS to organise solidarity with museum workers, we will be supporting Unite Community's day of action against benefit sanctions. With much of our nation's workforce unorganised in their workplace in unions, joining movements like ours can boost people's confidence to stand up to their employers and build workplace organisation.
In the 1980s Thatcher declared war on the unions --- as a prelude to letting the market rip through society --- transforming us into a highly unequal low pay, low skill economy. The assault on the 'social wage' means we now have the highest private rents, highest energy bills, highest rail fares, and most expensive university education in the EU. Now the Trade Union Bill aims to take out a key part of the resistance to extend the cuts, privatisation and outsourcing agenda and shift even more power and wealth from the 99% to the 1%.
Our economy is dominated by low paid jobs. Low pay makes people insecure. A low pay economy and tax avoiding corporations make it hard to invest in public services. Joining a union is one way to fight back.
Profit Is The Only Concern For Railway Privateers 2016 Thursday 29TH DEC
The only way to have a public transport system worthy of the name is to have a fully nationalised railway,says GORDON MARTIN
All things transport have been making the news in Scotland for a number of months and the signs are this isn’t going to change in the dark winter months ahead.
Scotland’s railways have been subjected to an unprecedented level of scrutiny and criticism with opposition politicians, media columnists and some trade union officials calling for Nicola Sturgeon to sack her Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP.
In my view the roots of the public’s dissatisfaction with Scotland’s railways goes back to the Scottish government’s ill-conceived decision to award the ScotRail franchise to a state-owned rail operator.
Unfortunately for passengers and the ScotRail workforce, the state in question was not our own — and the Netherlands now benefits from profits made by its state company, Abellio, out of ScotRail.
A public-sector bid from Scotland was not allowed when the franchise was awarded to Abellio for a 10-year period. With profit the first and only concern of the profiteers at Abellio, a major dispute with Scotland’s biggest rail union RMT was highly predictable.
Abellio’s attack on the role of the guard on our trains brought a summer of discontent as industrial action spread across much of the Scottish rail network.
The Scottish government quickly showed its true colours. The normally very assured and competent First Minister committed a monumental blunder when she disgracefully inferred the strike was only about who pushed a button to open and close train doors.
While the SNP government very often claims to be on the side of working-class communities, it remains very much a political party wedded to capitalism. The First Minister should have taken the trouble to speak to disabled passengers or those travelling on Scotland’s trains who feel vulnerable in any way about how crucial the role of the guard is in making their journey a safer, more relaxing experience.
Thankfully the Scottish government and Abellio ScotRail finally saw sense and a negotiated settlement was reached which was favourable to RMT and which will see safety-trained guards remain in place.
Following on from our successful efforts to Keep The Guard on the Train, RMT has launched a high- profile “Safer Scottish Trains” campaign designed to ensure trains, stations & rail infrastructure in general are properly resourced and managed to ensure the best possible service is delivered.
Everyone, in particular disabled people, should be able to travel on a 21st-century rail network without having to check ahead days in advance to ensure staff will be in place to assist them.
At the same time, Westminster and the European Union have also intervened in a negative way which may have serious repercussions for rail workers and passengers in the years ahead.
Earlier this month Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary in Theresa May’s rotten Tory government, delivered a speech which potentially takes the rail industry back to the complete fragmentation foisted upon the people of Britain by the hapless government of John Major in the 1990s.
Grayling now seeks to reintroduce “competition” into rail infrastructure, maintenance and repairs.
Inevitably this will eventually lead to the complete break-up of Network Rail. The centralised standards implemented by this public-sector organisation will be discarded and profit and loss will become the decisive factor in deciding the standards for maintaining the rail infrastructure. This is a frightening scenario with potentially deadly outcomes and RMT will fight this with everything we have.
The latest plans for railways across the EU, the ultimate bosses’ club, are contained within the Fourth Railway Package which MEPs are voting on. These proposals make it mandatory to put rail passenger services out to competitive tender. With the Scottish government recently beginning to engage with the rail unions and others regarding a public-sector bid for the ScotRail contract, the 4th Railway Package underlines how fragile and fleeting this public-sector bid could ultimately be.
Scotland’s ferry sector also had a fair amount of publicity in the last year or so, with RMT engaged in a high-profile, long-running and ultimately successful campaign to keep CalMac ferries in public ownership.
RMT stands by our assertion that the Clyde and Hebridean ferry service did not have to go out to tender under the Teckal exemption.
Unfortunately, the Scottish government are keen to be seen as good Europeans, despite the negative impact on the Scottish people, and meekly went along with directives from the EU.
The uncertainty for island communities and the stress for the CalMac workforce while their future was unclear, was not high on the government’s agenda.
Unfortunately it looks highly likely that the workforce and the islanders on the Northern Isles are about to be put through the same uncertainty as their counterparts on the west coast.
The government is once again meekly following diktats from Brussels by putting the Northern Isles ferry service out to a competitive tendering process, despite the people of Britain voting to leave the EU, including a sizeable section of the Scottish working class.
RMT has a clear and principled position which is to insist that the Northern Isles contract is brought back into public ownership forthwith.
We demand an immediate end to the exploitation of eastern European seafarers. These workers, employed on a Scottish government contract, are being paid wages at a derisory rate while being denied the protection of a trade union agreement with wages and conditions covered by collective bargaining agreements.
As part of our ongoing Save our Seafarers campaign, we have highlighted this disgraceful fact to the media and the public with our slogan SNP — Ships of Shame.
This is causing the government and, in particular, the Transport Minister a great deal of embarrassment. I make no apologies for this and I sincerely hope the embarrassment will lead to action before too much longer.
It is clear to everyone, with the possible exception of right-wing profiteering zealots, that the only way to have a public transport system worthy of the name is to have a fully nationalised railway, properly resourced, with adequate staffing levels --- together with a publicly owned ferry operator, working exclusively on behalf of ferry users and the Scottish government, & money raised reinvested --- instead of lining the pockets of private shareholders.
Gordon Martin is Scottish regional organiser of the RMT.
(source - Morning Star)
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Tory aid-dumping revelation means the money should be seized and used by Mike Sivier
The worst part of this is, it suggests that people who said the International Aid budget could be used in better ways, were right.
The Times reports that the Tories have been ‘dumping’ billions of pounds in aid into shady World Bank funds, to sit unused indefinitely – in order to "keep up the appearance" of meeting the government’s commitment to donating 0.7% of the UK’s GDP in foreign aid.
According to the Times, at least £9 billion has been transferred like this in the past 5 years. Rather than helping developing countries, the money, which is spread across over 200 different bank accounts, simply sits there – doing nothing except rack up World Bank ‘administration fees’.
UK International Development Secretary Priti Patel’s only qualification for her job appears to be the fact that she had previously wanted to get rid of it and the funding it oversees. This seems to be the standard Tory qualification for any ministerial role that is supposed to help people – Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt infamously wrote a book, before becoming Health Secretary, that called for abolition of the ’60-year-old mistake’ of the NHS.
Clearly, to a Tory, maintaining the appearance of doing something is far more important than actually doing it – especially if it helps you put cash into the bank accounts of your backers and allies and ideally while you get rid of the very thing you’re supposed to be looking after. If you hear Tories say ‘reform’, run for cover – or better yet, get the pitchforks out.
Source: Keeping up appearances: aid-dumping shows Tories care for PR, not people The SKWAWKBOX
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Left Looks To Unite To Protect Its Power Base CHARLEY ALLAN
The Labour right was desperate to see the back of “Red Len,” as the tabloids call him.
But Len won his victory. Now’s the perfect time to join Unite, with full membership costing just £3.50 a week, reduced to 50p for the unemployed.
The AWL and its allies may have won the national committee battle, but they won’t win the OMOV war --- if the movementists get organised.
A new current called Opening Momentum has rallied round the point that anti-OMOVers had denied members their advertised right to “vote in national-level elections.”
And it’s crucial that every member who really believes in the fabled “new kind of politics” turns up to their local branch meetings - if they have them - to halt plans for a parallel party.
This is bigger than Momentum. We need to see much more direct democracy in Labour itself, although there will always be resistance from those who benefit most from the delegate system.
There are literally hundreds of thousands of new Labour members and Momentum’s top priority --- should making sure their voice is heard at next year’s party conference.
The Labour left can’t afford to be crushed again on the conference floor, as happened this year.
While Momentum was dazzling everyone with its World Transformed free festival, right faction Labour First was distributing fliers to let delegates know when and where vital votes were taking place.
Critically, Momentum must:- have slates of candidates ready when local constituency parties select conference delegates in thecoming months.
The new left movement needs to get serious if it wants to win the looming electoral battles within Labour, the trade unions and the grassroots.
Defending, strengthening and expanding this power base at the ballot box, will take back the leadership, and keep the movement fighting fit for the general election.
• Chat to Charley on Twitter: @charleyallan.
(source - Morning Star)
A New Lucas Plan For The Future by David King
The ideas pioneered by the Lucas workers are just as, or more, relevant now than in the 1970s, and there are strong political similarities in the situation.
As in the ’70s, we have an economic crisis caused by unjust economic policies and the failure of successive governments’ industrial strategy.
As usual, this has hit the working class hardest, and anger over this is being channelled into racism against immigrants. Now, the environmental effects of industrial capitalism are far more evident than 40 years ago, already creating wars, militarisation and widespread concern about insecurity.
Finally, introduction of new technologies threatens structural unemployment on a scale considerably greater than the ’70s.
The Tory government’s response to the economic and political crisis, despite continuing to publicly espouse neoliberal principles, looks a lot like a classic Keynesian economic stimulus package.
In the last few months it has made decisions to go ahead with a range of industrial infrastructure megaprojects — Hinkley C, fracking, HS2 and the Heathrow third runway, as well as pressing ahead with spending £200 billion on Trident renewal.
A key element in the case for all these projects is the jobs that they will generate or preserve, although the jobs estimates are bound to be inflated, while the price tag will be massively underestimated.
Compared to the ’70s, far fewer jobs will be created in this way because, due to automation and mechanisation, they are all highly capital rather than labour-intensive.
The Lucas Aerospace workers’ idea of socially useful production suggests a far better way forward.
Even in the early phase of the environmental movement, before most socialists realised the significance of these issues, the Lucas Plan acknowledged that protecting the environment is part of the concept of socially useful production.
With the exception of HS2, all the new projects are environmental anathema, and the damage that project would do to the English countryside and people’s homes and communities, for the sake of saving 30 minutes of executives’ time, makes it emblematic of neoliberalism.
The working-class people who voted for Brexit are demanding jobs and regeneration of their communities, but these industrial vanity projects are not the solution.
Now is the moment to realise the proposals of the Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group (Million Climate Jobs Campaign), which is often seen as a successor to the Lucas Plan.
We should be investing in renewable energy, home insulation, public transport etc as part of the international trade union initiative of Just Transition, ie transition to a low-carbon economy with job protection for workers in industries that need to be phased out.
Imagine what could be achieved in regional economic renewal and environmental benefits with the Trident billions.
But exactly how that money should be spent should not be decided by economic planners alone.
One of the great strengths of the Lucas Plan was that it came from the bottom up, from workers, not managers.
Recognising that they could not, by themselves, define what people need, the Lucas workers began to work with various regional communities to develop “popular planning for social need.”
In London, the Greater London Council created technology development networks that involved users, for example disabled people, in technology design.
These traditions of bottom-up local planning have been continued by various citizens’ local planning initiatives, such as Just Space in London, and would be vital to a democratic solution to the crises.
The current economic and environmental crises are symptoms of a deeper crisis in the industrial capitalist mode of production, and they demand a fundamental rethink of how we produce the basic things that people need for a decent life.
One of the less well-remembered, but crucial aspects of the Lucas Plan was the workers’ struggle against the automation and deskilling of their work with computer-controlled machinery, a struggle shared with trade unionists around the world in that period.
As Phil Asquith of the Lucas Combine puts it, “Harold Wilson’s ‘white heat of the technological revolution’ was burning up workers’ jobs.’
The continuation of this trend over the last 40 years is a major source of the jobless recoveries and income polarisation that are creating the “squeezed middle” of angry, Daily Mail- reading, Brexit voters.
Forecasts suggest that digital technology will eliminate half the jobs in the economy over the next 20 years, but its track record shows that it creates far fewer new jobs to replace them.
One response to this that has become popular on the left is the belief that automation will usher in a post- capitalist society, if we can only feed those useless human workers with basic income.
This is a complex argument, but one thing for sure is that this was not the Lucas workers’ philosophy.
Instead of: “Demand Full Automation, Demand Universal Basic Income, Demand the Future,” they would have reminded us that the romance of high-technology leads to what historian of technology David Noble aptly called: “Progress without people.”
The Lucas workers’ slogan would likely have been: “Demand Democratic Control of Technology, Demand Socially Useful Production, Demand Equality and Sustainability.”
They were very clear that the idea of socially useful production is also about how things are produced.
There is no point in socially useful products if they are made in a way that alienates and deskills the workers who produce them.
They went on to design “human-centred technologies,” in which the point was to use and develop workers’ skills, rather than design them out of the production process.
A skills and people-based, more labour-intensive approach is, in the era of Brexit and environmental crisis, a much better way to create a socially just, sustainable economy than old-fashioned, capital- intensive high-tech mega projects. This is the agenda we will be discussing in Birmingham today.
(source - the Morning Star)
Construction Workers Can’t Be Expected To Work Into Their Sixties by Brian Rye (source - The Star)
British governments seem to think one of two things about construction workers: they're either superhuman, or they don’t give a toss about them. That would be the logical conclusion, given the raise in the pension age, to 68.
With the state pension age due to rise to 67 by 2026 and 68 by 2044, our political elites seem to believe that we are breeding a race of human beings with quite exceptional physical capabilities.
While professional sportspeople are pretty much done by their mid-thirties, with their strength, speed and stamina leeching away by the day, the British construction worker - if you believe our politicians - lives in a world that defies conventional science.
Despite the early starts, the exposure to the elements, the heavy lifting, the long hours, the poor diet & susceptibility to minor injury, these lions of the labour force are all going to get their telegram from the king - because the stats say we’re all living longer.
Sadly, if you have a shred of common sense you will immediately know this is not true.
Construction workers are the same as any other human being. Like professional sportspeople, they can feel their physical abilities start to wane from their mid-thirties.
The only difference being: construction workers have to stay in the game. & not only that, given the increase in the pensionable age, the game just went into extra time.
Empathy is a wonderful characteristic for a human being to possess because it creates understanding and caring for others.
So we have to ask ourselves, as our besuited, overweight politicians sit back in their comfy chairs before skipping off to their subsidised three-course meal in the House of Commons - with a glass of wine or two — how much empathy are they feeling with their compatriots in construction?
Can they imagine the freezing mornings, the hours of standing up, the repetitive physical work or the greasy chips for lunch? It would seem not.
Recent research carried out by the TUC, in a report called Postponing the Pension, shows that a significant proportion of the population won’t reach the pensionable age of 68 in any fit state to enjoy their retirement.
The results show that half a million workers within five years of the state pension have had to leave work for medical reasons, and that nearly half of 60 to 64-year-olds stopped working before their official retirement age.
This is why Ucatt is currently trying to get the Labour Party to support policies that would mean a future Labour government would introduce a flexible pension age for physically demanding professions.
Construction work is hugely physically demanding because it involves prolonged standing, highly repetitive work, heavy lifting, working with the hands lifted to shoulder height or higher, and working with the back twisted or bent forward. It can lead to musculoskeletal disorder, cardiovascular disease and long-term sickness absence.
These work conditions and their effects need to be factored into the calculation of a pensionable age. It is only fair.
At 60, most politicians are on a few company boards, are picking up consultancies, maybe writing a book and reaping the benefits of a lifetime’s work.
The current presidential candidates in the US are 68 (Hillary Clinton) and 70 (Donald Trump) - beneficiaries of a lifetime of comfort, good food, little or no physical exertion and excellent healthcare on demand.
These individuals see no reason to retire - they’re feeling fine. Construction workers often aren’t feeling fine.
We all know that one in four people in Britain will now live to 100 — but what about the other three? At what age will they be checking out? And what jobs are they doing?
According to figures from the government’s own Office for National Statistics, doctors and accountants are outliving builders and cleaners, by as much as eight years.
Men in professional occupations can expect to live to 80, almost eight years longer than those in unskilled jobs, whose life expectancy is 72.7. So people are not all the same - shock, horror! Comparing the accountant to the construction worker is comparing apples with oranges - and yet our governments conveniently ignore this.
Our ageing population and the fears surrounding the viability of the state pension in the future has caused the political class to legislate in a heavy- handed, insensitive and unsophisticated way.
The phrase “we’ve all got to work longer” is bandied about by those sitting comfortably behind a desk. For those leading a more active life, this phrase is just a plain, old-fashioned threat.
To quote ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: “Living longer doesn’t mean we are able to work longer in physically demanding jobs like that of the firefighter, police officer or paramedic. And it’s not just in the emergency services. Construction workers, care workers and prison officers cannot be expected to work into their sixties. We need a flexible pension age that allows people to work for as long as they want to.”
Ucatt’s campaign plainly states “68 is too late.” It’s a campaign that needs to be fought to a victory - for the sake of thousands of British workers. We need to present our case, find broad support and build empathy within the country. And we have to find acceptance that it may cost us all a little bit more while we’re of working age.
Otherwise we will all be using another well- known phrase: “flogging a dead horse.”
We’ll leave the last words to Mr Corbyn: “If we want dignity for all in old age, then it has to be paid for.”
Brian Rye is acting general secretary of Ucatt.
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Britain’s workers feel stressed and insecure (originally in the Morning Star) by Carolyn Jones
The UK's 31 million workers are among the most insecure, stressed and unhappiest in Europe.
No wonder! According to the latest report by the Institute of Employment Rights (IER), the evidence is damning.
On average, UK workers work more hours per week, more days per year, more years before retirement -- after which, they receive lower levels of pension -- than most of their European counterparts.
In comparison to other European workers they generally receive less education and training, and (because of lack of employer investment) their productivity is lower.
They get fewer paid holidays than almost all European comparators and their pay is so low that a great proportion of them are in poverty --- with the state subsidising employers’ low wages.
And it doesn’t end there. The UK has a high proportion of its workforce in so-called “self- employment,” agency work, temporary work, and/or on zero-hours contracts.
It has more part-time workers who want full- time jobs, than other European countries.
UK workers have less entitlement to redundancy pay, sick pay, and maternity pay, than most European workers.
Workers’ rights to remedies for unfair dismissal and discrimination are set low and have been made practically unenforceable by the imposition of high access fees.
In the UK, unlike most European countries, there is no ministry of labour, no labour inspectorate and a negligible complement of health and safety inspectors.
All this in the fifth richest nation in the world. It is obscene. So what’s to be done?
An excellent starting point is the establishment of Jeremy Corbyn’s Workplace 2020 initiative. Launched in May 2016, the aim of the project is to start a national conversation on what work should be like in 2020.
Under the chairmanship of Ian Lavery, shadow trade union minister, the Labour Party wants to hear the good, the bad and the ugly stories about working life in Britain.
On a recently launched website people can submit their comments, complaints and suggestions on a range of workplace issues.
So whether it’s job security, pay and pensions, training and apprenticeships, diversity and equality, trade unions or health and safety that raises your passion, there’s scope to feed into the policy agenda.
Once again the Labour leadership team is turning out to the country for ideas rather than assuming it knows best in the corridors of power.
Labour is already committed to raising the minimum wage, banning zero-hours contracts, ensuring workers are given access to justice, and giving temporary workers the same rights as permanent staff. But it recognises that more needs to be done -- not just to secure fairness at work but to rebuild the UK's economy and industry.
So, at the request of Jeremy Corbyn and Ian Lavery, the IER drafted a contribution to the review, using 15 of its academic and legal experts. At the heart of our proposals is the need to ensure the voice of the UK’s 31 million workers is heard & respected -- in government (via a ministry of labour), in the economy (via a national economic forum) and in industry (via sectoral employment commissions).
The manifesto offers 25 major policy recommendations for consideration.
It proposes changing the way in which working conditions are regulated. It moves responsibility for workplace regulation from legislation to collective bargaining.
It calls for the repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016, the removal of tribunal fees and the introduction of fundamental & enforceable rights for workers, enforceable in a labour court with the assistance of labour inspectors.
The Thatcher concept of individual rights for individual workers has to go. It does little for workers, it’s costly to enforce and it fails to deliver fairness at work.
IER’s manifesto offers a system based on the collective voice of workers, negotiating collectively agreed standards & delivering collectively enforced fairness at work.
A new framework of labour law should be built on the following 10 points:
A ministry of labour
A national economic forum
Sectoral employment commissions
Sectoral collective agreements and wages councils’ orders
Workplace bargaining
A strengthened framework of statutory employment rights
Labour courts and labour inspectors
Employment tribunals
Stronger support for freedom of association and collective rights
The right to strike
Carolyn Jones is director of the Institue of Employment Rights
A manifesto for labour law: Towards a comprehensive revision of workers’ rights --- is available from IER. Go to www.ier.org.uk for more information.
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Why Labour is putting energy reform at the heart of its green agenda Jeremy Corbyn
No issue better connects the environment to people’s lives than energy. To deliver clean, affordable electricity,we need to change our undemocratic system of supply.
We are on course for a climate catastrophe. 2016 is set to be the hottest year on record. Unless the Paris agreement’s target of limiting the rise in temperatures by 1.5C is met, heatwaves like that in 2003, which killed tens of thousands of people in Europe, will become the norm. And that's before considering rising sea levels and desertification, that will sink cities, and kill and displace millions, or the fact that the Earth has already lost half its wildlife, in the past 40 years.
The task for politicians is to propose real solutions to the single most important issue facing humanity. Too often, the environment is considered a matter for scientists, enthusiasts & activists. To increase public understanding and energise the political debate, we need more than facts – we need a programme that resonates with people’s every- day experiences, offering not just warnings, but opportunities and improvement.
No issue better connects the environment to people’s lives than energy. In Britain today, 7 million households struggle to pay their bills because of spiralling costs, while the big six energy companies have seen their profits rise by more than tenfold since 2007. The energy market is not just expensive, inefficient and polluting – it is, above all, undemocratic.
In order to deliver clean, affordable heating and electricity we need to change the whole system of energy supply. When energy is driven by the needs of people, it will be greener – because saving the planet is in the interests of everyone.
That is why I am today announcing a bold new set of policies which will pioneer a democratic, community- led system of energy supply. Over the course of the next parliament, we will use public investment and legislation to promote the creation of over 200 local energy companies, giving towns, cities & localities the powers they need to drive a clean, locally accountable energy system with public, not-for-profit companies.
At the heart of this policy will be a new generation of community energy co-operatives. We will create 1,000 of these co-operatives with the support of a network of regional development banks, and legislate to give them the right to sell energy directly to the communities they serve.
At the same time as building a new publicly run, locally accountable energy system, we will invest in the high quality homes & insulation needed to make Britain environmentally sustainable. We will create a National Home Insulation programme to insulate at least 4m homes to energy efficiency standard B or C. In the private rented sector, we will set compulsory standards at the same level & end the misery of cold rented accommodation. This would save millions of people money on their bills as well as saving energy that is currently wasted on poorly insulated homes.
In order to have any hope of keeping the rise in temperature to 2C – let alone meeting our Paris agreement target of 1.5C – we need to keep 80% of fossil fuels in the ground. This can and must be done. Scotland is already on course to generate 100% of its electricity by renewables, & Britain has an ample supply of wind & water. In government, I'll commit to generating 65% of Britain’s electricity from these sources by 2030.
All of these measures will create secure, skilled employment for hundreds of thousands of people. As part of our transition to a low-carbon economy, we estimate that we will create 316,000 jobs in wind, solar and wave power. We'll use a £500bn national investment programme, with a National Investment Bank and a network of regional development banks, to ensure that these jobs and opportunities are created in places where they are most needed – in coastal towns and areas with high unemployment.
Too often, environmental catastrophe is explained in the same terms as an asteroid hitting the earth. But the problems and the solutions are political – they are about the prioritisation of profit over the needs of people and, at the heart of it all, a lack of democracy in how decisions are made. By democratising our energy supply, and giving people power over their own destinies, we can rebuild and transform Britain so that no one and no community, is left behind.
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Together --- Stronger!
Change, when it comes, will not come from Westminster. The campaign to save our NHS must become a visible reality on every high street and a priority for Labour members.
The NHS is at breaking point, and as Keep Our NHS Public secretary John Lister says: “by 2020 it will all be over.”
To reverse the damage of four more years of A&E closures, outsourced or pared-down services and reduced access, could verge on the impossible.
MPs who obsess over the need to attract Tory voters may find that the champions who saved a local A&E win more hearts and minds than a lorryload of anti-immigration mugs ever could.
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HELP JOHN DUNN
John Dunn, ex-miner and a Labour Party member for 45 years, was blocked from voting for Corbyn, because he challenged Owen Smith for exploiting the legacy of Orgreave for electoral purposes.
He has been told he is suspended from the Labour Party.
John says: "45 years continuous membership and they couldn't even address me by my name"
It looks like the NEC are creating their very own blacklist.
Labour grew hugely under Corbyn and the ''guess'' is --- most of new members were Corbyn supporters.
A DREAM COME TRUE
Support for Jeremy Corbyn from Tyrone O’Sullivan, a fourth-generation south Wales miner, who led a workers’ buy-out of Tower Colliery, to save it from closure.
"I’ve been close to Jeremy since the miners’ strike. Knowing the man, knowing his abilities and his education, it was a dream come true for me when he became leader. His ideas and values are more necessary, here in south Wales, than probably anywhere else in the country. He wanted victory for Labour, but only under our terms - for a change."
O’Sullivan, a lifelong Labour member, says Jeremy is the only true socialist we have had as leader --- for 20 or 30 years.
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PEOPLE DESERVE RESPECT
Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership opponent flaunted his contempt for democracy by backing a second referendum on UK membership of the EU.
And MPs pressured Jeremy Corbyn to resign, by constant smears, media lies and attacks on Labour's membership !!!
No wonder the Unite policy conference has overwhelmingly backed mandatory reselection of MPs - to ensure genuine democratic accountability in the party.
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Unite pushes for reselection of MPs by Conrad Landin
Candidates ‘should reflect members’ views’
Labour's largest affiliate is now behind the push for mandatory reselection of MPs, as Jeremy Corbyn critics have “destabilised” the party, to ditch anti-austerity policies.
Delegates at general union Unite’s conference are resolved to support the approach, in order “to ensure democratic accountability, and the rights of party members to select candidates that reflect their views.”
Currently, sitting MPs are only subject to a “trigger ballot” -- where they automatically become the candidate -- unless a super- majority of branches in the constituency support a new selection.
London and eastern region's delegate, Kevin Parslow: “The current trigger mechanism is difficult, & weighted in favour of the incumbent.
“We put ourselves up as reps and branch officers for election regularly.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for MPs to put themselves up for re-selection. They should be accountable to us, and not to Murdoch’s press: they're there because they have the Labour Party name on the ballot paper.”
Mike Hedges, another London delegate: “Four weeks ago I would have spoken against this motion--- but after the treachery of 172 MPs --- we have no option.”
The union’s leaders are also mandated to “support moves to bring more democracy into policy-making -- by returning powers to the party conference.”
A Unite spokesperson:
“This vote simply reflects the immense frustration that our members feel. They look at the conduct of some within the party, the challenge to the elected leader, and they feel angered.
“They want Labour fighting the Tories, not among themselves.”
KEEP FIGHTING FOR MORE DEMOCRACY!
Momentum and Labour are engaged in a huge consultation to expand democracy in Labour...
WHY NOT PASTE THE LINK BELOW AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION?
http://www.peoplesmomentum.com/democracy-review
* * *
With 640,000 members - and a huge 200,00 joining in just 2 weeks- Labour was the largest left-wing party in Europe.
If you haven't done so already, join Labour, join Momentum, and let's rebuild #BuildOurMovement.
join.labour.org.uk
join.peoplesmomentum.com
_________________________________
GMB Wins Lidl Recognition by Peter Lazenby Ruling affects hundreds of warehouse staff
The Star - General union GMB has won a landmark legal ruling giving hundreds of warehouse workers at giant cut-price supermarket chain Lidl the right to be represented by the union.
The German-owned chain opposes union recognition and resisted the union’s claim.
But the Central Arbitration Committee, whose decisions are legally binding, supported the GMB case, and gave the union full rights to represent and negotiate on behalf of its 223 members among warehouse workers at Bridgend, south Wales.
GMB now presses ahead with its campaign for recognition at 8 more Lidl warehouses across England and Scotland.
National secretary Justin Bowden says: “Lidl’s attempts at union-busting were quite properly thrown out by the judge --- in a massive victory for rights at work.
“[Wednesday’s] ruling opens the gates to not only improving employees’ pay & terms and conditions at the Bridgend site, but is also a major victory for the GMB’s campaign for a trade union voice at the workplace.
“The suggestion that Lidl’s workers don't need the option of a trade union to stick up for them and fight for their interests is baloney, pure and simple.
“As a result of today’s ruling, employees will get the chance to decide for them- selves, if the company’s own ‘personal personnel hotline’ is any match for an independent union taking their side & defending their interests in the workplace.”
GMB Wales and south-west regional secretary John Phillips adds: “Regrettably, Lidl continues to show both hostility towards GMB & shameful disregard for the wishes of its own workforce, with expensive challenges against fair and objective decisions made by independent third-party organisations.”
Lidl is also resisting attempts by shop workers’ union Usdaw to recruit and represent staff in its supermarkets.
An Usdaw spokesperson said: “Lidl will not even let our representatives into stores, to talk to staff.”
Lidl has 637 stores & 9 regional distribution centres --- employing over 18,000 staff. Its ambitions to expand in Britain, could see it more than double in size --- with plans for 1,500 stores & 2 more distribution centres.
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Tax offices’ own cleaners don’t get minimum wage
Cleaners at 6 government offices on Mersey- side walked out over their employer’s failure to pay them the legal minimum wage.
The staff began the two-day strike, because they have not received that £7.20-an-hour rate the government introduced on April 1.
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Wales: 50,000 days lost due to teacher stress
The number of teachers off sick due to stress in Wales has soared by thousands in just one year, new research shows.
Stress-related illness caused the 51,795 sick days: an increase of 2,568 on 2014, freedom of information figures revealed.
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Unions stood by Corbyn & McDonnell
The entire labour movement could have been concentrating all of our efforts - on bringing down this mean government.
Instead, 172 Labour MPs launched an attempted coup on Corbyn. If it's true that Angela Smith MP described the 10,000 activists, including general secretaries of affiliated trade unions, who were at a recent pro-Corbyn rally, as “dogs,” --- then serious questions need to be asked about the relationship between the PLP and the trade union movement.
Every trade union in Britain has regular elections for shop stewards, branch secretaries, and their general secretary.
It's time those who fund the Labour Party demanded the same level of democracy for sitting MPs.
Anything less than a mandatory reselection of MPs before every parliament is now untenable.
Let’s get this straight: none of these MPs backed Corbyn for leader, most of them abstained in the Welfare Reform Bill, many of them voted for the Iraq war, & to this day, hero-worship Tony Blair.
The 172 Labour MPs aren't just trying to change the Labour leader -- they are plotting to drag the movement back to a Blairite view of politics.
The vote of no confidence wasn't just an attempt to oust Corbyn --- it was a declaration of war on the entire organised left.
The gloves are off and there’s no going back. Everyone will need to decide: which side are you on? I stand with Corbyn and McDonnell.
Dave Smith is co-author, with Phil Chamberlain, of Blacklisted: The Secret War between Big Business and Trade Unionists, (New Internationalist Publications).
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RMT: We Must Fight Assault On Our Rights Union ‘disappointed’ with lack of action from TUC
Unions should move to take “generalised” strike action: with or without a go-ahead from the TUC, RMT activists insisted.
The union was meeting in Cardiff that week --- but you wouldn't know it, if you'd read the Welsh press!
Delegates at the transport union’s annual general meeting in Cardiff expressed disappointment that fiery rhetoric about defeating new anti-strike laws was not followed up with action.
The union unanimously passed a motion expressing concern at the TUC’s “lack of campaigning” on the issue and called for a “high-profile campaign.”
Leeds delegate Trevor Howard said: “Personally, my own view is that the TUC is a waste of space and it needs to be reorganised.”
The Trade Union Act, which received Royal Assent last month, imposes arbitrary thresholds on strike ballots & other curbs on labour movement activity.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It’s fundamentally undemocratic when you put these thresholds in.”
He said unions must respond to the law by ramping up their organising. “Whatever we do, we’ve got to make sure we get our members’ support,” he said.
And he praised Jeremy Corbyn’s Workplace 2020 agenda, which aims to introduce new labour rights.
“What we need to be doing is turning the tables,” he added: “We’ve got to get an alternative to this legislation --- to get us positive rights.”
Cash blasts ‘self-indulgent MPs’ for sabotaging left’s moment
“Self-indulgent” Labour MPs have squandered the left’s best moment to go on the offensive, RMT's general secretary, Mick Cash, stressed.
He used his address to the transport union’s annual general meeting to warn of “massive fights ahead” amid “political and economic turmoil.”
He said the divisions in the Tory Party and shockwaves in the world of capital should have been an opportunity for the left to get its message across. But he said this had been sabotaged by the frontbenchers resigning and calling for Jeremy Corbyn’s head.
He fumed: “What have they done? Self-indulgence. They’ve created division, they created a lack of leadership of progressive forces.
“They’ve created a situation where, if we’re not careful, we’ll have a Tory government ------ and worse, a Tory government supported by Ukip.
“We need to seize the opportunity to put forward an agenda to fight against austerity, against cuts and for workers’ rights. But that won’t happen if our politicians in London are playing the game they’re playing.
“Ordinary working people are sick of the political class and what they’re doing --- and yet they’re doing it again.”
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Putschist MPs ‘Let The Tories Off The Hook’ Unions rally round previous Labour leader
Union reps on Labour’s ruling executive signed a defiant statement to show that Mr Corbyn still has institutional support.
The leader of Labour’s most recent affiliate Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack pointed his hoses at the quitters, saying their action was “co-ordinated to cause maximum damage” to Mr Corbyn.
“It is bizarre that some of the MPs making the loudest criticism of Jeremy Corbyn over the referendum -- completely failed to convince the electorate in their own constituencies,” he said.
“After the referendum, Labour should be setting out policies to defend jobs, public services & wages, as an exit from the EU is negotiated. Instead, some Labour MPs are playing irresponsible & silly games, from their Westminster bubble.”
Unite south-east secretary Jenny Formby, one of the executive members behind the statement in support of Mr Corbyn, said it was “nonsense” to blame him for the result. “Now, more than ever, is a time for loyalty and unity,” she stormed.
Communication Workers’ Union leader Dave Ward fired off a missive, stating Mr Corbyn “has our full support” as leader.
“Jeremy Corbyn is, and remains, the catalyst for change in the Labour Party and the country,” he said. “Those who seek to oust him, represent the politics that forgot ordinary people.”
And food union BFAWU turned up the heat. They said plotters would “only serve to let the Conservative government off the hook for the damage they've heaped upon our communities & the crisis they've caused in pursuit of power.”
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WHERE IS MOST UK YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT?
WALES!
(WHERE IN WALES? GUESS !!!)
Youth unemployment rates in some parts of Britain, such as the North East, have reached the highest recorded level ever, recent data gathered by the GMB union shows.
The GMB report says unemployment rates among people aged between 18-25 have hit record levels.
Wales is top of the unemployment list, with almost 23,000 claimants. The GMT reveals that some parts of Wales have a jobless rate of 37%.
Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary:
"In the UK there are nearly 400,000 young workers aged 18-24 claiming jobseeker's allowance. When you add to that number the rest of the young people not in jobs, but seeking work, the real number is more than double that figure.”
The number of young UK job seekers is really almost one million;- which makes this young generation the real victims of the current recession in Britain.
Kenny again: “The Government is in denial that it is deliberately creating unemployment.”
This is while reports say almost 150,000 jobs are under threat across the country.
What Wales needs is AN ECONOMY
ONE THAT WILL LAST
"Regional aid" - artificially importing factories that owe no allegiance to Wales - has failed.
Innovation means NEW ! New thinking.
Stop moaning about the past. Start building an economy NOW, for our youngsters.
Or else!!!
New means old, if you want to build a genuine economy. From the ground up, means exactly that!
Agriculture, producing smart new food and drinks. But based on our strengths.
All the land we need is here, and if we look up, 80 percent of Wales' "valley" land is up in the air, like Penrhys!
And it's almost unused. Imagine! All that land from the Rhondda over to Aberdare and beyond.
I'm sure people with vision can see orchards and new products... new ways of working, etc.
All it requires is a WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE.
ALL TOGETHER NOW FOR PEACE
The UK's TUC is calling on the UK government to end its meddling policies in the Middle East and North Africa. “The “war on terror” is still continuing and has failed, after ten years, to bring the promised peace and stability to either the Middle East or the wider world,” the motion says...
UK FOLLOWING US DOWN THE DRAIN
Last year’s table of 10 top EU economies - assessing income, prices, working culture & public spending, put the UK in last place.
The UK now has the 4th-highest retirement age of any country averaging 63.1 years - and this,thanks to the Tories AND a supine work-force, is set to keep rising higher and higher.
Average net household income after tax, (and remember, this "average" includes the stinking rich) is £37,172 a year, but even after ignoring the ridiculously high "average", this is now much lower than the average amount earned in Ireland, the Netherlands & Denmark, where there are less of the obscenely rich, to distort the figures.
In Wales, we know that the "average" worker earns far less than this: (£15,000 after tax)
Life for most in the UK is set to get even worse - if people don't fight back - as public services are to be cut more, after the next Spending Review ..and will lead to budget cuts of up to 40% in many public service departments.
France and Spain again top the quality of life index, as workers there have more paid holidays, earlier retirement, lower prices, longer life expectancy and, just to rub it in... better weather.
There are no separate figures for Wales.... why?
Could it be that knowing... might lead to discontent or is it because Welsh workers, with their vibrant economy, as they stop mindlessly following London... and build their new economy, are now so well off, that the English might get jealous? Yeah, right!
The lesson is obvious. Strong unions with gutsy membership abound on the continent, while UK residents sink apathetically down & down & down.
As Tony Blair said: we British are "special".
We think life gets better for us if we let the bankers of London exploit the rest of the world, and our non-working workforce sinks into apathy and selfishness...
Makes you proud, doesn't it! Does it?
WORKERS ACROSS EUROPE UNITE & FIGHT TO STOP CUTS PEACE - NOT WAR AND LOOTING !
Workers from across Europe took part in a major demonstration in Brussels --- to demand that austerity measures be dropped in favour of an end to wars & for peaceful reconstruction.
Europeans took to the streets of Brussels to demonstrate against wage & pension cuts and diminishing job opportunities.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), one of the EU's leading unions, says that about 100,000 people from 30 countries took part, and police estimates say 20,000.
“Cutting in a recession's crazy and we must fight it,” AFP quotes the ETUC's general secretary, a prominent UK union leader.
Marches also took place in Portugal, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Serbia, Romania, Poland, Ireland and France.
The rallies coincided with a general strike in Spain where the government froze pensions and cut the salaries of government workers.
“This is the worst economic crisis in the post- war history of Western Europe,” the eTUC leader adds.
"We call for a rethink and a change - in Spain and in Europe. We are mobilizing, and they will have to listen to us."
The union says European workers could be the main victims of a financial crisis set off by bankers and traders.
Many European governments have imposed reductions in wages, pensions & employment - to deal with the escalating economic issues.
The OECD has released its long awaited Action Plan to curb "base erosion and profit shifting" (BEPS) by large multinational enterprises.
"The OECD Action Plan has the ambition to effectively curb tax evasion by large multinational enterprises – but it is a plan, and it needs effective commitments by governments and effective implementation,” says ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.
The Action plan consists of 15 measures to strengthen corporate income tax rules and prevent tax avoidance through manipulating intra-group transfer pricing between subsidiaries, and the use of empty shell companies in low tax jurisdictions.
Tax challenges created by globalised production and service systems, the digital economy and increasing importance of "intangibles" – r & d, and intellectual property – feature prominently in the OECD Action plan.
