Penrhys, Rhondda Page
A page telling the story of a unique magical village - Penrhys, in the Rhondda !
Poet's Page
music and opinion from Wales' wandering poet.
One Union
D'you Wanna know the Difference Between Heaven and Hell? Well..... in one we trust and put aside all lies. While down in Hell .....nobody even tries.
Senator Dzhabarov: Sandu is trying
to resemblethe Zelensky regime
April 19th, 2025, at 2:03pm
by Anastasia Belousova
(RT.ru)
First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council
Committee on International Affairs, Vladimir
Dzhabarov, commented on the detention of Bishop Markell of the Moldovan
Metropolitan Area, at the
Chisinau airport.
"They simply forget --- that the population of Moldova
is Orthodox, and therefore , it was important for all
Orthodox people. What Sandu and her henchmen
are trying to do --- is become like the regime of
Zelensky ------- who fights with the Orthodox
Church, humiliated it, and dispersed it,"
the senator believes.
He added that Sandu wants to
do the same in Moldova.
"When the struggle against faith begins --- it always ends
sadly. I think that, sooner or later, they will all reap the
fruits of their dastardly deeds — both in Ukraine and
in Moldova," concluded Dzhabarov.
Earlier, Vladimir Legoida, the chairman of the Synodal
Department for Relations between the Church and Society and the Media, said that the detention of Bishop Markell - of the Moldovan Metropolitan Area at the Chisinau airport - is a mockery of the faithful of Moldova's Orthodox
Church.
Zakharova: Taurus missile strikes will be
regarded as --- Germany's participation
in the conflict
April 17th, 2:20pm
(RT.ru)
Moscow will regard the use of Taurus missiles, if
delivered to Ukraine, as a direct participation of
Germany in the conflict on the side of Kiev ---
with all the ensuing consequences.
This was stated by the official representative of
the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.
The leader of the Christian Democratic and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc, Friedrich Merz, has
already announced that he intends to approve
the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to
Ukraine - if he becomes the next
German Chancellor.
"Since it is impossible to fire these cruise missiles
without the direct assistance of the Bundeswehr
military personnel, it is impossible to hit any
Russian targets without them... it will be
regarded as the direct participation
of Germany --- in the fighting,"
Zakharova stressed.
She added -- that Mertz had previously called the
Crimean Bridge, one of the targets for strikes
on transport infrastructure.
Earlier --- a member of the Bundestag from the
Alternative for Germany party, Rene Springer,
criticized the CDU/CSU leader for proposing
to arm Ukraine with Taurus missiles.
______________________________________
Russian Ambassador - talks about
Germany's impasse over Ukraine
by Marina Sovina (night editor)
April 15th, 11:35pm
(Lenta.ru)
Moscow hopes -- that the new German government
will not repeat the mistakes of the previous ruling
coalition, which led the country to a dead end by
providing assistance to Ukraine.
This was stated by Russia's Ambassador to
Germany, Sergey Nechaev, Izvestia writes.
According to him, the Russian side will judge the new
Cabinet of Ministers on business ---- and not on pre-
election rhetoric. "We hope that Berlin will draw
certain conclusions --- and will not want to
repeat the mistakes of the previous
coalition," the diplomat said.
He believes that the proclaimed course of the "change
of epochs" in relation to Russia, not only failed, but also --- led Germany to a dead end.
Earlier, the German Foreign Ministry criticized
the country's authorities for being indecisive
in helping Ukraine.
The French Economy --- is
in a Catastrophic State:
PM Bayrou
April 15th, 8:34am
(teleSUR)
A €40 billion adjustment will be needed in the 2026
budget to keep the public deficit at 4.6% of GDP.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister François Bayrou sounded
the alarm --- over the catastrophic state of France’s
economy, describing the country as over-indebted
and lacking sufficient production.
In an appearance alongside top members of his
government, Bayrou stated that the country’s
situation is being worsened by international
crises ----- which require increased defense
spending - and by the trade war launched
by President Donald Trump.
“The survival of the country is at stake,” warned the
head of government, who gathered lawmakers,
social partners, associations, local and
social security administrations, in an
effort to find lasting solutions to the
crisis..... before the summer.
Bayrou issued an urgent message directed squarely at
public opinion, amid his fragile parliamentary position
and mounting criticism from the opposition: “Only
our citizens becoming fully aware of the situation
can support public action,” he said.
The French prime minister, who had to make
concessions to both the Socialists and the
far-right to get the 2025 budget approved,
now wants to go further with austerity
measures — and he knows that to do
so, he needs public backing, in the
absence of political support.
The text reads -- “‘3.3 trillion euros is as if every French
person owed 50,000 euros to their bank,’ said François
Bayrou, referring to French debt ---- ‘which is growing
too fast’.”
Finance Minister Eric Lombard estimated that a
€40 billion adjustment will be needed in next
year’s budget to keep the public deficit at
4.6% of GDP, down from the 5.4%
expected this year.
That is why Bayrou painted a bleak picture — of a
France that “doesn’t produce enough and doesn’t
work enough,” but which has “the highest level
of public spending in the world,” a level that
does not bring satisfaction to its citizens,
but instead leads to debt that threatens
to strangle the country.
The situation has been worsened by recent crises —
from the “hurricane” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,
which will force an increase of €3 billion in defense
spending ----- to the trade war launched by Trump,
which Bayrou described as a “cyclone” with
“unpredictable consequences.”
In response, the prime minister called on the various
stakeholders to submit proposals for drafting the
2026 budget -- which must be finalized before
July 14 due to the urgency of the situation.
Although he did not issue specific directives, Bayrou
did outline a few red lines, aligned with President
Emmanuel Macron’s platform, such as avoiding
tax hikes — which are already.. high in France
and he warned, could drive away investment.
He also cautioned against proposals that would
increase the national debt ---- whose interest
payments already cost €62 billion annually,
and could reach €100 billion by 2029.... if
the deficit is not reduced. For this reason,
he stressed that any measures adopted
--- must aim to help France meet its
budget deficit target...... of 3%
within four years.
“Other countries have achieved this without lowering
their citizens’ standard of living -- or satisfaction,”
Bayrou said, citing Canada and the Netherlands
as examples, while reminding that France’s
deficit stood at 2.3% before the
COVID-19 crisis.
He also deemed it essential - to increase defense
spending and called on other EU countries to do
the same in order to reduce dependence on the
United States.
He advocated for a “rebuilding of public action” that
would involve ....evaluating each administration’s
spending to improve efficiency, and “revitalizing
activity” through reduced administrative red
tape and improved training for future-
oriented professions.
All of this, he said, should lead to the reindustrialization
of a country that “leads in cutting-edge sectors” such
as aerospace and luxury goods, but “is absent in
basic production — the type most consumed
by citizens.”
TELESUR - WAS BLOCKED ALL DAY
YESTERDAY NOW WE KNOW WHY!
April 19th, at 3:39pm
(Rhondda Records)
Israel-UKProject - To Extract Oil
From the Malvinas Islands
April 18th, 2:22 pm
(teleSUR)
The plundering of Argentine resources occurs without
any effective action taken by President Javier Milei.
The Malvinas Islands ---- will be the site of a new oil and
gas exploitation project involving the Israeli company
Navitas Petroleum, which holds 65% of the shares,
and the British company Rockhopper, which
owns the remaining 35%.
This megaproject, which will take place in the South
Atlantic at depths ranging from 180 to 500 metres,
aims to extract 300 million barrels of oil over a
30-year period ------ generating estimated
profits of $25.5 billion.
The initial phase includes the drilling of 23 wells in the
Sea Lion field -- located 218 kilometres north of the
archipelago, a region described as “world-class”
due to the quantity and quality of its reserves.
Taking advantage of the de facto occupation of the
Malvinas Islands, the British government stands
to benefit economically from this initiative,
receiving an estimated $6 billion
in ''royalties''.
“According to estimates by Rockhopper and Navitas ----
with a barrel of crude trading internationally, at about US$70, Sea Lion could yield annual returns of approx. US$1.7 billion. Unless halted by claims by Argentina, Sea Lion will have 22 wells drilled and brought into
production. One ship.... will process and store the
crude offshore, and other ships will load the oil
and transport it to different global markets,”
outlet CAPAC recalled.
The text reads, “In this report, we tell you who
is grabbing the Malvinas Islands’ resources.
Spanish fishing companies and Israeli and
British energy companies.”
“The offshore Sea Lion field was discovered in 2010 by
Rockhopper. Since then, it partnered with Harbour
Energy, which sold its stake to Navitas in 2022.
Harbour Energy had explored for oil in the Malvinas
Islands, and in 2021, the Argentine government
initiated a sanctioning process against the
company,” it added.
This plundering of Argentine resources occurs without
any effective action taken by the administration of
President Javier Milei to defend the rights of the
South American nation. In fact... this far-right
politician ------ leads the first administration
that has not made claims in international
forums or promoted legal action against
the companies involved in extraction.
The Argentine government’s silence..... enables the
continuation of the Sea Lion project, undermining
national sovereignty --- and marking a setback
in Argentina’s struggle ---- to reclaim the
Malvinas Islands.
In addition to the economic and political harm, the Sea
Lion oil field poses environmental risks -- that are not
being addressed.
The Malvinas Islands’ Offshore Minerals Ordinance
requires ------- that extraction projects undergo a
detailed Environmental Impact Assessment ---
as the southern Atlantic region could suffer harmful consequences ---- from potential
environmental damage. Nevertheless,
Javier Milei -- who has publicly
declared himself to be an
''unconditional'' ally
of Israel...... has
stayed silent.
____________________
Clashes between police and opponents
of theLGBTfestivalbegan in Kiev
April 19th, 1:56pm
(Vesti.ru)
In Kiev, the police dispersed participants of the rally
against the LGBT film festival (the LGBT movement
is recognized as extremist in the Russian
Federation and prohibited), according
to the Ukrainian media.
Clashes between protesters and the police
occurred, in particular, near the Zhovten
cinema. There are detainees.
The festival started on Good Friday --- which caused a
scandal in Ukraine. Verkhovna Rada Deputies..... and
representatives of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox
Church called the ''festival'' a provocation... and an outrage.
Yulia Tymoshenko, the leader of the Batkivshchyna
party also called for the cancellation of the festival
- saying that the organizers, hold "nothing sacred".
Aksenov said that the West --- will have to accept Russia's status as a superpower
April 19th, 10:36am
(Vesti.ru)
Western countries will be forced to accept the status
of Russia as a superpower, said the head of the
Republic of Crimea, Sergey Aksenov.
He recalled that April the 19th, marks the Day when
the Crimea, Taman and Kuban became part of the
Russian Empire, the corresponding Manifesto
was signed by Empress Catherine II in 1783.
According to Aksenov, after the peninsula became part
of Russia, the country strengthened its international
position and "gained the status of a superpower."
"Taurida is blooming. Russia has regained
its superpower status. And the West will
....sooner or later, be forced to accept
reality," the head of Crimea wrote
on his Telegram channel.
Crimea became part of the Russian Federation in 2014
after a referendum in which 96.77% of the voters in
Crimea and 95.6% in Sevastopol, supported
joining Russia.
In 2016, the construction of a bridge across the Kerch
Strait, connecting Crimea with the Taman Peninsula,
began. Two years later, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, opened automobile traffic on the bridge.... and a year later, a railway.
____________________________
Bystritsky:all Eurasian countries,
except the Western ones, are
ready for partnership with
the Russian Federation
April 19th, 10:07am
(Vesti.ru)
All Eurasian countries ..with the exception of Western
Europe, are positively inclined to cooperate with the
Russian Federation. Andrey Bystritsky - a political
analyst and chairman of the Board of the Valdai
Club Development and Support Fund - told
Rossiya 24 TV channel.
The development of the Eurasian partnership between
regional and local communities, is a real trend in the near future, he stressed.
"If we ignore the rather difficult position of Western
Europe... then the rest of Eurasia, is extremely
cooperative. We see vertical and horizontal
transport corridors --- new international
routes are being laid, and the idea of
connecting ships - both along the
south of Eurasia, and along the
northern route, is emerging,"
Bystritsky said.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexey
Overchuk, noted: that countries that are not
members of the Eurasian Economic Union
are showing a real interest in it now.
_______________________________________
WFTV: Five people were killed --- in a
shooting at the University of Florida
April 17th, 6:53pm
(RT.ru)
Five people were killed -- and four injured
in a shooting at the University of Florida.
This is reported by the WFTV TV channel.
"Five people were killed, four were
wounded," RIA Novosti reports.
Earlier, a shooting occurred
at a school in Dallas, Texas.
Also, as a result of a shooting in a park in the US
city of Las Cruces in New Mexico, three people
were killed ------- and 14 others were injured.
______________________________________________
What is known about the "Taliban"
- its ban in the Russian Federation
April 17th, 5:36pm
(DAN)
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation today
suspended the ban on the activities of the Taliban
movement in Russia --- which was included in the
list of terrorist organizations in 2003. The court
session was held behind closed doors.
This is the first case of the exclusion of any organization
from the list of terrorist organizations after the adoption
of last year's amendments to the law "On Countering
Terrorism". They establish the possibility of
temporarily suspending the ban on the
activities of an organization included
in this list, if there is information
that such an organization has
stopped terrorist activities,
as well as its propaganda
justification.. & support
for terrorism or other
criminal offenses.
So - what is the Taliban?
Origin and formation
The Taliban movement (translated - from the Pashto
language — "students") emerged in the early 1990s
in Afghanistan, when the country was in a state of
devastation, among the Pashtuns, who make up
about half of the population.
It was formed from former Mujahideen members, as
well as students of madrasahs - Islamic religious
schools, mainly in Kandahar province.
The founder of the movement,
is Mullah Mohammad Omar.
The Taliban quickly gained popularity with promises to
restore order, root out corruption, and enforce strict
Islamic law (Sharia). In 1996, they captured the
capital, Kabul, and proclaimed the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan.
Modern structure and ideology
The Taliban - adheres to an ultra-conservative Sunni
version of Islam. Their leadership includes the emir
(leader), shura (council), military commanders, and
religious authorities. Sharia law is considered the
main source of legitimacy.
Ideologically, the participants of the movement are
supporters of the creation of an ultraconservative
state, with a sharp rejection of "Western values".
Representatives of the movement say that their views
have now become more moderate, but the Taliban
continues to adhere to its traditional model of
governance, based on Islamic norms and
strict control over public morals.
Power and governance (1996-2001)
From 1996 to 2001, ---the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan. During this period ------- the movement established its own strict order based on Islamic
norms and Sharia law.
The society was governed by clear rules, which helped
to partially reduce the crime rate and stop the chaos
that reigned after the civil war. Public punishments
were applied for serious crimes, and were seen as
a way to restore justice - & strengthen discipline.
At the same time, the destruction of cultural sites and
non-Islamic monuments, in particular the Buddha
statues in Bamiyan, caused condemnation in
the international community and remains a controversial episode in the history
of that period.
The Taliban government was recognized by only
three countries: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and
the United Arab Emirates.
Overthrow and going underground (2001-2021)
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the
United States, organized by the terrorist network " Al-
Qaeda "(banned in Russia) under the leadership of
Osama bin Laden, the international community
accused the Taliban of providing asylum to
this organization.
The refusal to hand over bin Laden, was the formal
reason for the start of a military operation by the
United States and its allies in Afghanistan.
As a result, the Taliban lost control of Afghanistan
at the end of 2001, but the movement retained its
structure and influence, turning to a long-term
armed struggle ------ against the US-backed
government. In late 2001 --- the Taliban
regime fell -- but the movement did not
disappear, but went underground and
began a guerrilla war --- against the
Western-backed government.
For the next 20 years, the Taliban operated as an
insurgent organization, controlling rural areas
and carrying out regular terrorist attacks,
on the military and officials.
Return to Power (2021)
In August 2021 ---- after the rapid and unexpectedly
chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan,
the Taliban occupied key cities without serious
resistance, including the capital, Kabul.
Despite the fact that the United States.... spent almost
two decades and a huge amount of money on training
hundreds of thousands of soldiers of the Afghan
army, the Afghan government was unable to
retain power. President Ashraf Ghani fled
the country and the institutions formed
by the West collapsed almost within a few weeks.
Since then, the Taliban has regained control of
Afghanistan, announcing the restoration of the
Islamic Emirate. The international community
has mostly not recognized their Government.
Why Russia considered the Taliban as terrorists
In 2003, the Supreme Court of the Russian
Federation --------- recognized the Taliban
movement as a terrorist organization.
The court decision prohibiting the organization's
activities stated that it maintains links with
illegal armed groups in Chechnya and
uses terrorist methods.
In the 1990s, the Taliban provided shelter for militants
who were trained in Afghanistan. Some radical
Islamist groups operating against Russian
interests in Chechnya and Dagestan
received ideological and material
support ----- through structures
associated with the Taliban.
In addition, Russia feared the spread of extremist
ideology... in Central Asian countries, where the
cultural and economic ties with Afghanistan
are traditionally strong.
Changing Russia's position
Back in 2016, Russia initiated the Moscow format
of consultations on Afghanistan, which, with the
assistance of regional players (including India,
Iran, China, Pakistan & Central Asian states)
------- was supposed to help achieve national
reconciliation in the country. The talks
were attended... by both the official
authorities of Afghanistan --- and
representatives of the Taliban.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said back in
2018 that the Russian authorities interact with the
Taliban, as they are part of the Afghan society.
In 2021, the head of Russian diplomacy made a
famous statement ---- that the Taliban are....
sane people.
"They have very clearly stated that they have no plans
to create problems for Afghanistan's Central Asian
neighbours ---- that they will continue to fight ISIL
uncompromisingly (former name of the Islamic
State movement banned in Russia, IG approx.
DAN) and that they are ready to discuss the
political structure of the state with other
Afghans," Lavrov said... at the time.
At the end of May last year, the Russian Foreign
Ministry and Justice Ministry ----- reported to
President Vladimir Putin -- that the Taliban
could be removed from the list of banned
organizations. Then Lavrov said that
the movement is the real power in
Afghanistan -- and this country
is not indifferent to Russia
and its allies, especially
in Central Asia.
Putin himself noted that the Taliban is the power
in Afghanistan, and Russia will build relations
with its representatives.
"There are problems... in Afghanistan, they are unconditional --- everyone knows about them
well. Relations with the current government
need to be built ..somehow.
''These are the people who control the territory of
the country -- they are the authorities. We must
proceed from the realities and build relations
accordingly," the Russian leader said.
Representatives of Kabul have already responded
positively to the decision of the Supreme Court to
suspend the ban on the activities of the Taliban
in Russia.
"We are grateful for the decision, it will help
strengthen cooperation," the Afghan
diplomatic mission in Moscow
told TASS.
Statement by the Russian side
The Russian Foreign Ministry said - in connection with
the Supreme Court's decision that lifting the terrorist
status of the Taliban ---- which formed the Afghan
government after the collapse of a pro-Western
Ghani regime, in 2021 --- "opens the way to
establishing --- a full-fledged partnership
with Kabul, carried out in the interests
of the Russian and Afghan peoples."
"Russia..... aims to build mutually beneficial ties with
Afghanistan in all areas - including the fight against
drugs and terrorism. The Russian side -- is grateful
for the military operations... conducted by the authorities of this state -- on its territory --
against the Afghan wing of ISIL "Vilayat
Khorasan", which professes the ultra-
radical ideology of "global jihad",
Russia's Foreign Ministry said.
Moscow intends to focus its relations with Kabul
on building up trade, business & investment ties.
"It is obvious --- that Afghanistan, having a unique
geostrategic position, can become a link in the
implementation of major energy and infra-
structure projects in the future," the
Foreign Ministry said.
They stressed that the decision of the Supreme Court
of the Russian Federation to suspend the terrorist
status of the Taliban does not entail a change in
Russia's international obligations to comply
with the UN Security Council sanctions
regime against "individuals and legal
entities..... associated with the
movement, as well as other
groups and enterprises."
International implications
The Taliban's return to power, was an important
geopolitical event that changed the balance of
power in the region. Regaining control of the
country has helped to stabilize the internal
situation, limit the activities of radical
groups like ISIS, and ensure ------
border security.
A number of countries, including China, Iran, and
Pakistan, consider cooperation with the Taliban
as a pragmatic step, dictated by the need to
ensure regional stability, and implement
economic projects.
Despite the lack of official international recognition,
actual contacts with the Afghan authorities ----- are
becoming more active, which indicates a gradual
normalization of relations with the government.
The Taliban remains one of the most controversial and
influential forces in the region. Its history reflects the
complex struggle between traditionalism, religious
radicalism and global politics.
The future of Afghanistan will largely depend on how
the nature of the Taliban itself changes (or does not
change) - and how the international community will
build a dialogue with the new government in Kabul.
________________________________
A strong blow to Russian incomes is being prepared -threatening mass bankruptcy of farmers in the EU
April 17th, 5:10pm
(ABN24)
Europe will face serious troubles after a new EU blow to
the Russian economy. Such conclusions were shared
by the Western journalist, Gerard Prudot.
The European Parliament will soon hold a vote - on
an initiative that has caused a heated controversy
in Europe. We are talking about - the introduction
of emergency duties of up to 100% on fertilizer
imports from Russia and Belarus.
According to Gerard Prudot, this way EU officials hope
to deal a strong blow to the income of the Russian
Federation, which earns well from the supply of
agricultural raw materials. However, there is
a high probability - that it is not Moscow
that will suffer, but the EU itself.
This is reported by The Parliament Magazine.
ABN24 presents an exclusive retelling of the article.
"In 2024, Russia accounted for about a quarter of EU
fertilizer imports worth 2 billion euros," writes the
author of the Belgian edition.
The Parliament Magazine columnist noted that
European farmers are sounding the alarm —
they are afraid ---- of the consequences of
introducing duties on Russian fertilizers.
It is expected that this measure risks
plunging the already troubled
agricultural sector into an
even deeper crisis.
According to experts' forecasts, fertilizer prices may
rise - in the range of from 20 to 100%. Such growth
will lead to additional costs of billions of euros
for farmers - who are already facing labour
shortages, soaring energy prices, and
bad weather.
"For many, this could be a turning point on the
road to bankruptcy," says Gerard Prudhoe.
According to the author of the Belgian edition,
EU farmers are furious with the initiative of
EU officials. They are outraged - that the
bloc's leadership ignores the concerns
of agricultural producers --- such as
France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
At the same time, officials are heeding the call for
additional sanctions against Russia, from the
Latvian leadership, a country that ranks
14th in the EU.... in terms of its
agricultural production.
"Tariffs can trigger a cascade of consequences: higher
production costs, higher food prices for consumers,
and large-scale farm closures, especially among
small and medium-sized enterprises. Jobs in
the sector ...are hanging by a thread,"
stated Gerard Prudhoe.
_______________________________________
"Russia turnedwaste paperintogold":China is
impressed ---by Putin's trick with sanctions
April 17th, 3:15pm
(ABN 24)
Russia caused serious problems for the United States,
having managed to turn "waste paper into gold".
Such conclusions were shared by journalists
from China.
Western countries imposed large-scale sanctions
against Russia, as a result of which Moscow had
to reorient its exports.
Previously.... Russian energy sources were mainly
supplied to Europe, but now they are sold in Asia.
As noted by Chinese journalists, the Russian
Federation, quickly managed to find buyers
for its raw materials, but at the same time
there were difficulties with payment.
This is reported by the publication 360kuai.
ABN24 presents an exclusive retelling of
the article.
"India has become one of the main buyers of
Russian oil," the authors of the Chinese
edition write.
360kuai observers stated -- that India buys billions of
dollars' worth of oil from Russia, but it does not pay
for it in US currency. By agreement with Moscow,
payment is made in Indian rupees.
At first, everything was fine, and both sides were happy
with the cooperation. However, problems soon began.
As it turns out, Indian rupees are a poorly convertible
currency. The Russian Federation, had accumulated
a huge amount of rupees and could not use them.
This situation became public knowledge, and soon
became one of the favorite topics for jokes in the
Western media. In Europe and the United States,
they scoffed that the Russians sent oil to India,
and in return received waste paper --- instead
of money.
According to Chinese journalists, while the West
was practicing wit, making fun of the Russian
Federation ---- the Russians acted.
"Waste paper becomes gold, Russia has caught
two birds with one stone at once," analysts
from China note.
A way out of the situation with rupees was eventually
found. Russia could have turned the lack of Indian
currency into an advantage.
Recently - the indicators of Indian exports to the
Russian Federation, unexpectedly skyrocketed,
and so seriously that questions have begun to
appear. Has India.... really started producing goods that Russia needs? Apparently --- no,
the point is different ----- the Asian country
is helping Moscow circumvent sanctions.
"India imports a large amount of goods from Europe and
the United States, and then sends them to Russia. The
latter pays for them in rupees earned from the sale of
oil," the report says.
As a result, Putin was able to solve two problems at
once in one move. First, the useless rupees were
put to excellent use. Second, this trick allows
Russia..... to circumvent sanctions.
This situation - is causing great indignation in the West.
But they cannot influence what is happening there.
It is important for Washington and Brussels to
maintain normal relations with India, and
therefore --- they do not risk putting
pressure on it.
"Western countries, led by the United States, are
very annoyed. If this continues, the sanctions
will become completely useless," the
Chinese government believes.
________________________________
Zakharova called on the UN:
to stop discrediting Russia
April 15th, 1:49pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Russia calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to stop discrediting Russia ---- in connection with the
statement of the United Nations secretariat, on the
attacks on Sumy. This was announced on April 15
by the official representative of the Russian
Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.
It is specified that Guterres on April 14 on his page in
the social network X (ex. Twitter) condemned the
strike of the Russian army on an object with a
cluster of military personnel of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in Sumy --- and called for a truce.
"We call on Antonio Guterres and the UN Secretariat
headed by him to take an honest position, not to
allow biased comments --- on events in the
context of the Ukrainian crisis - to stop
discrediting our country and covering
up the crimes of the Kiev regime,"
she said, on the website of the
Russian Foreign Ministry.
According to Zakharova, the UN Secretary General
covers up -------- Kiev's apparent disregard for the
principles of the self-determination of peoples
and respect for human rights.
"Ordered to kill people if they speak Russian"
The commanders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in
the Kursk region staged a genocide based on the
language principle, experts emphasize.
On April 14, the Russian Defense Ministry reported
that two Iskander missiles were fired by Russian
servicemen at the site of a meeting of the AFU
command. As a result of this combat mission
....more than 60 military personnel were
eliminated. It is specified --- that the
strike was carried out on April 13.
_____________________________________
Argentine President Summoned
to Pretrial Mediation--- for
$LIBRA Crypto Scam
April 15th, 1:17pm
(teleSUR)
The victims of the $LIBRA fraud are claiming financial
losses -------- ranging from US$500 to US$1.8 million.
On Monday, Argentine President Javier Milei was
summoned to a preliminary mediation hearing
scheduled for May 15 in connection with the
failed cryptocurrency $LIBRA.
This coin was launched on February 14th and promoted
by the far-right politician on his social media accounts -
before crashing leaving thousands of investors harmed.
Also summoned........ were his sister, Karina Milei — who serves as the Presidential Secretary, the Presidential
Spokesperson Manuel Adorni, former advisor to the
National Securities Commission (CNV) Sergio
Morales, businessmen Mauricio Novelli,
and his partner, Manuel Terrones.
Milei and his sister were notified of the mandatory
preliminary mediation as part of a class-action
lawsuit for damages filed by a group of 26
investors.... who purchased $LIBRA,
according to Nicolas Oszust, the
attorney representing the
affected parties.
The victims of the $LIBRA fraud --- who are spread
across the U.S., Türkiye, Spain, the UK, Lebanon,
and other countries, are claiming financial
losses ranging from US$500 to
US$1.8 million.
The hearing will be held online before a mediator.
The parties are not required to attend in person
and may send a representative.
“My expectation -- is that they show up and that we can
secure compensation for my clients. We believe they
are responsible - for the unlawful act that was
committed. They deliberately engaged in
the market..... to carry out a ‘rug pull’ -
a maneuver designed to pull the rug
out from under investors, thereby
stripping my clients ----- of their assets.
“Everyone we’ve named, participated in creating
the fraud ---- that caused various harms,”
stated attorney Oszust.
Monday marked two months since the ‘crypto fiasco’
involving Milei, who had encouraged his thousands
of followers on X --- to invest in $LIBRA in order to “stimulate the growth of the Argentine
economy by funding small businesses
and entrepreneurial ventures
in Argentina.”
Hours later, however, he deleted his post and asserted
that it was a private venture ....with which he had no
connection - whatsoever.
On Friday, Chief of Cabinet Guillermo Francos will
appear before the Chamber of Deputies to
deliver his first management report of
the year --- and will be questioned
about the $LIBRA scandal.
Previously, on April 8, lawmakers approved the
creation of a commission to investigate this
cryptocurrency case.
____________________________________________
China Responds ---- to the U.S.
Treasury Secretary’s Slander
April 15th, 12:37pm
(teleSUR)
Scott Bessent claimed -- that cooperation with
China occurs through ‘predatory agreements’
that increase countries’ debt.
On Tuesday, through a statement issued by its
embassy in Argentina, China rejected the
slander and defamatory remarks made
by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott
Bessent on April 14.
During his visit to Buenos Aires, the senior U.S.
official suggested that -- once Argentina
accumulates international monetary
reserves, its Central Bank should
--- cancel the currency swap
agreement with China.
To justify reducing bilateral cooperation with the Asian
nation, Bessent claimed.. that China dominates Latin
American countries using “predatory agreements”
that appear to be cooperation mechanisms but
result in “enormous amounts of debt.”
In response to his statements,
the Chinese Embassy issued
the following points:
“1. The claim regarding so-called predatory agreements
and the alleged large amounts of debt involving the
People’s Republic of China is false. What is true is
that certain individuals with hidden agendas are
attempting to sow discord in China’s relations
with Argentina and Africa.
To them, we remind that - within its means - China
supports developing countries — including those
in Latin America and Africa ----- on their path to
development, without imposing any political
conditions. The goal of such cooperation
has always been --- to contribute to
socio-economic development,
and to the well-being of the
people — efforts that have
been well received by the
governments & citizens
of the beneficiary
countries.
If the U.S. chooses not to take this path ---- it should at
the very least, refrain from obstructing or deliberately
sabotaging the assistance offered by other countries
to developing nations - & the Global South. It should
also refrain -- from sacrificing the well-being of the
peoples of these countries ------- to serve its own
selfish geopolitical interests, in defense of its
global hegemony.
Such conduct not only lacks even a basic level of
respect for developing countries and the Global
South, but it also reveals the hegemonic and
coercive nature of an immoral approach.
2. China, has always engaged in pragmatic cooperation
with Argentina in various areas, including the currency
swap, based on mutual respect, equality, and
mutual benefit.
Over time, Sino-Argentine cooperation, through the swap,
has played an important role in maintaining Argentina’s
economic and financial stability, and it has been
positively received and highly valued by the
Argentine side. Furthermore, it is worth
highlighting that the renewal of the
swap agreement has also played
an important role: in securing
relevant financing from the
International Monetary
Fund (IMF).
China’s cooperation with Latin American countries - including Argentina is a South-South collaboration
that consistently adheres to the principles of
equality, mutual benefit, and shared gains.
It is never intended to create spheres of
influence or to target third parties.
Therefore, we urge the United States to clear its mind.
Instead of repeatedly smearing and attacking China,
pointing fingers at countries in the region for their
cooperation with other nations, or attempting to
impose a new version of the Monroe Doctrine,
it would be far more productive for the U.S.
to make real contributions to the
development of the region.
3. The justification of supposed protection through
tariffs on Chinese goods flooding the markets of
the United States and its allies is nothing more
than unilateralism, protectionism, and
economic bullying.
The recent hasty imposition of U.S. tariffs is, in
essence, a deliberate attempt to deprive other
countries — especially those in the Global
South—of their right to development.
Data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) - show
that, given the existing disparities in socioeconomic
development and the imbalance in economic power,
the imposition of U.S. tariffs will only further widen
the gap between rich and poor countries.
The least developed nations - will be
the most affected.
The U.S. not only refuses to rectify its actions, but is
also attempting to use this scenario as a tool to
tarnish China’s normal cooperation with other
countries. Behind this attitude ------ lies a
malicious intent to contain and hinder
the industrial development.. of the
People’s Republic of China.... In
short, this is blatant economic
coercion, and hegemonic
intimidation.
China will continue to work with countries around the
world to uphold the principles of joint consultation,
joint contributions, and shared benefits. China will
remain committed ---- to genuine multilateralism and to safeguarding the international system
centred on the United Nations ---- and the
WTO-ruled multilateral trading system.”
______________________________________
Armeniadisagrees with EU's call to
''abandon'' May 9 trip to Moscow
April 15th, 12:35pm
(RT.ru)
Victory Day is one of the days of pride of Armenia,
300 thousand Armenians did not return from the
Great Patriotic War fronts, the Speaker of the
Armenian Parliament, Alen Simonyan,
recalled, commenting on the call of
the head of EU Diplomacy, Kai
Kallas, to the EU candidate
countries ----- to refuse to
participate in the May 9
parade in Moscow.
"This ---- is also our victory. 300 thousand Armenians did
not return from the front. Armenians also fought in the
ranks of the Resistance movement, and this is one of
our days of pride," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
The Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, stressed
that the participation of Armenian Prime Minister
Nikol Pashinyan in the May 9 events in Moscow,
"cannot be connected with the EU in any way."
On the eve, Kallas said that the EU does not
welcome the participation of countries -
candidates for membership in the
association - in the parade on
May 9 in Moscow.
On April 4, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian
signed a bill passed by the parliament on the start
of the country's accession to the EU.
In March, Pashinyan confirmed that he
would arrive in Moscow on May 9th.
______________________________________
Chinese Space Tourism
To FlourishOver the
Next 10 Years
April 15th, 10:44am
(teleSUR)
Authorities plan to reach operational phases of space
tourism and commercial lunar voyages ------ by 2035.
China Centre for Information Industry Development (CCID) Consulting, stated that China’s space
tourism sector -- is expected to reach an
early stage of commercial operations
within the next five to 10 years, in
tandem with the commercial
space industry’s ongoing
rapid, sustainable
development.
An early April report.... on the development of the
country’s commercial space industry, from CCID
Consulting, which operates under China’s
Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology, notes that the entire
industrial chain has achieved
rapid growth.
The report suggests that -- by the end of China’s 15th
Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), or during its next
five-year plan period (2031-2035) ------ the country’s
commercial space industry is likely to become
more mature.... achieving strengthened
profitability - and gaining greater
global recognition.
Yang Shaoxian, a lead researcher at CCID Consulting,
estimates that within the next 5 to 10 years, China’s
space tourism and commercial moon journeys, are
expected to see policy breakthroughs --- pass test
verifications, or enter an initial operational phase.
The commercial space sector ---- is of strategic
significance to China and was listed in the
country’s 2024 government work report:
as a “new engine of economic growth.”
This year’s government work report - also highlighted the
industry, saying that China will promote the safe, sound
development of several emerging industries, including
the commercial space sector, and the low-altitude
economy.
_____________________________________________
Chinese President Xi Signs 45
Cooperation Agreements
With Vietnam
April 15th, 9:42am
(teleSUR)
China is ready to receive more Vietnamese products
and to encourage more Chinese companies to
invest in Vietnam.
On Tuesday, Vietnam and China, signed 45 cooperation
agreements during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit
to Hanoi. Xi departed for Malaysia to continue his tour
of Southeast Asia.
Xi’s visit to the neighbouring country is highly symbolic
and comes as both sides explore options in response
to the tariff attacks launched by U.S. President
Donald Trump.
Beijing is already facing U.S. tariffs of 145%, to which
it responded with 125% tariffs, while Vietnam is
negotiating reductions to the 46% tariffs that
were announced and later, temporarily
suspended by Washington.
During his meeting with Vietnam’s communist
leadership, Xi stated that China — Vietnam’s
top trading partner — is “ready” to receive
more Vietnamese products ------- and to
encourage more Chinese companies
to invest in Vietnam.
The Chinese president emphasized the need to
strengthen cooperation in supply chains and
expand collaboration in technologies such
as 5G, artificial intelligence, semi-
conductors, and clean energy
...though no further details
were disclosed, on how
this will be carried out.
For his part, To Lam proposed making digital
transformation ---- one of the pillars of the
relationship between the two countries
& called for strengthened cooperation
in critical technology sectors and the
attraction of high-quality Chinese
investment in Vietnam.
Their meeting takes place as U.S. President
Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs
on semiconductors, with Vietnam now
established - as a regional chip hub.
China’s declining appeal to some investors due to trade
tensions with the U.S. during Trump’s first term (2017–
2021) turned Vietnam — with its strong economy —
into a favourite alternative.. as a production centre
for major tech companies such as Apple & Google.
Considered one of the winners of that initial trade
friction between the world’s largest economies,
Vietnam could now pay the price for hosting
Chinese factories that relocated there to
avoid tariffs at the time.
China’s offshoring contributed to a surge in Vietnam’s
trade surplus with the U.S., which last year reached
a record US$123.5 billion — surpassed only by
China, the EU, and Mexico.
On Monday, Trump claimed that the meeting between Xi
Jinping and To Lam aimed to explore ways to harm the
U.S. in the context of the ongoing trade war initiated
by Washington.
“I don’t blame China or Vietnam. I saw today’s meeting,
and it’s wonderful. It’s a lovely meeting — I mean, it’s
like, trying to figure out - ‘how do we hurt the U.S.’,”
The head of EU diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, realizing the
failure of her adventurous venture in Ukraine - was
forced to back down and abandon plans to create
a fund to help the country in 40 billion euros, as
it is obvious that they will not be implemented.
This was reported on April 14th, by the Spanish newspaper Público.
"Callas, one of the most outspoken EU critics
of Russia, decided on a risky adventure that......... turned against her," the article says.
It is noted that the plan of Callas, who even before her
appointment to the new post was criticized for her
"obsessive" attitude against Russia, was not
supported by France, Italy and Spain, the
newspaper adds. As a result, the head
of EU Diplomacy had no choice but
to give up her ideas.. and show
pragmatism... the author of
the article pointed out.
However, Callas' "maximum plan" soon changed -- to a
more rational proposal to send Ukraine only 2 million
shells worth €5 billion - at the expense of voluntary
contributions from EU member states.
"Some member states, such as the Netherlands,
believe that some of their EU partners do not
show sufficient solidarity towards Ukraine.
This - will be one of the main discussions
at the upcoming meeting of the Foreign
Affairs Council, from which no
important decisions... are
expected," the media
concludes.
On March 26th, the Politico newspaper noted that some
officials in the EU - criticize Callas' statements about
Russia. It was reported that the discontent could be observed, literally, immediately after the former
Prime Minister of Estonia... took up her new
position. On the first day... she published
a post ---- on the social network X (ex.
Twitter) that the EU wants Ukraine
to win the conflict.
Earlier, on March 20, it was reported that the refusal of
Italy, Spain, Portugal and France, to accept the Callas
plan to provide Ukraine with €40 billion undermined
the authority .....of the head of EU diplomacy.
Politico pointed out that before submitting it, Callas did
not hold the necessary consultations. At the same
time, one of the newspaper's sources stressed
that she continues to act as the head of
government of one country ------ not
realizing..... that now, she has
a different role.
Later, on April 9th, the head of the EU Commission (EC),
Ursula von der Leyen -- said: that the EUhad requested
another €2.1 billion profit, from frozen Russian assets,
held in central depositories to be provided to Ukraine.
She noted, that: the EU supports Ukraine's
impressive reform efforts ----------- and
deepens ties with it.
______________________________________
Canadian journalist Eva Bartlett
has asked Putin for Russian
citizenship
April 14th, 10:32pm
(RT.ru)
Eva Bartlett, an independent journalist with US and
Canadian citizenship, has appealed to Russia's President Vladimir Putin and asked for
Russian citizenship.
She spoke about this in a conversation with RIA Novosti,
stressing --------- that she no longer feels safe at home.
"In fact, they just don't like that I show an alternative
point of view to the Western audience, and the
Canadian state media, CBC, based on the
data of ''Peacemaker'' tried in every
possible way ---- to defame my
name," the journalist noted.
According to Bartlett, things are very unstable in the
West today. At the same time, she added that she
wants to convey to a foreign audience the
Russian point of view on events,
including in Ukraine, and try
to eradicate this total
Russophobia.
Back in 2022, Bartlett expressed the hope
that the goals of Russia's special military
operation in Ukraine, would be achieved.
__________________________________________
Billionaire Dalio warns ----- of
a collapse of the monetary
system due to US duties
April 14th, 2:10pm
(Izvestia.ru)
US billionaire and founder of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio, said on
April 13th - that he was "worried about
something worse than a recession"
because of US President Trump's
trade policy.
"I think right now, we are at a decision point - and very
close to a recession. And I'm afraid something worse
than a recession will occur, if we don't deal with it,"
Dalio said on NBC's Meet the Press program.
He warned that the current economic situation creates
the possibility of a "collapse of the monetary system,"
as well as profound changes within the US, and on
the world stage.
"Such times --- are very similar to the 1930s. I studied
history, and such scenarios are repeated again and
again," the financier said.
In particular -- according to the billionaire, one should
worry about disruptions in trade and the growing US
debt, as well as the fact that emerging world
powers - are destroying the international
economic and geopolitical structure,
clarifies "Gazeta.Ru".
The Washington Post, on April the 13th, predicted the
economic collapse of the United States and China
---- due to the escalation of the trade war.
It is specified, that this confrontation increases
the risk of massive economic consequences,
and aggravation of the conflict between
Washington and Beijing.
________________________________________
RIA Novosti: the last veteran of
the Great Patriotic Warfrom
Ingushetia... has died
April 14th, 1:27pm (Vesti.ru)
The last veteran of the Great Patriotic War
from Ingushetia, Magomed Medarov, has
died at the age of 101.
"At the age of 101, Magomed Medarov, the last
veteran of the Great Patriotic War from
Ingushetia, left this world," Ruslan
Ozdoev, the mayor of Nazran,
told RIA Novosti.
________________________________
Ecuadoris Under an Authoritarian
Regime - Disguised as Legality:
Diego Borja
April 14th, 11:59am
(teleSUR)
The former vice-presidential candidate accused
the National Electoral Council - of the runoff’s
irregularities.
On Sunday night, the National Electoral Council
announced that President Daniel Noboa was
the ''winner'' of the elections, defeating
Citizen Revolution candidate Luisa
Gonzalez ---- by more than 10%.
In an exclusive interview with teleSUR, the Citizen
Revolution’s vice presidential candidate, Diego
Borja, stated that the Noboa administration
used the state apparatus to manipulate
the democratic process.
The declaration of a “State of Exception”, just hours
before the start of the voting “violated fundamental
rights, such as the inviolability of correspondence.
It is an unprecedented measure in a democracy,”
he said.
“There is no democracy ---- when the State of Exception
is used to control elections, persecute opponents, and
silence the electoral referee. Ecuador is under an
authoritarian regime disguised as legality,”
he added.
The leftist economist, backed the claims made by
Citizen Revolution leader Luisa Gonzalez, who
denounced a “grotesque fraud” on Sunday
night --- highlighting the discrepancies
between voting intention polls
and the official results:
“Eleven statistical studies ---- including those sponsored
by the government, gave us the victory. None, showed
the percentage difference that the National Electoral
Council -------- now claims exists. In provinces with a strong Indigenous presence, where we expected to increase our vote share -------- the number
actually decreased! It’s impossible
that eleven polls were wrong,”
Borja said.
“Isn’t it unbelievable --- that our vote count didn’t grow
by even a single vote in some regions? The numbers are incoherent. This wasn’t an error ---- it was
a scandalous fraud,” he added -- calling the
National Electoral Council an accomplice
for failing to act on the irregularities.
“The electoral referee should have flagged the
democratic violations --- and even imposed
sanctions --- including the disqualification
of the ruling party’s candidate. We have
denounced the violations - on multiple
occasions, but there was a complicit
silence,” said Borja - who reported
how the electoral anomalies were
documented --- and submitted to
election observers.. from the
Organization of American
States and the EU:
“In a democracy, it’s not normal for the CNE to allow
such a number of violations. Why didn’t it act?
Because ---- it serves those in power,” he
accused, emphasizing that Gonzalez’
presidential candidacy received
support... even from sectors
outside of correismo.
“Indigenous organizations..... the traditional left, and even
the right joined us. For the first time in years, there was
hope for reconciliation. But this fraud seeks to destroy
that unity,” he emphasized: & announced, that Citizen
Revolution will challenge the election results before
both the national and international bodies.
“We will continue fighting -- although we have little faith
in the domestic electoral referee. We demand that the
OAS and the EU audit the tally sheets and the ballot
boxes,” he said.
“Ecuador cannot be governed by those who hate their
own people. We ask the world --- not to ignore this
dictatorship. Luisa Gonzalez is the legitimate
president!” Borja emphasized.
______________________________________
Luisa González ------- Rejects Ecuador
Election Results, Demands Recount
April 13th, 9:56pm
(teleSUR)
Luisa González of the Citizens’ Revolution rejects
Ecuador’s election results, alleging fraud and
calling for a recount. Tensions rise, as
she demands transparency in the
electoral process.
In a strong statement following the second round of
elections in Ecuador, Luisa González, presidential
candidate for the political movement, Citizens’
Revolution ---- expressed her rejection of the
results announced by the National Electoral
Council (CNE). González alleged that fraud
occurred in the vote tally, accusing the
current president Daniel Noboa of
benefiting from an irregular
electoral process.
“Before my people, facing them as I always do and as is
right for good women,” González emphasized that her
movement has accepted defeats in the past when
polls indicated so. However, this time ---- she
declared: “Today, we do not recognize
the results.”
The candidate called on - “the men, women, and young
children I represent,” urging a review of the electoral
process. “I refuse to believe these are people who
prefer lies --- over the truth. We will demand a
recount and that the ballots be opened,”
she concluded.
She insisted that they will request a recount. “We - are
going to defend our right to democracy. Ecuador can
not continue to be governed by a person incapable
of leading it toward peace and development ------
someone who only prioritizes their businesses
and the well-being of their family,” he said.
“Now -- more than ever, we must be vigilant about what
this person, who calls himself the President of the
Republic, is doing. I publicly denounce - that he
is committing fraud. We continue the fight!”
Previously, González denounced that the president did
not request unpaid leave from the National Assembly
and used state resources to campaign, in addition
to not entrusting the presidency to the elected
vice president, Verónica Abad, as mandated
by the Constitution.
The day before ----- the Parliament and the legislative
bench of the Citizens’ Revolution accused Noboa of
violating fundamental guarantees by declaring a
state of emergency without just cause... and
imposing it in provinces where the vote
did not favour him.
A few hours earlier, Noboa decreed the closure of
borders to prevent international observers from
entering the country, which would contribute
to the transparency of the runoff election.
In no case did the electoral authority ---- the CNE,
speak out against these and other irregularities.
In addition, this Sunday, after the polls closed,
the former presidential candidate of the
Citizens’ Revolution --- Andrés Arauz,
denounced that the CNE (National
Electoral Council) was uploading
vote records without signatures,
a requirement --- established in
Article 127 of the Democracy
Code to validate the results.
Arauz published images of six electoral records lacking
the joint signatures of the president and secretary of
the Voting Reception Boards (JRV). According to his complaint, all these unsupported records, favour the current president, Daniel Noboa.
_______________________________________
Lebanon: Cabinet Approves Draft Law
to Restructure Banking Sector
April 12th, 3:16pm
(al Manar)
The Council of Ministers approved, in its session
on Saturday, the draft law for restructuring the
banking sector.
Followed the session, which lasted more than four
hours, Minister of Information Paul Morcos said,
“Within a few weeks, we will achieve the
reform package --- that Lebanon, its
economy, and its banking sector
need, especially ---- the
small depositors.”
“The government will now focus on preparing a draft
law to address the financial gap, which will allow
for a rebalancing of financial regulation,”
he added.
Morcos stated that “the government had previously
approved a draft law aimed at amending the
banking secrecy law, as a necessary
condition for accountability.”
He explained that “the funds of depositors, especially
small depositors, enjoy priority in the draft law
approved today, in protecting deposits.”
Source: NNA
___________________________________
Xi Calls on China, EU to Jointly
Resist Unilateral Bullying
April 12th, 2:15pm
(al Manar)
There is no winner in a tariff war, and going against
the world will only result in self-isolation, Chinese
President Xi Jinping said when meeting with
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
in Beijing on Friday.
Xi said over the past 70 years and more, China has
achieved development through self-reliance and
arduous struggle, never relying on others’
mercies, still less -- fearing any
unreasonable suppression,
according to Xinhua
News Agency.
He added that - no matter how the external world
changes, China will remain confident - and
focused on running its own affairs well.
Noting that both China and the EU are major
economies in the world and firm supporters
of economic globalization and free trade,
Xi said... the two sides have formed a
close relationship ---- of economic
symbiosis: with their combined
economic output exceeding
one-third of the world’s
total, noted Xinhua.
He called on China and the EU ------ to fulfill their
international responsibilities, work together to
safeguard economic globalization and the
international trading environment, and
jointly resist unilateral bullying.
This not only safeguards the legitimate rights and
interests of China and the EU, but also serves to
maintain fairness and justice within the
international community ----- while
upholding international rules
and order, Xi said.
Sanchez said China is an important partner of the
EU, and Spain has always supported the stable
development of EU-China relations,
Xinhua reported.
Noting that the EU is committed to open and free trade,
upholds multilateralism -- and opposes unilateral tariff
hikes, Sanchez said there is no winner in a trade war.
Facing the complex - and challenging - international
situation, Spain and the EU are willing to strengthen
communication and coordination with China ------ to
maintain the international trade order --- cope with
challenges including climate change and poverty
----- and safeguard the common interests of the
international community, he said.
The two sides also released the Action Plan for
Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership between the People’s Republic
of China and the Kingdom of Spain (2025-
2028), according to Xinhua.
The meeting came against the backdrop as the US
is wielding the tariff stick by imposing so-called
“reciprocal tariffs” on most trading partners,
which has caused global concerns.
Jin Ling, deputy director of the Department for
European Studies at the China Institute of
International Studies ------ told the Global
Times that, against the backdrop of the
unilateral global tariff war launched by
the US, the Spanish leader’s visit to
China, and exchanging views with
the Chinese leader on free trade -
is of great strategic significance.
It is important for China and European countries as
open economies to join hands to deal with the
unilateral bullying and maintain a free and
open global trading system, which will
have a certain demonstration effect
on other economies in the world,
Jin said.
‘US economic extremism’
On Friday, several Chinese government authorities
showcased Beijing’s solid and stern position, with
firm countermeasures against Washington after
the US government’s move to raise the
“reciprocal tariffs” on Chinese
imports - to 125 percent.
The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced on Friday..... that China will raise the
additional tariffs on products imported from the US -------- to 125 percent.
The commission said, the US imposition of excessively
high tariffs on China seriously violates international
economic and trade rules... goes against basic
economic laws and common sense --- and is
nothing but unilateral bullying and coercion.
Even if the US imposes even higher tariffs, it will no
longer make economic sense and, ultimately, go
down... as a joke in world economic history,
according to the commission.
“Given that - it’s already impossible for the Chinese
market to accept US imports at the current tariff
level, if the US imposes further tariffs on China's
products, China will ignore it,” it said. However,
should the US persist -------- in substantially
undermining China’s interests, China will
take firm countermeasures and fight to
the end, the commission added.
Also on Friday, China’s Ministry of Commerce
(MOFCOM) announced that China has filed
a lawsuit against the US with the World
Trade Organization’s (WTO) dispute
settlement mechanism, after the
latest US tariff hikes.
China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and
interests - and resolutely uphold the multilateral
trading system, and the international economic
and trade order, reads the MOFCOM statement.
The US’ obsession with the numbers game of tariffs
-- reflects its economic extremism and bullying
posture, said Bai Ming --- a research fellow at
the Chinese Academy of International Trade
and Economic Cooperation.
He noted - that the foundation of China-US trade has
been undermined by the US protectionist practices,
and no matter how the US plays the tariff game, it will still fail to force China to yield.
According to Bai --- China’s composure and resilience
in handling trade and tariff issues ---- stems from its
respect for international rules, its firm support for economic globalization, and its own robust
economic strength.
In the face of potential further tariff threats from the
US, China’s countermeasures will remain rational
and resolute, unaffected by the mere piling up
of tariff numbers.
According to... the data released by the General Administration of Customs, in January, China’s
foreign trade hit a record high in total value in 2024. The nation’s total goods, imports & exports in yuan reached 43.85 trillion yuan (about $6.1 trillion) last year,
up by 5%, year-on-year.
China’s status as the world’s biggest goods trader,
was further strengthened, with its exports and
imports accounting for -- 14.5% and 10.5% of
the world’s total, in the first three quarters
of 2024, up 0.3 and 0.1 percentage points
year-on-year.
He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and
Globalization, told the Global Times on Friday that by
not following the US in further imposing additional
tariffs, China is demonstrating a rational and
responsible stance ------- which is in stark
contrast to the deliberately provocative
and invalid actions ....from the US.
Source: Websites
________________________________
ISS cosmonauts -----congratulate
Russianson Cosmonautics Day
April 11th, 10:12pm
(April 12th, 12:12, Moscow time}
(RT.ru)
Cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Wagner, and Kirill
Peskov, from the ISS, congratulated the Russians on
Cosmonautics Day - April 12.
"We sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of
Cosmonautics Day! In our country, space has
always been more than a profession,"
Ovchinin addressed the citizens
of Russia.
Earlier, on the eve of Cosmonautics Day, a festive
The introduction of sanctions, by Britain, against Georgian Prosecutor General Giorgi Gabitashvili
and other representatives of the country's law
enforcement agencies, speaks to the tragic
state of affairs..... in the UK. This was
pointed out by the Georgian Prime
Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze.
As he noted, Britain without any evidence
----- applies a measure against people
"correlated with a criminal offense."
"This, of course, speaks about the tragedy, based
on the history that England and Great Britain
have gone through, so far," TASS quoted
him as saying.
Kobakhidze added that the Georgian side can
only express regret over what is happening.
Earlier, he said that in 2022, Georgia was
twice called upon - to participate in the
battles in Ukraine.
______________________________
Putin meets with Trump's special
representative in St. Petersburg
by Sergey Gusarov
April 11th, 7:31pm
(RT.ru)
Vladimir Putin, on Friday, April 11, met in St. Petersburg
with the special representative of the President of the
United States, Steve Whitkoff. The Kremlin - earlier -
noted that the meeting will be held behind closed
doors, and no statements are planned on its results.
According to the Russian Presidential press Secretary
Dmitry Peskov, it was a good opportunity to convey to
the head of the White House the main elements of
Russia's position and Moscow's main concerns.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special
Envoy to the United States, Steve Whitkoff, met
at the Presidential Library in St. Petersburg.
According to Peskov, Putin's conversation with
Whitkoff, was an opportunity for the Russian
Federation... to convey the elements of its
position to US President Donald Trump.
"This is a very good opportunity -- for us to convey
through Whitkoff, the main elements of Russia's
position, the main concerns of Russia -- which
will then become known to President Trump,"
RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.
According to Peskov, Putin's conversation with Whitkoff
----- is not connected with the earlier talks between
the delegations from Moscow and Washington
in Istanbul.
In an interview with Rossiya 1 journalist Pavel Zarubin,
Peskov clarified that Whitkoff came to Russia, for the
third time.
"These --- are two different tracks
of the same general process,"
Peskov explained.
On April 10, a new round of talks was held in Istanbul
between delegations from Moscow and Washington.
The Russian Ambassador to the United States,
Alexander Darchiev, who took part in the
meeting, said that it was held in a
positive atmosphere.
According to him, the heads of the negotiating
delegations noted -- the presence of serious
"irritants", inherited from the previous US
administration. According to Darchiev --
the sides agreed that these obstacles
should be "immediately removed
-- in order to build confidence
and restore fully-fledged
interstate relations."
According to the diplomat, the parties exchanged
notes, recording an agreement on mutual
guarantees of unhindered banking and
financial services for the diplomatic
missions ----- including Russia's
contributions to the UN and
other international
organizations.
In addition, Darchiev added that the Russian side at
the talks noted the priority of the speedy return of
the diplomatic real estate confiscated by the US authorities.. which belongs to Moscow, on
property rights. They expressed.... a
mutual readiness to work on an
appropriate road map,
in this regard.
The State Department, which issued a statement
following the meeting, also noted that Russia
and the United States in Istanbul discussed
plans to organize a new meeting.... to
eliminate the irritants in bilateral
diplomatic relations.
Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
for Russian and Central European Affairs, took part
in the meeting, on behalf of the United States.
"Continuing the constructive approach laid down at
the meeting on February 27, the US and Russian
delegations exchanged notes with the aim of
reaching a final understanding on ensuring
the stability of diplomatic banking for the
bilateral missions of Russia and the
United States," the report says.
It is also noted that Coulter and Darchiev discussed
holding a follow-up meeting on these issues in the
near future, if necessary. It was specified that the date, place and composition of the meeting participants... will be determined later.
Recall that on February 27, negotiations between the
Russian and American delegations were held at the
US Consul General's residence in Istanbul.
The meeting took about six hours... and
after its completion, no statements
were made to the media.
The official representative of the Russian Foreign
Ministry, Maria Zakharova --- during a weekly
briefing, noted that representatives of the
foreign Ministry participated in
the meeting.
The agenda included the resumption of
contacts between the two countries
and the work of embassies.
A new round of talks between delegations from Russia
and the United States was held in Istanbul on April 10
in a positive atmosphere, Russia's Ambassador said.
"We hope that today's meeting will be the first in a
series of such expert consultations, which will
bring us closer to overcoming the differences
that have arisen, strengthening confidence-
building measures, and so on," Zakharova
said at the time.
Moscow and Washington, agreed to develop measures
to implement the agreements of the presidents of the
two countries on banning strikes on energy facilities
in Russia and Ukraine, for a period of 30 days,
starting from March 18, 2025.
The events of the following weeks, showed that
Kiev ignored the cessation of strikes on
Russian energy facilities.
____________________________
Chavismo -------Remains Invincible
After 23 Years: President Maduro
April 11th, 2:44pm
(teleSUR)
On April the 11th, 2002, the U.S.-backed far right tried to
destabilize the Venezuelan government by kidnapping
Hugo Chavez.
On Friday, President Nicolas Maduro led the
commemorations of the 23rd anniversary
of the failed coup d’etat that the U.S.-
backed opposition attempted, to
overthrow then - President,
Hugo Chavez.
On April 11, 2002, the Venezuelan far right, the
economic elites, and the private media joined
forces to destabilize the government by
kidnapping Commander Chavez.
In less than 48 hours, however, the opposition’s plan
failed dramatically due to the swift mobilization of
the people and the loyalty of the military — two
factors that led to Chavez’s release and his
reinstatement as president.
“It’s been 23 years since the day --- we saw the face of
fascism, the coup d’etat against Commander Chavez
orchestrated by imperialism and the oligarchy!”
he said, through social media.
The text reads, “On April 11, 2002, pro-Yankees staged
a coup against the revolutionary government and the
people. Fortunately, the brave Venezuelan people
came out and brought back their President, Hugo
Chavez, the one who only obeyed the Venezuelan
people and never any oligarchy or imperial power!”
“We were a different people then, still very innocent.
New values and a new consciousness were
beginning to take shape. We were just
starting to talk about Popular Power.
It was a revolutionary movement
in its early stages,”
Maduro recalled.
“Commander Chavez told the right wing, which quickly
took the path of a coup, again and again: ‘Don’t underestimate the people, nor the military.’
And they did. They carried out their coup
d’etat, kidnapping him and giving the
order to kill him - but they were met
with a popular counterattack,” the
Bolivarian leader said, referring to
the people’s actions that returned
Chavez to the presidency of
the republic.
“What a great lesson! April is a time of history,
heroism, and the everlasting memory of this
spring that Venezuela has lived and
continues to live. A memory of radiant, beautiful, and
monumental ideas,”
Maduro emphasized.
The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America
(ALBA) also remembered the 2002 coup, highlighting
that “This event not only marked a critical point in
Venezuelan politics, but also left an indelible
mark on the country’s history.”
_________________________________
ChinaRaises Tariffs on
U.S. Goods ---- to 125%
April 11th, 8:46am
Meanwhile..... President Xi activates his
economic diplomacy in Europe & Asia.
On Friday, China raised tariffs on all U.S. goods from
84% to 125% and warned that it would ignore any
future duties imposed by Washington, arguing
they no longer have any economic effect.
The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council
confirmed that the new rate will take effect this
Saturday and accused the United States of
engaging in “coercive unilateralism.”
It also stated that recent measures have effectively
eliminated ----- any real market for U.S. products in
China, making any further increases “irrelevant.”
“The United States --------- has disregarded the global
economic order it helped build after World War II.
Its trade policy --- will go down in history as a
mockery of the global economy,” Chinese
authorities said, warning that Beijing’s
patience has “limits.”
The decision... follows a rapid escalation in the tariff war.
China had previously raised its tariffs from 34% to 84%
in retaliation ------ for a 50% tariff approved by U.S.
President Donald Trump.
Washington responded with a new hike to 125%, which,
combined with previous charges, brings the total rate
on Chinese imports to 145% ----- according to the
White House.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian
reiterated in a press conference that China
“does not want a trade war -- but is not
afraid of one,” and called on the U.S.
to abandon its pressure tactics if it
trully seeks a negotiated solution.
He said.. the countermeasures defend
China’s legitimate interests and “the
international rules-based order.”
Xi Calls for Globalization and Cooperation
On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Spanish
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for China and Europe
to oppose “unilateral intimidation practices” and
“jointly safeguard economic globalization.”
These are Xi’s first public remarks since
the latest tariff escalation with the
United States began.
During his meeting with Sanchez, in Beijing, the Chinese
leader defended multilateralism as a means to maintain
global stability --- and asserted that his country would
remain composed.... “regardless of how the external situation changes.”
Xi stressed that China and the EU are “steadfast
defenders of free trade” and expressed his
willingness to strengthen mutual trust
with countries like Spain.
Sanchez, for his part, called the Asian country an
“indispensable partner” for tackling global
challenges and said that Spain would
support strong, balanced relations
between Brussels and Beijing.
From Brussels, a spokesperson for EU Council President Antonio Costa... confirmed that the
EU will hold a bilateral summit with China -
in the second half of July, in Asia, to mark
the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic
relations. Both Costa.. and the EU
Commission President, Ursula
von der Leyen are expected
to attend.
Xi Resumes Foreign Agenda in Asia
On Friday, China — which earlier this week stated
that its neighbourhood is a “diplomatic priority” -
announced that Xi will embark next week on a
tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, all
members of the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN).
It will be his first international trip of the year, aimed
at “strengthening economic, political, and security
cooperation in the region,” according to China’s
Foreign Ministry.
However, the tour coincides with the tensions caused
by Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, which have also
affected several Southeast Asian countries
with rates exceeding 40%, though those
were later suspended for 90 days.
China was excluded from that truce, and its
exports continue to face ----- a 145% tariff.
Chinese state media have emphasized the
importance of China’s ties with ASEAN -
a bloc that today represents the Asian
giant’s largest trading partner.
In this context, Beijing is seeking to solidify regional
alliances to cushion the impact of the trade war
with the U.S. and to confront a possible
fragmentation of the global economy.
Xi’s trip will include meetings with
key leaders of all three countries.
__________________________________
The EU and China To Hold
a Summit in July
April 11th, 7:37am
teleSUR)
The EC President urged Chinese Premier Li to avoid
a further escalation in the trade war sparked by
Trump’s tariffs.
On Friday, a spokesperson for the President of the EU
Council, Antonio Costa, announced that the EU and
China will hold a bilateral summit in the Asian
country, on a date yet to be determined in
the second half of July.
“We are coordinating with China to set a date for the
meeting, which is expected to take place in China
in the second half of July,” the source stated.
The summit, which was already known to
be scheduled for this year, will serve to
commemorate the 50th anniversary
of diplomatic relations.
The meeting will take place after the EU-Japan
summit, which will be held in Japan - and is
now the subject of ongoing discussions.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who arrived
in China on Thursday amid the trade war led by
U.S. President Donald Trump against the
country, added that the world ..needs
“both China and the United States
to talk.”
Sanchez stated today that the Asian country is “an
essential partner in addressing global challenges
such as climate change and the fight against
inequality.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urged
Chinese Premier Li Qiang this past Tuesday to avoid
“a further escalation” in the trade war sparked by
the tariffs announced by Trump.
______________________________________
Uzbekistan joins Eurasian
Development Bank
April 10th, 3:18pm
(Prensa Latina)
Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has
passed a law providing for the official entry of
his country as a full member of the Eurasian
Development Bank (EDB).
The Uzbek parliament announced on its official website
on Thursday that the corresponding document, which
provides..... “joining the agreement establishing the
EDB,” was signed in Astana on January 12, 2006.
The said regulation was already approved by the lower
house in January, and was given the green light from
the Senate, in March.
Since 2020, Uzbekistan has been participating in the
EDB ...as an observer. The member States to date
are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia, and Tajikistan.
The EDB focuses on projects that have a
significant effect on integration and
contribute to the sustainable
development goals of
its members.
________________________
Ecuadorian Presidential
Candidates Close Their
Campaigns
April 10th, 1:23pm
(teleSUR)
‘A dignified and promising future, is coming
for all Ecuadorians,’ Luisa Gonzalez said.
On Sunday, over 13 million citizens are called to the
polls to elect the next president of Ecuador in a
runoff election in which Citizen Revolution
candidate Luisa Gonzalez and President
Daniel Noboa, are competing to lead
the country until 2029.
In accordance with routine procedures, the National
Electoral Council (CNE) determined that both
candidates may carry out campaign
activities until Thursday, April 4.
Leftist candidate Gonzalez -- reaffirmed her proposals to
strengthen the state in order to address the needs of a
population left dissatisfied after seven years of right-
wing governments.
In Quito - surrounded by thousands of supporters - she
highlighted the unity achieved among various political
forces, with the goal of preventing Noboa’s reelection.
“Being here today --- is an expression of hope for better
days for our homeland,” said Gonzalez, committing to
address problems related to security, education,
healthcare, and public infrastructure.
“We have shown that unity among all the organizations
from the private sector, civil society, the left, and the
right was possible — and we made it happen,” she
emphasized - during an event attended by her
vice-presidential candidate, Diego Borja.
The text with the video of former presidential candidate
Jan Topic reads, “Trust in this alliance -- born of hope
and focused on security. Luisa Gonzalez, president,
Jan Topic, Security Minister: together for a fairer
and safer country.”
“They have let Ecuador fall to the ground -------- beaten and
wounded. We are going to lift it back up. Luisa will lift it
back up. We are going to have the first government led
by a woman — a brave woman... who understands the
needs of the people, who comes from humble origins,
and who knows what it means to care for children,”
he said.
Gonzalez -- firmly rejected the rumours about her 11-
year-old son, which have been spread by the ruling
party, National Democratic Action, and echoed by
Erik Prince --- mercenary founder of Blackwater,
with whom President Noboa announced a
“strategic alliance”, supposedly aimed
at confronting organized crime in
the country.
“Next Sunday, we are going to vote with joy, hope, and
the belief that a dignified and promising future is
coming for all Ecuadorians,” she said.
For his part, re-election candidate Noboa, appeared at
the Rumiñahui Coliseum, calling on his supporters to
mobilize --- and “defend the vote” in the upcoming
election. “The final battle will be this Sunday,”
he said, during a speech in which he was
accompanied by the vice-presidential
candidate, Maria Jose Pinto.
_____________________________
Trump Blinks in Trade War
as Market Turmoil Looms
April 10th, 11:43am
(al Manar)
US President Donald Trump abruptly paused planned
tariff hikes on most countries on Thursday -- sending
global markets surging with optimism. However, the
reprieve was short-lived as Trump simultaneously
escalated the trade war with China, slapping a
staggering 125% tariff on Chinese imports.
The mixed signals from the White House came..... amid
growing concerns over the impact of the trade dispute
on the US economy. Trump acknowledged that he
was closely monitoring bond markets, where
rising yields had sparked “a little queasy”
among investors.
While the president claimed he was being “flexible” in
pausing tariffs for nearly all countries, the move to
dramatically ramp up pressure on China marked
a dramatic escalation in the deepening
standoff... between the world’s two
largest economies.
Beijing wasted no time in retaliating --- imposing an 84%
tariff on US goods effective immediately. The tit-for-tat
measures underscored the fragility of the trade
negotiations, which Trump insisted would
eventually lead to a deal.
“A deal’s going to be made with China. A deal’s going to
be made with every one of them,” the president said,
though he expressed uncertainty over China’s
negotiating strategy, claiming the Chinese
leadership “don’t quite know
how to go about it.”
Despite the market turbulence, Trump dismissed
suggestions that he had backtracked on his
tough trade stance.
“You have to be flexible,” he told reporters. However,
his decision to hold off on further tariff hikes on
China suggested a growing recognition of the
economic risks posed.... by the escalating
trade war.
The European Union, meanwhile, had already
announced retaliatory steps -- targeting US
products, including soybeans, motorbikes,
& cosmetics, valued at 20 billion+ euros.
These countermeasures are expected
to take effect next week.
However, the EU notably refrained from responding
to the separate tariffs of 20 percent, that were
implemented on Wednesday.
As the trade landscape continues to shift, markets
and governments alike are bracing for further
developments, with the US-China economic
clash showing no signs of abating.
Source: Agencies (edited by
Al-Manar English Website)
_______________________________
The Colombian government
accelerates land transfer
to conflict victims
April 10th, 10:48am
(Prensa Latina)
Since the arrival to power of President Gustavo Petro
and until today, the Colombian government handed
over 60,000 hectares of fertile land to victims of
the armed conflict in the country, according to
data from an official source.
As reported by the National Land Agency, the figure is
equivalent to more than triple those ceded during the
administration of Iván Duque (2018-2022), ----- 19,210,
and also ----- vastly exceeds the 7,083 hectares given
by the Juan Manuel Santos' government (2010-2018).
The director of the entity, Felipe Harman, considered
that the country turned the delivery and legalization
of land..... into an instrument of peace, reparation,
dignity and social justice, for people recognized
as victims by the State.
“In Colombia, peace is made with land, it is made with
the Agrarian Reform to promote reconciliation and
coexistence,” he stated.
On the other hand, he revealed that ---- through an
agreement, the Government allocated 174 billion
pesos (over 40 million dollars at the current
exchange rate) to purchase land for the
Victims Reparation Fund, which
guarantees the resources, so
that direct reparation can
be provided... to people
affected by conflict.
______________________
China Unveils Plan - to Boost
Health-Related Consumption
April 10th, 8:16am
teleSUR)
On Wednesday, Chinese authorities released an action
plan to boost health-related consumption ----- as the
country moves to improve the quality of its health
products and services, and to meet the people’s
expanding needs in their pursuit of a better life.
To spur such spending, China will work to increase the
healthiness of people’s diets and improve the market
supply of special foods, according to the plan, which
was formulated by the country’s commerce ministry
and 11 other government departments.
The supply of high-quality agricultural products will be
strengthened, and there will be a crackdown on illegal
food additives. Medical and health institutions will be
guided to provide dietary and exercise guidance for
people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and
other medical conditions.
China will create more fitness & sports consumption
scenarios ------- and develop its sports tourism. The
transformation and upgrading of the sports goods
manufacturing sector will also be accelerated on
the back of technologies and smart applications.
The country will also bolster market services for the
elderly, and the plan pledges efforts to facilitate
their online and offline consumption, and to
enrich their cultural life. Additionally, the
supply of tourism products for China’s
silver-haired population.... will
be increased.
Work will also be done - to develop new service
businesses ----- such as those providing health examinations, consultations & management
---- and to accelerate the establishment of
rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes
and palliative care institutions.
China’s per capita spending on health care stood at
2,547 yuan (about US$353) last year, accounting
for 9 percent of the country’s total per capita
consumption expenditure, the official
data shows.
_____________________________
CELAC’s Declaration ---- Rejects
Unilateral Coercive Measures
April 10th, 8am
(teleSUR)
The 9th Summit emphasized -- the full validity of the
proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean
as a ‘Zone of Peace.’
On Wednesday, the Community of Latin American and
Caribbean States (CELAC) rejected the imposition of
unilateral coercive measures, including those that
restrict international trade.
This was stated in the “Tegucigalpa Declaration,”
which was “adopted by 30 of the 33 members of
this regional integration body. The 3 countries
that chose not to adopt the declaration’s final
version...... were Argentina, Paraguay,
and Nicaragua.
Notwithstanding the above, in a letter addressed to the
participants in the 9th summit, Nicaragua reaffirmed
its support for the founding principles of CELAC and
its resounding rejection --- of arbitrary sanctions
against countries with sovereign governments.
The full text of the Tegucigalpa Declaration
is as follows:
“The Heads of State and Government........ and high
representatives of CELAC, gathered in the city of
Tegucigalpa for the 9th Summit of Heads of
State and Government and in light of the
current challenges facing the region,
declare:
1. To reaffirm their commitment to strengthening
CELAC as the political coordination mechanism
that brings together all countries in the region,
based on the legacy of the declarations
adopted at previous summits.
2. To emphasize the full validity of the Proclamation of
Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace,
grounded... in the promotion and respect of the
purposes and principles of the Charter of the
United Nations and of International Law,
international cooperation, democracy
and the rule of law, multilateralism,
the protection and promotion of
all human rights, respect for
self-determination, non-
intervention in internal
affairs, sovereignty --
& territorial integrity.
Likewise, to reject the imposition of unilateral coercive
measures, contrary to International Law, including
those that restrict international trade.
3. To affirm their shared belief that it is timely and
appropriate - for a national of a Latin American or
Caribbean State to hold the position of Secretary
-General of the United Nations, considering that
of the nine Secretaries-General the UN has had
to date, only one has come from a country in
the region and recalling that the position
has never been held by a woman.
4. To underscore the importance of coordinating
joint CELAC interventions in multilateral forums
on matters of common interest.
5. To express their recognition --- of the Republic of
Honduras for the work carried out in its role as Pro
Tempore Presidency (PPT) of CELAC, highlighting
the holding of high-level meetings to share efforts
and experiences in the areas of food security,
women, education, coffee, energy, financial
cooperation, climate change, and
human mobility.
6. To reaffirm their willingness to continue political
dialogue to deepen CELAC’s cooperation ties with other countries and regional groups
-- acknowledging the progress made
during the meetings convened by
Hondura's PPT ..on the sidelines
of the 79th session of the United
Nations General Assembly.
7. To welcome the Republic of Colombia --- as the next
PPT of the mechanism (2025–2026) ..and to recognize
priorities it has identified for CELAC’s work, mainly in the following areas: energy (energy transition & interconnection); human mobility; health & health
self-sufficiency; food security; environment and
climate change; Indigenous & Afro-descendant
peoples; science, technology, and innovation;
connectivity & infrastructure; strengthening
trade and investment; anti- transnational
organized crime; education; & gender
equality, among others.
8. To reaffirm their strong support for the stability of
the Republic of Haiti and their firm commitment, in
accordance with each country’s capacities, to
assist it in its efforts ------ together with the
international community - and the United
Nations, to reestablish a human security
environment for the normalization of its
political, economic, & social situation,
with a comprehensive development
approach.”
_____________________________________
CELAC Has an Important Role
in Keeping Regional Peace:
President Xi
April 10th, 7:29am
(teleSUR)
China-Latin America relations have withstood
the test of international turbulence, he said.
On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping
sent congratulations to the 9th summit of
the Community of Latin American and
Caribbean States (CELAC), which
opened on Wednesday, in
Tegucigalpa, the capital
of Honduras.
In a congratulatory message, Xi said that the world
today is undergoing accelerated changes unseen
in a century and that the Global South, including
China as well as Latin American and Caribbean
countries, is growing with a strong momentum.
CELAC has remained committed to independence,
self-reliance and strength through unity, playing
an important role in safeguarding regional
peace and stability ---- promoting
development and cooperation,
and advancing regional
integration, he said.
The Chinese president sincerely wished the countries
& people of Latin America & the Caribbean - greater achievements on the path to development and revitalization --- so as to make greater
contributions to the solidarity and
cooperation of the Global South.
China-Latin America relations, Xi said, have withstood
the test of international turbulence and entered a
new stage marked by equality, mutual benefit,
innovation, openness and tangible benefits
for the people.
The two sides... have deepened political trust, expanded
practical cooperation and enhanced people-to-people
exchanges, delivering benefits to both peoples and
setting an example for South-South cooperation,
he said, voicing China’s readiness to work with
countries in the region to push for new
progress in building a China-Latin
America community with a
shared future.
This year, China will host the 4th ministerial meeting of
the China-CELAC Forum - in Beijing. All CELAC member
states are welcome to join China in a concerted effort
to facilitate development & cooperation & contribute
wisdom & strength to addressing global challenges,
driving reform in global governance... and safe-
guarding world peace and stability, Xi said.
________________________________
The expert predicted a great danger
for the EU after the attack of the
Ukrainian Armed Forces on the
Korenovskaya station
April 9th, 5pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the energy infrastructure pose a great danger to the EU.
The consequences of such strikes are felt, even in
the case of unsuccessful attacks. This opinion
was shared by Associate Professor of the
Department of Economic Policy and
Economic Measurements of GUU,
Maxim Chirkov, in an interview
with Izvestia, on April 9th.
"Such actions either directly disrupt supplies,
or provoke an increase in prices for energy
carriers — gas, electricity," he said.
According to him, the attacks of Ukrainian forces
undermine the stability of the EU economy and
can be seen as an unfriendly step not only
towards Russia, but also towards other
countries, including Türkiye, which
earns money from energy transit.
"Europe is already suffering huge losses due to high
energy costs. Such strikes - only aggravate the
situation and look especially strange, given
that the EU remains one of the main
sponsors of Ukraine," the
economist said.
In his opinion, attacks on energy facilities not only
harm the countries of the region, but also
jeopardize possible peace initiatives.
"The rejection of strikes on the energy sector - is one
of the key conditions for potential agreements with
Russia. Such actions are absolutely illogical and
counterproductive," Chirkov concluded.
Demolition plan: The Ukrainian Armed Forces have
increased the number of attacks on the Russian
energy infrastructure. More than 30 sites have
been hit since agreements were reached on
steps to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier, on April 9, the Russian Defense Ministry
reported that Ukrainian soldiers attacked the
Korenovskaya compressor station, in the
Krasnodar Territory. It provides a gas
supply --- to the Turkish Stream.
Deputy Director General of the Institute of National
Energy Alexander Frolov told Izvestia that strikes
by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on energy
infrastructure facilities in Russia may
affect ordinary consumers abroad.
He did not rule out - that prices
may change at the moment.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on March 28
that Russia reserves the right ---- not to observe the
moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure,
if the Ukrainian side continues to violate
these agreements.
_________________________________________
Reuters: 73% of US citizens
expect prices to rise due to
Trump's new tariffs
April 8th, 7:19pm
(RT.ru)
More than 70% of US citizens expect a rise in prices for
everyday goods due to the introduction of new duties
announced by President Donald Trump, according to a survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos.
"The survey..... showed that 73% of respondents believe
that - in the next six months the prices of goods they
buy every day will rise after the introduction of new
taxes on almost all imports," the publication says.
At the same time --- only 4% believe that prices may
decline. The rest of the survey participants do not
expect any changes or refrained from answering
this question.
It is noted that 57% of respondents opposed the
introduction of new duties, and 39% of US
citizens spoke in favour of them.
In early April, the level of support for Trump
dropped to 43% in the United States - for
the first time since his inauguration.
_______________________________________
The White House confirmed:an increase
in customs duties on imports from
China --- to 104%
April 8th, 6:52pm
(RT.ru)
White House press Secretary Caroline Levitt
confirmed an increase in customs duties on
imports from China to 104%.
According to her, the duties will come into force
on April the 9th. Levitt stressed -- that this step
is connected with China's response measures.
"It was a mistake on the part of China to take
retaliatory measures," TASS quoted her
as saying.
Earlier, Fox Business journalist Edward Lawrence
reported that the US increased import duties on
goods from China --- to 104%.
China's Commerce Ministry has called US President
Donald Trump's threats of additional tariffs of 50%
"trade blackmail" ---- and promised a strong
response, if they are imposed.
_______________________________
China vows response to ‘the end’
after US’ new 50% tariff threat
by Ma Jingjing
April 8th, 5:23pm
(Global Times)
The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry
on Tuesday ------ vowed to take countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests, in response to
US President Donald Trump's recent claims of
escalating tariffs - unless China withdrew its
retaliatory tariffs against the US by April 8.
In a post on Truth Social on Monday, the US president
has threatened China with an extra 50 percent tariff
on goods imported into the US - if China does not
withdraw its 34 percent counter-tariff on US
products, according to CNBC.
"We will not let anyone take away the Chinese people's
legitimate right to development. We will not tolerate
any attempt to harm China's sovereignty, security
and development interests. We will continue to
take resolute & strong measures to safeguard
our legitimate rights and interests," Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian,
said in response, at the regular Foreign
Ministry press conference on Tuesday.
Lin said that judging from its actions, the US doesn't
seem to be serious about having talks right now.
"If the US truly wants to talk, it should let people see
that they're ready to treat others with equality,
respect and mutual benefit. If the US decides
not to care about the interests of the US
itself, China ..and the rest of the world,
and is determined to fight a tariff and
trade war, China's response --- will
continue --- to the end," Lin said.
In a statement published on its website on Tuesday,
China's Commerce Ministry said China will
resolutely take countermeasures -- to
safeguard its rights and interests
--- should the US escalate its
tariff measures.
Citing sources or experts, Niutanqin, one of the self-
media accounts, posted on Tuesday that China
could take six possible measures against the
US' tariffs, including significantly increasing
tariffs on US agricultural products - such as
soybeans and sorghum, banning US poultry
imports, suspending China-US cooperation
on fentanyl-related issues, imposing curbs
on services trade with the US, reducing
or banning, the import of US films, and
investigating the intellectual property
benefits of US companies operating
in China.
China will continue to take resolute measures to
safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and
interests, Lin said on Tuesday, noting that
the ministry does not comment ---- on
what's been said on the internet.
Escalated pressure
While showing no intention to pause the sweeping
"reciprocal tariffs," Trump continues to intensify
pressure on its trade partners including China,
the EU, Japan and Canada.
"The European Union's been very bad to us," ----- Trump
told reporters at the White House, accusing European
nations of not buying enough US goods.
"They're going to have to - buy their energy from us,
because they need it and they're going to have to
buy it from us. They can buy it, we can knock off
$350 billion --- in one week," Reuters reported,
citing the US president.
On Monday evening, the EU Commission proposed its
first retaliatory tariffs at 25 percent on a range of US
imports - in response to Trump's steel and aluminum
tariffs, Reuters reports, citing an internal document.
The tariffs on some goods will take effect on May 16
and others later in the year, on December 1, the
document said, Reuters reported.
In addition, Trump wrote in another post on Truth Social
on Monday that Japan has "treated the US very poorly
on Trade. They don't take our cars, but we take
MILLIONS of theirs."
The US Department of Commerce, as part of an annual
review process, plans to hike the duties on Canadian
lumber from 14.4 percent to 34.45 percent, CNN
reported on Monday ----- citing published and
unpublished filings in the Federal Register.
"The economic coercion and blackmail ---- underscores
Washington's hegemonic mindset - seeking 'America
First' and 'American exceptionalism' ------ by forcing
others -- to make sacrifices," He Weiwen, a senior
fellow at the Centre for China and Globalization,
told the Global Times, on Tuesday.
The US' unilateral and protectionist behaviours ----- run
counter to the WTO's multilateral trading rules as well
as other countries' legitimate rights & interests, He
said, stressing ----- that China's resolute counter-
measures against US bullying, are necessary
to safeguard true multilateralism ----- and to
maintain the multilateral trading system.
Self-inflicted isolation
"By imposing high tariffs on all of its trade partners,
including China, the US risks trade and economic
isolation," Yu Miaojie, president of Liaoning
University, told the Global Times
on Tuesday.
In the short term..... global trade may be adversely
affected and global growth may be dragged down.
However, the US' tariffs will have limited impact
on China's exports, given that the country has
made efforts to diversify export destinations
over the past several years and form a new
pattern of all-round opening-up in various
fields and sectors, Yu said.
"Instead, US tariffs will lead to higher prices,
adding to inflationary pressure - while
slowing US economic growth,"
he said.
Larry Fink, CEO of US multinational investment firm
BlackRock, said US stock markets.... could fall
another 20 percent as steep US tariffs will
lead some investors... to believe the US
economy may already be contracting,
Reuters reported.
"Most CEOs I talk to, would say we are probably in a
recession right now," Fink told the Economic Club
of New York on Monday, Reuters said.
Ken Langone, co-founder of US home improvement
specialty retailer Home Depot, blasted the tariffs,
describing the 34 percent tariff rate on China
as "too aggressive, too soon," .....the
Financial Times reported.
"I believe he's been poorly advised by his advisers
about this trade situation - and the formula
they're applying," said Langone
The US Chamber of Commerce ------- which represents
millions of US businesses big and small but which is
heavily funded by industry titans, is considering
suing the Trump administration -- to block the
implementation of Trump's new tariffs, set
to go into effect on Wednesday, Fortune
reported on Tuesday, citing sources
with direct knowledge of
the discussions.
The US Chamber could argue that Trump's invocation of
emergency powers to impose the new tariffs is illegal.
Last week a nonprofit called New Civil Liberties
Alliance took a similar approach -- filing suit on
behalf of a small business owner who imports
goods from China, arguing that the US
President did not have the legal
authority to impose his
February tariffs on
China, according
to the report.
"Faced with the US' bullying practices... all the other
economies will have to figure out how to overcome
challenges. Thus - those economies should unite,
and continue to promote bilateral & multilateral cooperation," Chen Fengying, research fellow
at the Beijing-based.... China Institutes of
Contemporary International Relations,
told the Global Times on Tuesday.
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) - hosted a
roundtable meeting with US-funded companies on
Sunday - reaffirming the country's commitment to reform and opening-up amid global trade
tensions, according to a statement on
the MOFCOM website on Monday.
Regardless of global uncertainties --- China remains
resolute in its path toward reform and opening-up,
Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce - and deputy
China international trade representative, said
at a meeting, noting that multilateralism is
the inevitable solution to the challenges
facing the world and that China's door
to the outside world... will only
open wider.
__________________________________
The US stock market collapsed
after the European and
Asian markets
by Kirill Lutsyuk
April 7th, 4:57pm
(Lenta.ru)
The US stock market recorded
a drop in major indices. This
is reported by RBC.
This - was the result of tariffs imposed by US President
Donald Trump, as well as investor concerns about the
onset of a global recession. In early trading, the S&P
500 index fell 4.71 percent to 4,835. 16 points. The
NASDAQ Composite dropped 5.15 percent to
14,785. 47 points -- while the Dow Jones
Industrial Average lost 4.44 percent
to 36,613. 16 points.
Earlier, Asian stock markets collapsed. The MSCI Asia
Pacific index fell 8.5 percent. Hong Kong's Hang
Seng, plunged more than 13 percent, while
Taiwan's technology equity index --- lost
9.7 percent. Japan's Topix and Nikkei
dived 7.8 percent. In addition, the
Amsterdam Stock Exchange
fell 5.5 percent -- while the
Stockholm & Copenhagen
stock exchanges, fell by
almost seven percent.
Also on Monday, April 7th, the main index of the largest
Exchange in Germany and one of the world's leading Exchanges, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange DAX...
collapsed.
________________________________________________
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation
pointed to the growth of the international
network for accepting Mir cards
April 7th, 12:04pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Mir's international card acceptance network continues
to grow ----- despite anti-Russian sanctions. This was announced on April 7 by the head of the Central
Bank (CB) of the Russian Federation,
Elvira Nabiullina.
"Despite the sanctions, we are gradually expanding the
acceptance of Mir cards in friendly countries where
our tourists go," she said, speaking in the Russian
State Duma.
Nabiullina also stressed that the Central Bank of the
Russian Federation is working with businesses to
overcome the sanctions restriction.
Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said on
January 8 that the process, as a result of which
holders of Mir cards will be able to use them
on the territory of the Islamic Republic, is
planned to be completed in the first half
of 2025.
The first ATM accepting Russian Mir cards,
was also launched - in Nicaragua - in
December last year.
On March 28th, the Central Bank reported that the issue
of the Mir payment system increased 1.4 times over the
period 2024, and also reached more than 400 million
cards. It was noted that the amount of purchases
paid for with these cards ------- exceeded 42
trillion rubles.
___________________________________________
Ostrich pinched former British
Prime Minister Johnson
April 7th, 11:23am
(RT.ru)
An ostrich pinched former British PM
Boris Johnson... in a US safari park.
The curious exotic bird.. approached the car where the
politician was sitting - and stuck its head through the window. Judging by the video that spread on social
networks, the ostrich decided to have a taste of
Johnson's hand.
Earlier, Johnson filmed a flight on a fighter jet. Russian
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova,
commenting on the footage, noted that..
Johnson seems to show --- that he
"likes sky-high fuel prices.''
_______________________________________
Lavrov: Ukraine and the Baltic States
----------- openly glorify the Nazis
April 7th, 11:17am
(RT.ru)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused
Europe and Ukraine of openly glorifying the
Nazis and falsifying history.
In his address to the participants of the international
forum "Memory of the Winners. 80 years of Victory
in the Great Patriotic War " Lavrov also noted that
the Immortal Regiment campaign -- plays an
important role in preserving historical
memory and uniting people.
"Today, when attempts to falsify history are multiplying,
and in a number of states of the European region,
primarily in Ukraine and the Baltic States, the
Nazis and their henchmen ---- are openly
glorified, your noble, selfless activity
takes on special significance," the
minister said in his telegram and
also published on the Foreign
Ministry's website.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that the unity
of the participants of the "Immortal Regiment" is of
particular importance - in our time.
____________________________________
Ecuador in final stage of
electoral campaign
April 7th, 8:06am
(Prensa Latina)
The candidates for the presidency of Ecuador,
Luisa Gonzalez, of Revolucion Ciudadana
(Citizen's Revolution), and incumbent
President Daniel Noboa are in the
final stage of the campaign, on
Monday for April 13's runoff.
From this Monday until Thursday, April 10th, the contenders will be focused on political events
to tip the balance of votes in their favour in
elections whose results are expected to be close.
This Sunday, Gonzalez led a massive mobilization in
Machala city, with proposals focused on public
works, national security, and defense of
citizens’ rights.
Meanwhile, Noboa was in Guayaquil to reiterate his
intention to reform the Constitution to “modernize
the State” and promised support for small
agricultural producers.
In the first round held on February 9 with 16 candidates
to the presidency, Noboa and Gonzalez passed to the
runoff with a difference of less than 17,000 votes,
which showcases the social polarization
and tightness of the race.
More than 13.7 million citizens will vote next Sunday to
decide whether to reelect Noboa for a full term (2025-
2029) or make Gonzalez the first woman to win an
election in Ecuador.
This electoral process is taking place amid questions
about the current president not asking for a license
from the National Assembly for campaigning and
the alleged partiality denunciations -- of the
National Electoral Council (CNE) and
other institutions.
___________________________________
Politico: Russia's control over Ukraine's
resources will be a disaster
for the West
April 5th, 11:43pm
(RT.ru)
A possible Russian control of Ukraine's resources
would be disastrous for Western countries... that
provide Kiev with military and financial support.
This statement -- was made by the publication Politico,
noting that the most valuable resources that Ukraine
currently owns... are titanium and uranium.
And if Russia gets these resources, it
will be a disaster for Kiev's allies.
In addition, the publication clarified that mining in
Ukraine as part of a potential deal between Kiev
and Washington may require the White House
to invest "billions of dollars".
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier said in
an interview with US journalist, Tucker Carlson,
---- the signing of the deal at the White House
was ''disrupted'' by Vladimir Zelensky.
______________________________________
British MP arrested --- on
suspicion of child abuse
April 5th, 11:06pm
(Izvestia.ru)
In the UK, Labour MP Dan Norris was arrested by police
on suspicion of child rape and other sexual offences.
This was reported on the April 5th, by the Daily
Mail newspaper.
"Dan Norris, former Labour minister, was taken
into custody after police raided his home in
the electoral district, on Friday.''
Subsequently, eyewitnesses reported that law
enforcement officers were taking out some
boxes from his house.
After the arrest, Norris was suspended from
participating in the party. Previously, the
defendant was trained by the National
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Children (NSPCC), and worked as
a teacher & child protection officer.
"Most of the crimes are believed to have been
committed in the 2000s, but --- we are also
investigating an alleged rape, committed in the 2020s,"a police spokesman said.
It is specified that the investigation
is currently... at an early stage.
_______________________________________
WSJ: calls Chinese President Xi Jinping
the winner in the trade war with Trump
April 5th, 11:03pm
(RT.ru)
Chinese President Xi Jinping is winning the trade
war unleashed by US President Donald Trump.
Such a statement was published by The Wall
Street Journal, calling Trump's global trade
war a strategic gift to the Chinese leader.
"Trump's comprehensive tariffs will change the world
order in many ways, and one winner has already
emerged — Xi Jinping. The Chinese leader
has had an excellent week,"
the article says.
The UN has previously stated that the global trading
system with the introduction of US duties --- is entering a critical phase.
_______________________________________
Telegraph --- a convicted pedophile from
Britain worked with children in Ukraine
April 5th, 10:19pm
(RT.ru)
The British charity organization Siobhan's Trust, which
works with children in Ukraine, has hired a previously
convicted pedophile.
According to The Telegraph, we are talking about
52-year-old Lee Callaghan, who introduced
himself as Jack Morgan and previously
served two years in prison for a
number of sexual crimes
against children.
It is alleged that the organization practically did
not check his biography - when hiring him. And
the volunteers became suspicious of Morgan
after he started bragging about joining the
International Legion and started raising
funds for military needs, on behalf of
the legion.
During his work in Ukraine, the man regularly visited
orphanages, schools... and camps for displaced
persons. At the same time, the organization
stressed that none of its volunteers were
ever left alone with children.... for
safety reasons.
Earlier, the German police, together with the security
forces of other countries, exposed a large-scale
underground platform... on which, child
pornography was distributed.
__________________________________________
A motorcycle rally was held in New Delhi
in honour of the 80th anniversary
of the Victory
April 5th, 10:08pm
(RT.ru)
The Russian Embassy in India and the Russian House in
New Delhi organized a motorcycle rally in the capital of
India dedicated to the 80th anniversary of victory in
the Great Patriotic War.
According to RIA Novosti, the event was attended by
more than 100 motorcyclists, including citizens of
Russia, Belarus and India.
The race -------- started from the gates of the Russian
Embassy in India, passed through the centre of the
Indian capital and ended at the "Russian House"
in New Delhi. There according to the agency a
photo exhibition: "Motorcycles in the service of the Soviet Army" was organized, and a film about the Great Patriotic War was shown.
A car and motorcycle rally in honour of
Victory Day, was also held in Chisinau.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, earlier....
called for preserving the memory of the
Victory in the war against fascism.
____________________________________
Bloomberg - JPMorgan estimates the
probability of a recession in the US
economy at 60%
April 4th, 11:11pm
(RT.ru)
JPMorgan, the world's largest bank ----- estimates the
probability of a recession in the US economy at 60%.
The bank's chief economist Bruce Kasman noted
that the tariffs announced by the administration
of US President Donald Trump against US
trading partners, are likely to lead to a
recession in 2025 ----- both in the US
and in the entire global economy,
if they remain in force.
"The risk of a recession in the global economy has
increased from 40% to 60% this year," he said.
In February, it was reported that JPMorgan
was stuck with $2 billion from Russia.
Earlier, Western media reported on the largest drop
"Hundreds of people who came from Bratislava --- who
came from other cities, they, in fact, reflected their
thoughts - or their thoughts were reflected by the
Prime Minister. This is very, very important and valuable," he said.
According to Bratchikov, he is very impressed with the
event. He added that Fico was able to find words that
"resonated in the souls of those people who came
here ------- at the call of the soul."
"In Slovakia, the memory of Soviet soldiers, is
preserved very carefully" Natalia Balanova,
member of the Coordinating Council of
Russian Compatriots — on historical
memory, protection of monuments
and cases of vandalism.
Earlier in the day, Fico told Izvestia that all events
that tell the truth about World War II - should be
supported by the Slovak government.
[Rhondda Records adds: Slavín is a memorial monument
and military cemetery --- in Bratislava, the capital of
Slovakia. It is the burial ground of thousands of
Soviet Army soldiers - who fell during World
War II while taking over the city, in April
1945, from the occupying German
Wehrmacht units --- and the
remaining Slovak troops
--- who supported the
clero-fascist Tiso
government.]
_______________________
Fico hopes that he will personally
give a thank you for the victory
over fascism ----- in Moscow
on May 9th
April 4th, 4:51pm
(RT.ru)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, expressed the hope
that he will be able to personally express gratitude for
the victory of the USSR over fascism --- in Moscow on
May the 9th. He stated this during a commemorative
event - on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of
the liberation of Bratislava.
"I believe.. that I will have the opportunity on May 9, in
Moscow, to personally thank you for what share the
Great Red Army had in the victory over fascism,"
RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
Earlier, the Russian Ambassador to Slovakia, Igor Bratchikov, said that the meeting between
Russian President Vladimir Putin, and
Robert Fico, is likely to take place
during the events in Moscow
on May 9.
In addition, Serbian leader, Aleksandar Vucic, said
that his meeting with Vladimir Putin on May 9
will be the first in 3.5 years.
_______________________________
Delfi --------- Estonia deported
neo-Nazi Shirokov to Russia
April 4th, 4:08pm
(RT.ru)
Estonia has deported to Russia, the neo-Nazi, Maksim
Shirokov, who expressed aggressive intentions
against Russians and spoke out in support
of Ukraine, the portal Delfi.ee. reports.
"Maxim Shirokov admired the symbols of the Estonian
SS Legion, glorified Hitler and joined the local fascist
club," the publication says.
It is noted that he also spoke English and wore the
symbols of the Estonian SS Legion on his clothes.
In his posts on social networks, he declared his
intention to destroy Russian citizens and
hinted that "the Fuhrer is waiting
for him in Valhalla."
Earlier... monuments to Soviet soldiers were
destroyed at a military cemetery in Estonia.
__________________________________________
European Stock Markets Plunge -
as Trump’s Trade War Escalates
April 4th, 10:25am
(teleSUR)
Over the last two days, European, Asian, and US
stock markets, have experienced sharp losses.
On Friday, European stock markets and the price of
Brent crude oil plummeted after China announced
its response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s
trade war.
Hours after opening --- the main European markets were
posting significant losses, led by Milan, which plunged
7.35%, followed by Madrid, down 6.04%, on a day
when banks suffered losses exceeding 10%.
Likewise, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange dropped by
4.79%, Paris fell 4.36%, and London declined 3.95%.
The Euro Stoxx 50 index, which tracks the largest
capitalized European companies, recorded a
significant loss of 4.88%. Meanwhile, the
euro strengthened against the
greenback, trading
at $1.105.
Futures for the main Wall Street indices, which had
already been falling moderately at the opening of
European markets.... deepened their losses
--- signaling another session of sharp
declines — up to 4% in the case
of the tech-heavy Nasdaq.
European, Asian, and US stock markets have
experienced two days of heavy losses. On
Thursday, the announcement of global
tariffs by Trump --- amplified fears of an impending recession.
Although losses in Europe were more moderate at
the markets' opening, they grew exponentially
after news broke: that China would impose a
34% tariff on U.S. imports starting April 10,
restrict exports of rare earths to the U.S.,
and sanction certain companies.
Fears over the consequences of a global tariff war
on the world economy triggered a collapse in
other markets: Brent crude, Europe’s
benchmark oil, tumbled 7.63%
to $64.79.
On Thursday, Brent had already suffered a drop of more
than 6%, amid concerns over how trade tensions could
affect crude oil demand, and after the Organization of
the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies
(OPEC+) -- led by Saudi Arabia and Russia,
decided to increase crude production
by 411,000 barrels per day - starting in May.
Meanwhile, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI)
crude, which also plunged the day before, is currently
seeing a steep drop of 8.74%, down to $61.10.
In other markets, gold prices rose moderately by 0.20%,
reaching $3,129.28. In the bond market --- yields on
benchmark bonds fell: the German 10-year bond
yield ---- dropped to 2.499%, the U.S. bond to
3.897%, and the Spanish bond to 3.218%.
___________________________________
Venezuela Receives 208 Migrants
---- Returning to Their Homeland
April 4th, 9:43am
(teleSUR)
So far, the Bolivarian government has achieved
the repatriation of 2,190 Venezuelan migrants.
On Friday morning, a U.S. plane from Texas landed
at Simon Bolivar Airport in La Guaira with 208
Venezuelan migrants on board, including
two children and 30 women.
This - is the third flight carrying migrants to arrive on
Venezuelan soil in less than 24 hours, following two
planes, from the state-owned airline CONVIASA -
one from Honduras and another from Mexico -
that transported 198 and 313 people,
respectively, on Thursday.
As soon as the new group of migrants arrived in
Venezuela, authorities checked their identities
to verify whether they had a criminal record
prior to leaving the country.
So far.... the Bolivarian government has achieved the
repatriation of 2,190 Venezuelan migrants who had
experienced discrimination and mistreatment ---
especially after U.S. President Donald Trump
labeled migrants as “foreign enemies.”
“This --- is a unique event in the world. The returnees will
be re-integrated into our country,” said Transportation
Minister, Ramon Velasquez, who also serves as the
president of CONVIASA.
The voluntary repatriation of migrants is made possible
through the “Return to the Homeland” Plan, through
which President Nicolas Maduro’s government
assists and protects fellow citizens who
wish to return to their country.
The recent repatriations of citizens have once again
demonstrated, that the narrative the US builds
around migrants, is false ----- as none of the
migrants had any ties to the Aragua Train
a criminal organization the Venezuelan
authorities had already dismantled
and eradicated from the country.
____________________________________
Trump tariffs --- spark condemnation
as global markets suffer from shock
April 3rd, 7:55pm
(PressTV)
US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on
imports have ignited threats of global retaliation
....with governments and companies rushing to
formulate countermeasures to mitigate the
consequences of the US action.
Trump, on Wednesday, imposed a 10% baseline tariff
on all imports to the United States and higher
targeted duties on some of the country's
biggest trading partners.
"The operation is over! the patient lived, and
is healing," Trump wrote on social media.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday
called on European companies to suspend
planned investments in the US.
"I think what's important, and that's all the work that
must be done by sector, is that the investments to
come or investments announced in recent weeks
should be suspended until things are clarified
with the United States," Macron said
during a meeting with French
industry representatives.
The world’s second-largest economy, China, has vowed
retaliation for Trump's 54% tariffs on imports.
Similarly, the EU has announced it will introduce measures to counter the US’s 20% duty.
China. on Thursday..... urged the United States to
immediately cancel its latest tariffs and vowed
countermeasures to protect its interests.
The US move disregards the balance of interests
reached in multilateral trade negotiations over
the years..... and the fact ----- that it has long
benefited greatly from international trade,
China's Ministry of Commerce said
in a statement.
The EU also announced it will introduce measures to
counter the US’s 20% duty. "The consequences will
be dire for millions of people around the globe,"
EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen said.
The EU Commission president warns the new tariffs by
the US will be a major blow to the world economy.
The German Economic Institute (IW) estimated
that the tariffs ------- will wipe 750 billion euros
($833.63 billion) from the region's economy.
Germany’s Minister of the Economy, Robert Habeck,
suggested closer economic ties with Canada and
Mexico, which are considered the US’s biggest
trade partners, and have not been subjected
to the tariffs.
"Opportunities for new alliances are emerging
that we should use determinedly and
decisively," he said.
Trump has already harassed NATO allies ---
with demands for higher defense spending.
South Korea, Mexico, India, and several other US
trading partners said they would hold off for now
...as they seek concessions before the targeted
tariffs take effect on April 9.
Mexican officials said they would
continue negotiations with the
Trump administration.
Canada has said it needs to overhaul its economy
to be less dependent on the US and has vowed
to retaliate against Trump's tariffs.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday
he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
about furthering trade ties.
"As we face the crisis caused by President Trump’s
tariffs, reliable trade partners are more important
than ever," he said on social media.
Trump - also slapped a 24% tariff on Japan, and a 25%
tariff on South Korea, both home to major US military
bases. He also hit Taiwan ---- with a 32% tariff.
Reports indicate: that the tariffs set by Trump’s
administration are the highest in more than a
century, making imports to the world’s
largest consumer market now face
an average duty of 22.5%, up
from 2.5% last year.
The so-called “reciprocal tariffs” have sparked major
turbulence across the world, marking the end of an
era of trade liberalization ----- that has shaped the
global order, for decades.
The US president ----- claims the move is a response to
barriers put on US goods, although his list of targets
includes allies, uninhabited Antarctic islands,
and impoverished countries in Africa.
His administration says the tariffs will create
manufacturing jobs at home --- and open up
export markets abroad, although officials
cautioned......... it would take time to
see results.
Economists assess that the tariffs could reignite
inflation, raise the risk of a US recession, and
boost costs for the average US family ----- by
thousands of dollars ---- a potential liability
for a president who promised US citizens
he would reduce the cost of living.
_______________________________________
China denounces US-originated
cyber attacks on sports event
April 3rd, 2:22pm
(Prensa Latina)
China denounced cyber-attacks against the computer
systems of the Asian Winter Games 2025 and other
key infrastructures of Heilongjiang province,
mainly from the United States.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiajun, expounded on a relevant release from the National
Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre and
the National Engineering Laboratory for
Computer Virus Prevention.
According to the document, during the sporting
event in Harbin, last February 7-14, cyber
attacks were detected, mainly coming
from the US and other foreign actors.
The report also spoke of --- high suspicions of US
government involvement behind these activities.
Guo expressed China’s concern about these actions
and added that the document shows - again - that
China is one of the main targets of cyber-
attacks worldwide.
The spokesman urged Washington to take
a responsible stance - and reflect on its
own actions.
“We hope the US will focus on correcting its
mistakes instead of spreading slander and
misinformation,” he said.
____________________________________________
Trump - Declares ‘Liberation Day’
as he Imposes Sweeping Tariffs
Worldwide
April 3rd, 9:01am
(al Manar)
In a move that risks igniting a global trade war, US
President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled
sweeping tariffs, branding the decision as
“Liberation Day” for US industry.
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump claimed the US had been “looted, pillaged, raped
and plundered, by nations near and far, both
friend and foe alike.” He then signed an
executive order to impose “reciprocal
tariffs on countries throughout the
world” based on how they treat
the US.
“This is Liberation Day,” Trump proclaimed, adding that
it would “forever be remembered as the day American
industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny
was reclaimed.”
The tariffs, which the White House says are driven by a
“national emergency” over persistent trade deficits,
will take effect this weekend, with higher rates on the “worst offenders” scheduled to follow next week.
Trump directed some of the steepest tariffs at China (34%), the EU (20%), and Japan (24%), though he
claimed he was being “very kind” by only
imposing half the amount that those
countries tax US exports.
The move, which Trump has been signaling for weeks,
is aimed at protecting US industry and ushering in a
new “Golden Age.” However many economists warn
the tariffs could push the US into recession as costs trickle down to consumers .......... and global trade tensions escalate.
The announcement --- sent the dollar falling 1% against
the euro and other major currencies. It also prompted
an immediate backlash --- with the EU pledging to
respond --- “before the end of April”, and the UK
warning a “trade war is in nobody’s interest.”
Despite the criticism -- Trump remained steadfast,
insisting that tariffs are the solution to US’ trade
imbalances and economic struggles. But critics
argue that US businesses and consumers will
ultimately bear the cost.
Source: Agencies (edited and
translated by Al-Manar
English Website)
___________________________________________
Rada DEPUTY Dubinsky:
Zelensky will disappear
from politics in 120 days
April 2nd, 9:06pm
(RT.ru)
There are 120 days left before the disappearance of
Volodymyr Zelensky from politics, said Verkhovna
Rada deputy Alexander Dubinsky.
"I believe that Zelensky will disappear from the
political system of Ukraine within (maximum)
120 days," he wrote on Telegram.
Earlier, the Associated Press reported that Western
officials expressed ''concern'' about Zelensky's
unwillingness to hold elections in Ukraine.
________________________________________________
Danish PM Frederiksen Slashes
U.S. Bid for Greater Influence
in Greenland
April 2nd, 2:32pm
(teleSUR)
When Greenland is in a difficult situation, Denmark and
Europe ----- are also in a difficult situation, she said.
On Wednesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
emphasized that Greenland should not be taken over
by the United States, amid growing geopolitical
attention on the Arctic region.
Speaking during her visit to Greenland, Frederiksen said the
primary purpose of her trip ----- is to discuss the foreign and
security policy situation and how Denmark and Greenland
can jointly respond ------ to what she called
“a very difficult task.”
“The USA must not take over Greenland. Greenland
belongs to the Greenlanders,” she said, adding
that a unified message would be delivered
in the coming days.
Frederiksen made the remarks alongside outgoing
Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede and the
incoming leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, amid
the leadership transition, in Greenland’s
autonomous government.
The Danish prime minister also stressed the importance
of unity between Greenland, Denmark, and Europe
in the face of external pressure.
“We need to stand together ------- in this very difficult time
Greenland is facing. And when Greenland is in a difficult
situation, the Kingdom of Denmark - and Europe - are
also in a difficult situation,” she said.
“It is clear that, with the pressure coming from the
Americans on Greenland in terms of sovereignty,
borders, and the future, we ------ must stand
together,” the prime minister added.
US already trying to estimate cost
of owning Greenland – WaPo
Officials are reportedly in the midst of the most material
discussions yet, considered to offer the island a better
deal than it has with Denmark, which subsidizes it
for about $600 million every year
pic.twitter.com/KYAjlbxUtE
— RT (@RT_com) April 2, 2025
Frederiksen’s visit, which runs from April 2nd to the 4th, comes shortly after U.S. Vice President JD Vance and
a US delegation.... last Friday, visited Pituffik Space
Base in northwest Greenland — formerly known as
Thule Base —— where Vance criticized Denmark
for not doing enough for security in the Arctic or
for the well-being of the Greenlandic people.
Just hours ahead of the visit by Vance, Greenland
announced the formation.. of a new autonomous
government. Four political parties, representing
23 of the 31 seats in Greenland’s parliament,
signed a coalition agreement to establish a
new government. Jens-Frederik Nielsen,
chairman of the Democratic Party, will serve as prime minister.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral
part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was
granted home rule in 1979, expanding its
autonomy, although Denmark retains
control over foreign affairs
and defense.
______________________________
Lukashenko sends Belarus-Russia
Unity Day greetings to Putin
April 2nd, 10:05am
(BelTA)
Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union
State, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko
has congratulated President of Russia Vladimir
Putin - on the Day of Unity of the Peoples of
Belarus and Russia, BelTA learned, from the press service of the
Belarusian leader.
“The integration project of our countries has contributed to
amassing invaluable experience in various areas of state
building, untapping the enormous potential of the
Belarusian and Russian economies -- developing
tools that allow us to jointly solve a wide range
of problems of any complexity,” the message
of congratulations reads.
The president noted --- that consistent efforts to ensure
security, equal rights of citizens, and the progressive
increase..... in trade, economic and investment
cooperation, have helped shield the Union
State against external threats.
“I am convinced that an intensive political dialogue, close
intergovernmental and ministry-to-ministry cooperation
will continue to facilitate the effective implementation
of the documents adopted by the Supreme State
Council ----- in the interests of Belarusians
and Russians,” President Aleksandr
Lukashenko emphasized.
The Belarusian president... also sent Unity Day greetings
to Prime Minister of Russia, Chairman of the Council of
Ministers of the Union State Mikhail Mishustin, Chair
of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly
of Russia Valentina Matviyenko, Chairman of the
State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia,
Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Union State Vyacheslav Volodin.... and
Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, Kirill.
___________________________________________
"Rejection --of hostile policies and
block thinking": Zakharova spoke
on the development of Russia's
dialogue --- with Eurasia
by Alina Kochneva
April 1st, 11:33pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Zakharova: Russia is engaged in a dialogue ------- on
strengthening security with partners from Eurasia.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
reported on Moscow's contacts with partners on the
Eurasian continent. The Russian Federation.. is
conducting a dialogue with the members of
BRICS, SCO, CSTO, CIS ....and other
communities, Izvestia reports.
Moscow aims... to communicate with its partners in the
framework of strengthening security. Maria Zakharova
noted --- that Russian representatives pay special
attention to cooperation with BRICS, whose
members are located in Eurasia.
"Russia will welcome joining the process of continent-wide
cooperationand the countries of the European part of the
continent---- provided that they abandon hostile policies
and block thinking," the official representative of the
Russian Foreign Ministry, summed up.
_____________________________________
Medvedev posted a meme --- with
Zelensky and the head of the EC
April 1st, 1:47pm
(RT.ru)
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry
Medvedev, posted on the social network X a meme with
Vladimir Zelensky and head of the EU Commission..
Ursula von der Leyen.
"European elites choose death," he
posted a picture with this caption.
In the image, Zelensky asks von der Leyen
....if he is still loved in Europe.
"No, we have fallen in love with EU citizens again,"
the head of the EU Commission, who is depicted
with the face of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler,
replies to him, adding... that it was an
April Fool's joke, and, in fact, only
Zelensky is loved in the EU.
Irish journalist Chay Bose said earlier that Ursula
von der Leyen allocated money to Zelensky ----
without asking.
____________________________________
Vietnamese market opening
confirmed for Brazilian beef
Brasilia, April 1st, 1:43pm
(Prensa Latina)
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, announced on Friday,
the opening of the Vietnamese market to beef produced
in Brazil, a decision highlighted by the repercussions
of his visit to the Asian country, official sources
confirmed today.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the decision came, after a series of meetings with leaders of
the four pillars of the Vietnamese political system: President
Luong Cuong, National Assembly Speaker Tran Thanh Man,
Communist Party Secretary General Tô Lâm, and Prime
Minister Pham Minh Chính.
“We have met with the president, the president of the
Assembly, and the party secretary general, but the
meeting we had now was with the prime minister.
And what --- was the joy? After trying for many
years.. the prime minister announced that
he will finally purchase Brazilian beef for
the Vietnamese market,” Lula declared.
In a video posted on his social media, he commented that
this is “extraordinary news, & I think it’s very important
for Vietnam, and it’s very important for Brazil,” and
emphasized that his country had been trying to
adopt such a measure ---- for 20 years.
“I think what generated this acceptance was the presence
of the President of the Senate (Davi Alcolumbre) and the
President of the Chamber (of Deputies, Hugo Motta),
who demonstrated the strength of the friendship
we want to have with Vietnam,” he added.
The two heads of the legislative branch -- were part of the
official Brazilian delegation on the state visit to Vietnam,
which also includes ministers, parliamentarians, and
business leaders.
Previously, in his official statement to the press... after the
initial meetings and the signing of the Action Plan for the
Implementation of the Strategic Partnership with
Vietnam for the period 2025-2030, Lula
applauded the potential of selling
Brazilian animal protein
to Hanoi.
He also called for Vietnam to become a distribution hub for
the countries of the so-called ASEAN, a regional bloc of 10
Southeast Asian nations ------- with a population of nearly
700 million.
In the video, Lula also highlighted - that the negotiation
agenda with Vietnam includes talks to try to introduce
EMBRAER regional aircraft to the Asian market.
The E190 series aircraft, with a capacity for just over 100
passengers, are considered versatile..... for quick and
short trips, well-suited to the region’s geography.
Seventeen years after Lula’s first visit to Vietnam, there has
been a sharp increase in trade between the two countries.
It rose from $534 million in 2008 to $7.7 billion in 2024,
a record high in the historical record, with a positive
Brazilian balance of $405 million.
_________________________________
Mishustin: sanctions did not prevent
Russia from leading the global
energy markets
April 1st, 1:18pm
(RT.ru)
Despite the sanctions, Russia retains a leading position
in the global energy markets, Russian Prime Minister
Mikhail Mishustin said.
"Despite the sanctions, Russia retains a leading position
in the global energy markets," TASS quoted him as
saying at the strategic session on the
development of the oil and coal
industry until 2050.
According to the Prime Minister, Russia is actively
expanding logistics routes to friendly countries.
Mishustin also recalled that since the beginning of 2025,
the national project "Nuclear Energy Technologies" has
been launched, which is aimed at supporting the
development and implementation of advanced
domestic and modern solutions
and technologies.
This, as the Prime Minister said, will allow companies
to modernize their production facilities ---- faster.
Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin
earlier told RT that Moscow is ready to
compete in the energy market,
despite the sanctions.
____________________________________
Putinand Xi To Celebrate
the 80th Anniversary of
the VictoryOver the
Nazis in Moscow
April 1st, 11:05am
(teleSUR)
On May 9th, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese
President Xi Jinping, will jointly celebrate in Moscow
the 80th anniversary of the victory over
Nazi Germany.
The head of the Kremlin announced this.. while receiving
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the Russian capital.
Wang began a three-day visit to the country on Monday.
“I would like to ask you to convey my greetings to the leader
of the People’s Republic of China, my dear friend Xi. We are
expecting him in Moscow, for the 80th anniversary of the
Great Patriotic War… We will celebrate the victory over
Nazi Germany and militarist Japan,” Putin said,
emphasizing that President Xi will be
the main guest.
“I am convinced that the upcoming visit of the leader to
Russia, as well as your visit to China, will give new
momentum to the development of bilateral
relations,” Wang told Putin.
Earlier, Wang met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov, who stressed that it is “Moscow and Beijing’s
responsibility to maintain close coordination on
the international stage.”
“The cooperation between China and Russia is not directed
against third countries and is not subject to external
interference. Our friendship.. is not situational,
but enduring,” Wang said - highlighting that
the preparations for President Xi’s visit to
Russia, are progressing successfully.
“Surely, most countries see this as the most important
stabilizing factor, in these difficult times, of global
political development,” Lavrov said, at the
beginning of the meeting.
Russia expects several leaders from Asia, Africa,
Latin America, and the post-Soviet space ---- to
attend the parade in Red Square, although
Western leaders are unlikely to be
among them.
_____________________________
In Birmingham, 17 thousand tons of waste
has accumulated on the streets due to the strike by bin men
March 31st, 9:24pm
(Izvestia.ru)
In the British city of Birmingham, thousands of tons of
waste have accumulated on the streets of the city due to a strike by bin men, which no one is cleaning up.
This was reported on March 31 by The
Birmingham Mail (BM) newspaper.
Birmingham City Council this afternoon declared a "major
incident" in the city, saying the strike by binmen poses a risk to public health and the environment.
It is specified that the volume of accumulated waste is
17 thousand tons. The newspaper reports that this
amount of garbage now "clogs the pavements
and causes an unpleasant smell, as well
as swarms with rats and larvae."
______________________________________
Orban: The EU is not evolving ........but decaying
by Vladislav Shablovsky
March 31st, 7:38pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The EU is indeed facing a "Darwinian moment", but in
this case we need to talk not about evolution, but
about the decomposition of the organization.
Such a statement on the social network X (formerly
Twitter; banned in Russia) -- was made by Viktor
Orban, the head of the Hungarian government.
"The Financial Times is right about one thing: Europe
is experiencing a Darwinian moment. They want to
transform the EU from a peaceful project into a
military one. This --- is not evolution, this is
decomposition," the Hungarian Prime
Minister said, stressing --- that
Budapest is obliged to fight
this --- at all costs.
Earlier, the Financial Times said that the EU is going
to increase pressure on Budapest because of
dissatisfaction with its policies, which
allegedly harms the organization.
According to the newspaper, a "Darwinian moment" is
coming for the EU, when the organization will either
adapt... or deserve a short life.
__________________________
Viktor Medvedchuk: Ukraine needs
external governance under the
auspices of the UN
by Yuri Kogalov
March 31st, 7:27pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The introduction of an external temporary administration
in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN as proposed by
Russian President Vladimir Putin, can give a chance
to save the Ukrainian people, and restore peace
and stability.
This position was expressed by Viktor Medvedchuk,
chairman of the Council of the Other Ukraine
movement, in an article published on the
website smotrim.ru.
In his opinion, Ukraine needs such management,
even if it does not suit Vladimir Zelensky.
Medvedchuk recalled how he came to power in 2019,
promising his fellow citizens "to be the president of
peace", and now --- "the meaning of his so-called
peace plans, is to continue to fight to the last
Ukrainian". At that time, Ukraine was tired
of the former corrupt politicians, and
Zelensky had the opportunity - to
change the existing system in
the country, to play by his
own rules.
"But he chose to hand over running the country, portraying and playing.. the role of president. Pretending, but in reality --- doing nothing. He and his gang simply reached the trough, and ---- in holding these positions and "mastering" the means of helping the country ------ they really achieved tangible success for themselves," Medvedchuk said.
Now Ukraine needs even more changes, but this is
possible... only with a change of government, the
politician is sure. In the current situation, when
any elections are excluded in the country,
"only another coup d'etat is possible --
which will not bring anything good
to the Ukrainian people."
The introduction of external management will help to find
a way out of this impasse. The UN -- has the opportunity
in emergency situations to deal with the restoration of
legitimate authorities and the rule of law, conduct
democratic elections, and ensure the rights and
freedoms of citizens. This is provided for in
several articles of the UN Charter, in
particular Articles 39, 41 and 42 of
Chapter VII. And the UN Security
Council has repeatedly resorted
to them.
Russia, the United States and other countries ----
may form a temporary administration for Ukraine
According to Medvedchuk, Russia, the United States and
other countries can conclude an agreement and form a
temporary administration for Ukraine.
"International practice --- and the specifics of the situation
in Ukraine ---- are the basis for such an administration to
include civil and military components on a parity basis,
and will be endowed with all presidential, legislative
and executive powers, powers of local self -
government bodies, as well as powers in
the field of administration of justice,"
he said.
As Medvedchuk emphasized, from the moment the
agreement on the formation of the interim
administration comes into force --- the
fighting should end... and the current
authorities of Ukraine, starting with
the government and parliament ----
& ending with local government
bodies --- should cease
their activities.
The interim Administration, will be tasked with preparing
the conditions for holding fair and democratic elections.
Without external governance according to Medvedchuk such elections will simply be.. impossible. This means
that it will be impossible to restore the rule of law,
ensure law and order in the country, and develop
and adopt a new constitution of Ukraine.
"As part of a set of measures to ensure law and order,
a lustration committee can be created, to purge the
authorities in order to prevent participation in the
management of state affairs of persons who, by
their decisions, contributed to the usurpation
of power by Zelensky or were involved in
illegal violations of human rights and
freedoms, or participated in the
activities of organizations
of a national-radical Nazi
nature --- it is necessary
to ban and eradicate it,"
Medvedchuk suggests.
The interim administration will also face the task of
restoring the rights of citizens to worship -- ending
repressions against the only canonical Ukrainian
Orthodox Church, and protecting the freedom to
use the Russian language - in all spheres and
state institutions, which, by the way, is still
spelled out in the Ukrainian constitution.
In addition, it is required to create conditions for
the restoration of territories, attract financial
resources for this purpose by establishing a
free economic zone, and create clear and
understandable rules for business.
The interim administration should be abolished after the
elections of the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna
Rada, local self-government bodies are held and
such elections are recognized as democratic,
as well as... after the adoption of a new
constitution that proclaims Ukraine
as a sovereign, independent and
neutral state.
As Medvedchuk emphasized, the above measures
will allow the restoring of Ukrainian statehood.
He expressed confidence that a reset of the
Ukrainian government is "an inevitable
process." But ---- the existence of Ukrainian statehood,
is in question.
"Today, Zelensky's state of Ukraine is already in a state
of clinical death, and only decisive and professional
measures can save it," Medvedchuk is sure.
_________________________________
The Trump administration has fired hundreds
of employees of the US Institute of Peace
by Pavel Khrushchev
March 29th, 9:47pm
(Gazeta.ru)
The U.S. Government's Office for Performance
Improvement (DOGE) conducted mass layoffs
at the headquarters of the U.S. Institute of
Peace. This was reported by The
Washington Post (WP),
citing sources.
According to the publication, from 200 to 300 employees
received notifications about the reduction. Some were
offered severance payments ----- or extended health
insurance in exchange for refusing to appeal their
dismissal. In total, the Institute employs about
600 people and has branches in Ukraine, the
Philippines, and sub-Saharan Africa.
"This decision jeopardizes the institute's mission
to prevent conflicts," said one employee,
who requested anonymity.
Officially, the organization is engaged in promoting
peaceful settlements... and in crisis prevention.
On March 22, The New York Times reported that
the US government had fired almost the entire
civil rights division of the Department of
Homeland Security.
Earlier, the Pentagon announced a reduction
in the number of civilian personnel.
________________________________
Anti-government demonstration
started in the centre of Tbilisi
by Alina Kochneva
March 29th, 3:50pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Demonstrators again took part in an anti-government rally
in Tbilisi. The protests have been going on for 122 days.
The action is taking place in the centre of the capital
city, in front of the Georgian Parliament building, the RIA Novosti correspondent reports.
The central Avenue named after Rustaveli was closed to
traffic. The anti-government demonstration takes place
without incident. Police officers work at the event.
________________________________________
Guterres: UN considers Ukrainian authorities legitimate
March 28th, 3:28pm (RT.ru)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the organization... sees the current Ukrainian authorities, as legitimate.
This is reported by RIA Novosti.
"There is a legitimate government in Ukraine, and
it is obvious that it must be respected," the UN
Secretary-General believes.
Earlier, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, expressed the
opinion that the interim administration in Ukraine under
the auspices of the UN and a number of countries
would allow holding democratic elections and
bringing to power - a capable government,
with which it would be possible to start
negotiations --- and sign legitimate
documents that are recognized
all over the world.
At the same time, Vladimir Zelensky said that the
elections in Ukraine will be held after the end
of the conflict and the lifting of martial law.
The representative of the National Security Council of the
White House, commenting on Putin's proposal, said that
power in Ukraine - is determined by the Constitution
and the people.
____________________________________
CubaInaugurates 21.8 Megawatt
Solar Park -----in Remedios
March 28th, 1:53pm
(teleSUR)
Currently --- the authorities are also building photovoltaic solar parks in Anton Diaz, Santo Domingo & Encrucijada.
On Friday, Cuba's President, Miguel Diaz-Canel,
Revolutionary Commander Ramiro Valdes,
and Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy
inaugurated “Remedios,” a photovoltaic
solar park (PSF) with a generation
capacity of 21.8 megawatts (MW)
in the province of Villa Clara.
Composed of 42,588 solar panels covering an area of 32
hectares, the Remedios PSF is one of the largest of its
kind in Cuba, featuring 7 inverters and 1,638 tables.
After completing testing protocols, this facility was
synchronized with the National Electric System
(SEN) on March the 16th.
The energy generated by this park can supply the
demand of the municipalities of Remedios and
Caibarien, said Villa Clara Governor Milaxys
Sanchez, who highlighted that the
Remedios PSF --- will allow for
savings of up to 8,000 tons
of oil annually.
Villa Clara will significantly increase its energy
generation capacity once all the parks in the
province, are completed.
Currently, Cuba's authorities are building the Santa Clara
Battle PSF in Anton Diaz, the Bermejal PSF in Santo
Domingo, and the Calabazar de Sagua PSF in
Encrucijada. Together, these clean energy
facilities will provide 2,000 MW to the
national energy system.
The text reads, “Three large photovoltaic parks already
inaugurated, five more in the remainder of March. Cuba
will definitely win! Tear down the blockade.” The text
inside the photo reads: “The sun cannot be blocked.”
The construction of the Remedios PSF began at the end
of April 2024 with land clearing, soil studies, and the
creation of temporary facilities. The Villa Clara
Electric Company assumed the project as
the main stakeholder.
On Thursday, Energy Minister De la O Levy stated that the
completion of six new photovoltaic parks is expected,
which will collectively provide 21.8 MW. These PSFs
are located in Granma, Artemisa, Villa Clara,
Holguin, Matanzas, and Ciego de Avila.
In February, the authorities had already put into operation
sites in Havana, Alcalde Mayor, Abreus, and Cienfuegos.
In this way, Cuba is advancing its goal of transitioning
toward the use of clean energy and the recovery of
the National Energy System.
This year, the incorporation of approximately 46
parks with a capacity of 21.8 MW, along with
others - corresponding to lower-capacity
programs - is planned. With this, Cuba
will add 1,200 MW to improve energy
demand coverage, nationally.
__________________________________
"Overdose again":Bulgarians ridiculed
Zelensky's statement about Putin
by Alexander Gatsak
March 27th, 6:19pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Viewers of one of Bulgaria's leading TV channels, bTV,
reacted en masse - and in a mocking form to the anti-
Russian statements of Ukrainian President Vladimir
Zelensky. Here are the most diplomatic comments
from citizens of the Balkan republic.... that have
collected the most likes.
"From the fact that you powder your nose, serious side
effects appear!", "The one who digs another's grave
falls into it himself", "Hallucinations appeared...
Again an overdose","Drugs are not forgiven to
anyone," users of social networks write,
under the publication of bTV.
"The drug addict sold out his people. Ukraine is finished",
"Have you... ever seen Putin scared? The only
person I see constantly scared is Zelensky",
"When you overdo it with some substances
and start looking to the future!", - the
Bulgarians expressed their opinion.
It should be noted that in Bulgaria, society remains
polarized on the issue of attitude towards Russia.
So... despite the pro-Western course of the state
authorities, a significant part of the population
still respects the common historical past of
Moscow and Sofia -- and supports the
normalization of dialogue with
the Russian Federation.
________________________________
Putin ---- announced plans to
develop mining in the Arctic
by Tatiana Zamakhina
March 27th, 5:45pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Russia intends to develop mineral extraction in the Arctic,
including the extraction of rare earth metals. This was
stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the
international Arctic forum "The Arctic - territory
of dialogue".
Russia will continue.. large-scale geological
exploration in the Arctic, the President said.
"The task --- is to use a powerful resource base to open
enterprises with deep processing of raw materials
in the Arctic regions," he explained. According
to him, it is necessary to create a production
facility, with high added value in oil and gas
chemistry, in the field of rare earth metals.
At the same time, Putin added, it is important
to preserve the unique nature of the Arctic.
In order to implement these projects, the Russian
authorities should develop additional tools to
support investment projects.. in the Arctic
- including tax incentives, administrative
preferences & other support measures.
Among other things, it is necessary to
support domestic shipbuilding and
ship repair enterprises.
The President also clarified: that Russia is ready
to implement projects in the Arctic with friendly
countries. However, in the future, cooperation
in this large-scale region is also possible with
Western countries, if they show an interest.
__________________________________
Putin praised Trump's idea to
annex Greenland to the US
by Tatiana Zamakhina
March 27th, 5:02pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his speech at the
International Arctic Forum, commented on the idea
of US President Donald Trump to join Greenland
to the United States. He urged to treat this
statement --- with all seriousness,
explaining that the plans have
"long, historical roots."
This is not just an extravagant statement, the president
believes. "It is deeply erroneous to believe that these
are some extravagant conversations of the new
American administration," he said.
"Nothing like that."
In fact, such plans of the United States of America
appeared a long time ago, Putin noted, adding
that the intentions previously concerned
Iceland, and not just Greenland. This
idea was not supported by the
US Congress.
This is the Russian leader, in particular, connected with
the fact that US newspapers at that time ridiculed the
purchase of Alaska, which was dubbed the "ice box".
In general, the proposals for Greenland failed then,
but today - views have changed - including on the
acquisition of Alaska.
"Therefore, there is nothing surprising in what is
happening today," Putin concluded. In short,
we are talking about serious plans on the
US side, in relation to the specified
territory, he believes.
At the same time, Putin drew attention to the fact that
this issue concerns two specific states - and "has
nothing to do with us."
But, at the same time, Russia, he added, is only
concerned about the fact that NATO countries
as a whole, are increasingly identifying the
Far North - "as a springboard for possible
conflicts --- and they are practicing the
use of troops in these conditions,
including by their new recruits -
Finland and Sweden."
The United States needs Greenland, to ensure both
national and international security --- and this is in
the interests of Denmark itself, the US president
said earlier. He stressed - that we are talking
about deterring threats - from countries
such as China and Russia.
_______________________________
The scandal over the cancellation of
the RT documentary show in Italy
has reached national TV
March 27th, 4:12pm
(RT.ru)
In Italy, the RT documentary was canceled... due to
accusations of alleged disinformation and Russian
propaganda. The scandal now, has reached
national television.
Initially, the conference dedicated to the Russian-
Ukrainian conflict was organized by Ugo Mattei,
a professor of law at the University of Turin.
There, journalist Vincenzo Lorusso was
supposed to present the RT film
"Maidan: a Turn to War".
It was planned that after that the documentary would
be discussed with a historian and a professor of
international law. During the discussion,
the students could understand for
themselves -- whether the film
is propaganda or not, Mattei
said on the La7 channel.
The rector of the university canceled the event.
Professor Mattei appealed to the court, which
ruled against him.
The Administrative Appeals Court said that RT is a body
that allegedly promotes disinformation and Russian
propaganda, and that the ban will not restrict
the rights of students who would like to
attend the screening.
On March 27, La7 even showed a report about the RT film
and the ban on its demonstration at the university.
Meanwhile, RT documentaries are being shown in
cinemas across Italy. The last show was held in
Udine with a full house - despite the attempts
of the Ukrainians to disrupt it. The next one
will be held on March 29 in Piacenza.
________________________________________
Hungary hopes that the United States will
accept an exception to sanctions for the
Paks-2 nuclear power plant
March 27th, 3:37pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Budapest hopes that Washington will soon introduce an
exemption from sanctions for the Paks-2 nuclear power
plant project, which is being worked on in cooperation
with Russia. This was announced on March 27 by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic
Relations of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto.
He called this project extremely important for the country
from the point of view of national energy security. At the
same time, the Hungarian Foreign Minister noted that
the decision is important from a strategic point
of view.
"Thanks to this investment.... we will be able to increase
the share of nuclear power in our electricity supply to
70%, which will allow us to remain competitive: we
will be able to provide reliable and safe electricity
supplies in Hungary at an affordable price in an
environmentally friendly way," Szijjarto said
in an interview with RIA Novosti.
The minister clarified that his colleagues from the United
States understood this. He stressed that Budapest has
started a legal procedure by sending a request to the
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which
deals with sanctions lists.
"I hope that this procedure will soon end with the
issuance of a general license (exemption from
sanctions. - Ed.) to the project. It would be
in our best interests," Szijjarto added.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said at
a working meeting with Szijjarto on March 26 that gas
supplies from Russia to Hungary... reached a record
8.6 billion cubic metres. m in 2024. He called this
result not only an indicator of a high degree of
coordination, but also a demonstration of a
common commitment to energy security.
Szijjarto, in turn, said that Budapest looks forward to
continuing cooperation with Moscow in the field of
energy, and noted that he appreciates the results
of bilateral cooperation.
_____________________________________
Colombia interested in
implementing Cuba’s
literacy program
March 27th, 3:19pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Colombian and Cuban Ministries of Education
are currently working to find opportunities to
implement the Cuban literacy program
"Yes, I Can", designed by specialists
from the island.
This was revealed in a statement released in Havana by
the Colombian Ministry, which reported on a visit by
some of its officials to Havana. They had the
opportunity to visit various educational
institutions --- with the goal of
replicating the strategies
presented to them.
The Colombian government delegation was led by the
Deputy Minister of Preschool, Basic, and Secondary
Education, Gloria Carrasco, along with the
Director of Quality, Solman Díaz.... and
the Deputy Director of Permanence,
Andrea Cely.
According to the statement, the officials learned firsthand
about the programs developed in Cuba to guarantee the
right to education for children, adolescents, youth,
and adults.
The agenda --- held between March 19 and 21, focused on
Cuba’s experience...... in early childhood care, inclusive
Among these policies are the dismantling of institutions
meant to uphold rights, the criminalization of social
protest, the repression of retirees, indiscriminate
reductions of the State... and the signing of an
agreement with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF).
The National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice
is a public holiday that commemorates the victims of
the military dictatorship, which established a brutal
regime known as the “National Reorganization
Process” on March 24, 1976, when the
military overthrew President
Isabel Peron.
From 1976 to 1983 ------- the regime carried out widespread
human rights violations, including forced disappearances,
torture, and killings. It is estimated that around 30,000
people were forcibly disappeared (desaparecidos),
many of whom were political opponents,
activists, students, and journalists.
Each year, March 24 serves to honour the memory of the
victims and promote awareness about human rights.
The day is marked by marches, events, and
educational activities organized by human
rights organizations, including the Mayo
Square’s Mothers and Grandmothers.
People demand justice - for the crimes committed during
the dictatorship and reaffirm the importance of “Never
Again,” a phrase symbolizing the commitment ------ to preventing future human rights abuses.
Established as an official holiday in 2002, this day is a
key part of Argentina’s ongoing efforts to confront its
past, ensure accountability, and uphold democracy
and human rights.
___________________________________________
A criminal case has been opened: over
the shelling of a 19th-century church
in the Kursk region.
March 24th, 1:44pm
(Yzvestia.ru)
A criminal case was opened on the fact of the shelling of
the Holy Trinity Church --- located in the city of Sudzha,
Kursk region. This was announced on March 24th by
the press service of the Main Military Investigation
Department of the Investigative Committee
(IC) of Russia.
"The Main Military Investigation Department of the
Investigative Committee of Russia opened a
criminal case: on the grounds of crimes
under paragraphs "a", "b" of Part 2 of
Article 205, Part 1 of Article 243 of
the Criminal Code of the Russian
Federation ("Terrorist act";
"Destruction or damage to
cultural heritage objects
(historical and cultural
monuments)")" ---- she
informed in the press
service of the dept.
The investigation found that --- in March 2025, militants of
the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) deliberately fired at
the Holy Trinity Church. This building is a cultural
heritage site. Due to the shelling the temple
was damaged and partially destroyed.
Upon the incident, as part of the investigative work,
the AFU military personnel who are related to the
crime - will be identified and brought to justice.
The UK recorded evidence of an attack by the Ukrainian
Armed Forces on a residential area in the Kursk region.
Earlier in the day, Izvestia published footage of a bell
ringing over Suja - for the first time since her release.
Each of the bells of the Holy Trinity Church was
rung by a teroborona fighter.... with the call
sign, Desnai.
______________________________________________
Senator Karasin: negotiations between
the Russian and US delegations in
Riyadh are coming to an end
by Maria Mamaeva
March 24th, 12:26pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Grigory Karasin said that Russia and the United States
...are completing negotiations that have been taking
place in Saudi Arabia for more than 11 hours, on
March 24, 2025.
Negotiations between the delegations of Russia and the
United States, which are taking place today, March 24,
in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, are coming to
an end. This was stated to RIA Novosti by the head
of the International Committee of the Federation
Council of the Russian Federation,
Grigory Karasin.
"We are completing the negotiations," the senator said.
Earlier, Karasin reported that negotiations between
Russia and the United States in Riyadh are in full
swing, and the delegations of the countries
continue to discuss the most serious
issues related to the situation in
the world.
Recall........ that negotiations between the Russian and
US delegations began in Saudi Arabia at about 10: 00
Moscow time on March 24, 2025.
The meeting of representatives is held in a closed format
and has been going on for more than 11 hours. The
Russian delegation to Riyadh, is headed by
Senator Georgy Karasin, and Adviser to
the Director of the Federal Security
Service --- Sergey Beseda.
__________________________________________
The British Armed Forces criticized Starmer
because of his words about sending
troops to Ukraine
March 24th, 1:18am
(Izvestia.ru)
Representatives of the Armed Forces of Great Britain
...perceive the words of the Prime Minister of the
kingdom Keir Starmer, about sending troops
to Ukraine as "political theatre"
and deception.
This was reported on March 23 by The Daily
Telegraph (DT), citing sources in the army.
"This is all political theatre. Starmer got ahead of himself,
talking about the troops on the ground. He didn't know
what he was talking about. That's why we hear less
about it now. But more often ---- there are words about fighters and ships. This will be easier to implement, for this you do not need to
be stationed in Ukraine," said a
source in the troops.
He also pointed out that an international force of
10 thousand people, would not be able to have
any "peacekeeping" impact and would even
be unable to defend themselves.
"How long will they stay there and for what
purpose? No one knows," he concluded.
At the same time, former British Defense Minister
Ben Wallace said earlier that the negotiations of
the "coalition of those who want" to send
troops to the territory of Ukraine, are
more like a "political technology
deception", since they do not
discuss "essential issues".
On March the 20th, the FT newspaper reported that
the countries of the so-called coalition of the
willing... decided to abandon the idea of
sending ground forces to Ukraine and
now want to focus on ensuring air
and sea security for Kiev.
On the same day, French President, Emmanuel Macron,
announced a summit of the coalition of willing parties
with the participation of Ukrainian ''President''
Volodymyr Zelensky... on March the 27th.
______________________________________
Times: UK ''considers'' sending
refugees to Balkan countries
March 22nd, 11:22pm
(RT.ru)
The United Kingdom is considering sending migrants who
have been denied asylum -------- to the Balkan countries.
"Under the plans under consideration, asylum seekers
who have been rejected can be sent to migration
centres in the Western Balkans ----- and other
third countries," The Times ''paper'' writes.
According to the article, we are talking about Albania,
Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as North
Macedonia. It is specified: that for each sent
migrant, London will have to pay to the
host countries.
The Telegraph previously reported.. that over a third
of Ukrainian refugees in Britain ''cannot'' find work.
It also became known that illegal immigrants in
the UK will not be able to apply for citizenship.
__________________________________
ABC: US deports 21 Venezuelan
migrantsto Guantanamo Bay
March 22nd, 11:04pm
(RT.ru)
US authorities have deported a group of 21 Venezuelan migrants to the Guantanamo Bay military base.
According to ABC News, they were suspected of having
links with the largest Latin American criminal group
Tren de Aragua.
At the same time, it is clarified that the US authorities
did not provide evidence that the deportees are
really connected with the specified gang.
The Washington Post previously wrote that illegal
migrants from the United States were trapped in
a "black hole" in Guantanamo.
The Associated Press also reported that the
Pentagon plans to halve the number of
troops at the Guantanamo base.
____________________________________
Ministry of Energy: Mongolia approves
Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline project
March 21st, 6:12pm
(RT.ru)
The project for the construction of the Soyuz Vostok gas
pipeline...... which will be a continuation of the Power of
Siberia 2 gas pipeline, has been approved by Mongolia.
According to the press service of the Russian Ministry of
Energy, the republic is completing an environmental
assessment of the project.
"The construction of the gas pipeline ----- will give an
additional impetus to long-term Russian-Mongolian
cooperation," the ministry said.
In October 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin
expressed hope for a good pace of construction
of a gas pipeline through Mongolia to China.
___________________________________
Prince William took a tank ride
--- near the border with Russia
by Anton Pokhilyak (editor of
Operational Information Dept)
March 21st, 5:55pm
(Lenta.ru)
Prince William arrived on the morning of March 21 at the
Tapa military base in Estonia, where NATO troops are
stationed..... including from the UK. The heir to the
British throne took part in the exercise CABRIT.
The 42-year-old putative Prince of Wales, put on a combat uniform, and a beret, as well as a protective helmet and glasses - and rode first on a British Challenger 2 tank --- and then transferred to a Warrior infantry fighting vehicle.
It is noted that this base is located, just
150 kilometres from the Russian border.
On his official Twitter account, William said he was proud
to be "the commander-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment,
which is taking over the baton from the Royal Guards in Estonia... for Operation CABRIT."
"Their work, together with our Estonian partners and NATO
allies strengthens the defense of Europe's eastern flank,"
the Prince said, thanking the Estonians for the reception.
William took part in a positional warfare exercise in which
Allied forces fired on ''enemy positions'', the Daily Mail
notes. On the BMP Warrior, he arrived at the place
where soldiers found and penetrated the trench
of a simulated enemy, and then captured them.
At the same time, it is noted, that his car was
the last of the three - at the time of William's
arrival... the soldiers were already firing
machine guns. The heir himself, was
sitting in the BMP command tower
...to observe the exercises.
After that - the son of Princess Diana - was given the
opportunity to control the Archer - a mobile artillery
installation and one of a next-generation wheeled
artillery systems used by the British army.
At the base, the heir to the British throne also went to the
dining room.. played billiards and table football with the soldiers, the footage of which.. was also published in
his account. In addition, he promised to provide one
of the British military with a refrigerator, having
learned that it was not enough.... and asked if
there was a toaster on the base --- admitting
that he is ''very fond'' of toast with cheese.
William said that the proximity of Russia
creates a sense of a real "operational
situation"
An aide to the prince... said that he was happy to "get
his hands dirty", adding that the visit is intended to
"demonstrate Estonia's support at a time when it
is dangerously close to Russia, hosting NATO
troops and accepting Ukrainian refugees."
William, speaking to newcomers at the base, noted that
"the fact that the Russian border is only a few hundred
miles away really gives the impression that this is
more of an operational situation, and not just
an exercise."
And the Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph
considered that William's trip to Estonia, "sends a
strong signal to Putin." Dressed in combat gear,
and commanding an armed tank, Prince William
showed his support for British troops stationed
right on the border with Russia.
The MP -- urged William "not to
rattle weapons around Russia"
State Duma Dmitry Novikov, reacting to the visit
of William --- said that he should not rattle
weapons near the Russian borders.
"The prince --- who lives at the expense of his country's
taxpayers, would do better to take care of the image
of the state, which is noticeably damaged due to
the colonial policy pursued for many years,"
the MP urged.
''So far, when we hold forums with the countries of Asia,
Latin America and Africa, there are many accusations
against these gentlemen."
According to Novikov, demonstrating aggressive intentions
towards Russia is not in the interests of the British crown,
which should be engaged in solving more urgent tasks.
It is noteworthy that the day before, British Prime Minister
Keir Starmer and Defense Minister John Healy visited
the HMS Vanguard nuclear submarine off the
coast of Scotland.
According to Sky News..... the publication of details of the
visit and photos, apparently, was made in order to send a
signal to Russia ...that the UK remains a nuclear power.
Before that, Vanguard 204 days was on a sea patrol — one
of the longest for the British Navy. Sky News says that
such an outing has put a huge strain on submariners
and the ship -- "as problems with maintaining an
aging fleet make it difficult to replace boats
more quickly."
"The patrol of one of the nuclear submarines - which used
to last three months, in recent years had to be extended
due to long periods of maintenance and repair work on
other boats. The fleet has been in operation for much
longer than the 25-year period initially allotted to it
due to delays in the construction of four
replacement vessels," the TV
channel notes.
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.”
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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"
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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.
____________________________________
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).
________________________________
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.
