The Dutch government said on Sunday that it has made a "highly
exceptional" decision to intervene in Nexperia, a subsidiary of
Chinese company Wingtech, citing concerns that it could
"pose a risk to Dutch and European economic security."
On September 30, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs issued
an administrative order restricting the business decisions of
Nexperia and its affiliated entities, effectively depriving
Chinese shareholders of their normal control.
Wingtech subsequently issued a statement --- expressing a strong
protest against such discriminatory treatment targeting Chinese-
funded enterprises. It is obvious to anyone with clear judgment
that this is a serious harassment of a chip company controlled
by Chinese enterprises, by the Dutch government under the
pretext of a fabricated "national security" concern.
This series of actions attempts to seize the capital and
technological achievements that Chinese companies
have built up ----- over many years. And many have
described such actions as "21st-century piracy."
The BBC noted that the Dutch government's statement did not
detail why it considered the firm's operations risky, and the
report also hinted that the move was related to the US
Commerce Department's further tightening of
restrictions on China in September.
Additional commentary has issued warnings: the UK's Financial
Times bluntly stated that the move escalates frictions between
Western countries and China in the high-tech sector, while
media outlets such as Bloomberg of the US also warned
that this highly unusual action, would further worsen
China-EU tensions.
The Dutch government's actions against Nexperia, are extremely
egregious --- going far beyond normal commercial regulation and carrying blatant political coercion and discriminatory
overtones. Such a move... using unfounded so-called "security allegations", as a pretext to restrict the rights of legitimate shareholders, violates the principles -- of a market economy and fair
competition ---- and runs counter to the international trade rules that the EU has consistently advocated.
This not only harms the legitimate rights and interests of
Chinese companies, but also undermines international
investors' confidence in the EU market. This should
not be seen.... as a dispute between the Dutch
government - and a Chinese company - it is
a blatant trampling of international rules
by Netherlands, and the international
community - cannot tolerate such
predatory actions... disguised
under the cloak of law, or
security, against multi-
national enterprises.
Many observers believe that the US' extreme suppression of
Chinese enterprises and its over-securitization practices
---- have sparked widespread concern across the world,
while also providing a negative example and external
support for the Netherlands' recent intervention
in Nexperia.
In response, on Monday, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of
Foreign Affairs stressed that China opposes overstretching
the concept of national security and taking discriminatory
moves that target companies from certain countries, and
China is firmly resolved - in defending its own legitimate
and lawful rights and interests. The country's counter-
sanctions legal framework --- anchored in laws such as the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's
Republic of China -- provides strong protection
for the lawful rights of Chinese enterprises.
No party should underestimate China's
firm resolve and full capability to
defend its own interests.
In the early stages of capitalism, some countries relied on
violence and colonial plunder - to accumulate primitive
capital, even fostering within their own cultures the
misguided historical notion, that "plunder brings
wealth." In today's geopolitical context, the
Dutch government, under the pretext of
"supply chain security," has imposed
excessive interference on Chinese
enterprises, and then cloaked its
asset seizure, under a façade of
legality - a seamless sequence
of actions ------ that inevitably
evokes memories of certain
dark chapters..... in this
country's history.
It is no wonder that some have wryly observed that a few
Western countries now treat "national security" ...as a
privateering license, a reflection of "colonial genes"
awakening in the 21st century.
In fact ------ since Wingtech's acquisition of Nexperia... in 2019,
the company .....has maintained steady and sound operations,
contributing positively ---- to the Dutch economy. From the US
government's coercive measures to the Dutch government's "predatory intervention" -- the primary risks facing Chinese
enterprises today no longer stem from market competition
itself, but from certain foreign competitors who, failing to
gain an advantage through regular market means, resort
to commercial plunder against Chinese firms, under the
guise of national security.
The Nexperia case -------- exemplifies this trend vividly. As China's
technological and commercial strength continues to grow, such
"robbery in legal disguise" is likely to recur. As observers have
pointed out, China's scientific & technological progress has
profoundly ''shaken the nerves'' of Western hegemony. Both the Chinese government and its enterprises, must be fully prepared for this.
On Monday --- data released by China's General Administration of
Customs showed that China's exports in September, measured
in US dollars, rose 8.3 percent year-on-year, while imports
increased 7.4 percent year-on-year ---- both figures well
above external expectations. In addition -- exports of
industrial robots, in the first three quarters --- grew
54.9 percent --- and "new three" products as well
as green products such as electric locomotives
for railways ---- all posted double-digit growth.
Many analysts see this.... as a reflection of China's economic
resilience and an indication that amid the US' strengthened
protectionism.. China's trade and economic ties with the
world --- are becoming deeper. In today's complex and
turbulent international environment -- the choice for
the world is clear: either revert to the colonial-era
paths of protectionism & unilateralism, or forge
a new path of openness, inclusiveness, and
shared prosperity.
The Netherlands, needs to recognize the trend of history;
otherwise, it will only be lifting a rock.... to drop it on its
Trump --- ordered the payment of salaries to the US military despite the shutdown
by Maxim Makarychev
October 11th, 8:28pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to receive its pay, on
Wednesday, October 15th, despite the ongoing government
shutdown, which typically means that millions of federal
employees do not receive their salaries.
"I am using my authority as Commander-in-Chief ---- to order our
Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available resources
to pay our military on October 15. I will not allow the
Democrats to hold our military and the security of
our country hostage," the President of the US
wrote on his Truth Social platform.
In Congress, the stalemate continues for the tenth day:
Republicans and Democrats --- have been unable to
agree on a budget since October 1, leading to a
shutdown ...that has already resulted in the
dismissal of more than 700,000 federal
government employees.
__________________________________________
Díaz-Canel accuses the US ---- of lying
about a Cuban incursion into Ukraine
October 11th, 12:42pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, today, accused the
United States authorities of spreading lies about the island's
alleged incursion into the armed conflict between Ukraine
and Russia.
«We categorically reject - the mendacious accusations of the
US government regarding Cuba's alleged participation in the
conflict in Ukraine», he stated through the social network X.
«They have not and will not be able to provide any evidence to
support these unfounded accusations - to support their new
campaign against Cuba», added the head of state.
This Saturday, the Government of Cuba assured that it does not
participate in any way in the conflict in Ukraine - and accused
the United States authorities of defaming Cuba, in this regard.
According to a statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the
United States discloses «a slanderous accusation that began
in 2023 by some media outlets, without providing evidence
or foundation of any kind, and clearly fulfilling -------- an
entrusted service».
«Cuba is not part of the armed conflict in Ukraine, nor does it
participate with military personnel there, or in any other
country»,the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists.
___________________________________
Escalating..Peru Political Crisis:
7th President in 9 Years Ousted
Amid Turmoil
October 11th, 12:03pm
(teleSUR)
An in-depth look at the escalating Peru political crisis
after Dina Boluarte’s ouster, marking the 7th
presidential change in 9 years. Analysis
and context.
7th President in 9 Years Ousted Amid Turmoil
The Andean nation plunges deeper into chaos as Congress ousts
Dina Boluarte and inaugurates a successor accused of serious
crimes, highlighting a devastating cycle of instability.
LIMA, Peru – Peru has been plunged into a profound Peru political
crisis following the swift ousting of President Dina Boluarte by a
deeply unpopular Congress. The legislative body ------ which had
previously sustained her in power, acted with startling speed
to remove her through a vague “moral incapacity” motion, a
move critics call ----- a cynical tool of the political elite.
This abrupt transition of power marks the 7th presidential change
in just nine years, cementing a chronic cycle of ungovernability
that has left the nation reeling. The new successor, José Jerí,
is a politician with minimal popular support and a history of
serious allegations, including rape and corruption, further
eroding public trust in a system perceived as rotten to
its core.
The nation awoke to the news..... that Boluarte was no longer
president, a development that, while expected by some, has
plunged the country into a fresh wave of uncertainty. The
Congress, consistently ranked as the most despised
institution in the country, demonstrated the same
volatility with which it previously enabled
her government.
A Hypocritical Political Coup
The legislative body justified Boluarte’s removal by citing her
government’s failure to contain a severe security crisis that
has seen homicides soar and criminal gangs operate with
impunity. However, this same Congress was her chief
ally for three years, endorsing the very policies
it now claims to reject.
Analysts view the maneuver, as a transparent attempt by political
factions to salvage their public image ahead of general elections
scheduled in just six months. By distancing themselves from
Boluarte, whose approval rating had plummeted to an
historic low of 2%, they hope to avoid the electoral
backlash for the nation’s deep-seated problems.
Boluarte, who initially assumed the presidency ------ after the
controversial ouster and imprisonment of her predecessor,
Pedro Castillo, leaves a controversial and bloody legacy.
Her administration was marked by the brutal repression
of widespread protests, which resulted in the deaths
of at least 60 civilians.
Now stripped of presidential immunity, she faces multiple legal
battles. The Peruvian Attorney General’s Office - has filed two
preliminary measures to prevent her leaving the country.
These are linked to allegations of influence peddling to
benefit her plastic surgeon and a separate case
involving funds for a fugitive political ally.
A New Leader Mired in Allegations
Invested in an express ceremony, the former head of Congress,
José Jerí --- is now the nation’s president. At 38 years old, Jerí
possesses negligible political weight, having secured less
than 12,000 votes in the last elections. Yet ---- doubts
surrounding his integrity, are even more alarming.
Jerí has been publicly accused of rape ------ a case that was later
archived, and faces other corruption allegations. His credibility
suffered a further blow when it was revealed that he follows
dozens of pornographic accounts on Instagram... a
discovery that has sparked public outrage ...and
questions about his judgment.
During his inaugural address in Parliament, Jerí promised to
address the demands of the nation’s youth. However, his
word is already in question after he blatantly broke a
public promise. In an August interview with the
newspaper El Comercio, he explicitly stated
that he would “decline” the presidency if a
scenario for Boluarte’s removal arose —
a promise he has now forsaken.
Many local analysts perceive Jerí not as a true leader, but as
a puppet. He is widely believed to be controlled from the
shadows by powerful political operators, notably
Patricia Li, a figure herself questioned ----- for
complicity in tax fraud.
A Youthful Population Demands Real Change
While the political elite engages in a game of musical chairs with
the presidency, a powerful force is stirring on the streets. Peru’s
Generation Z has been leading protests for over a month,
demanding fundamental structural change and
expressing utter contempt for the entire
political class.
“We are already so used to political crises, to not having leaders,
but we are tired,” said Piero Meza, a 17-year-old university
student, outside Boluarte’s residence. “Now they remove
Dina and what happens? Nothing. We need everything
to change, we need an end to corrupt police, those
delinquents in uniform. Nothing makes sense -- if
we have no one to protect us.”
This sentiment.... reflects a deep and growing chasm between
Peru’s citizens and its ruling class. The youth are not merely
protesting over single president, but a system they view
as fundamentally broken and unresponsive.
The Vicious Cycle of Oligarchic Power
The current Peru political crisis cannot be understood in isolation.
With over 1,700 homicides recorded so far this year, the security
situation is dire. Yet, this is not an isolated failure but rather the
logical outcome of a long-standing neoliberal economic model
that perpetuates stark inequality ---------- and systematically
dismantles public services.
The final trigger for Boluarte’s downfall was a brazen attack
by gunmen - on a cumbia orchestra performing at a military
compound. This event severed the last thread of patience
holding her government together. However, the roots of
the crisis run much deeper.
Peru, a nation fabulously rich in natural resources, remains
desperately poor in social justice. This latest episode
demonstrates that the nation’s chronic instability is
a symptom of a rotten system. This system
prioritizes the interests of a rapacious
minority over the fundamental needs
of its people, creating a predictable
cycle of ........crisis, short-lived
governments, and public
disillusionment.
The broader geopolitical implications of Peru’s instability are
significant for Latin America. It contributes to a regional
pattern of democratic backsliding and institutional
weakness, where constitutional mechanisms are
weaponized for political vendettas rather than
serving the public good.
This constant state of flux undermines Peru’s ability to
act as a stable partner in international affairs --- and
fosters an environment where foreign investment
and long-term development projects become
increasingly risky.
_______________________________________
US Trade war escalation: Trump imposes
100% tariff - on imports from China U.S
October 11th, 9:50am
(teleSUR)
President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 100%
tariff on all imports from China starting Nov. 1, 2025, in
addition to the current 30% levies. With this, the
total rate rises to 130 percent.
President Donald Trump announced the decision on his Truth
Social platform, where he also indicated - the application of
export controls ---- to all critical software manufactured in
the United States to China, effective from the same date.
“Effective November 1, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any
other actions or changes taken by China), the United
States of America will impose a 100 percent Tariff
on China, on any Tariff they are currently paying,”
the White House Chief wrote.
Tensions have been escalating since Oct. 8, when the U.S.
Commerce Department added 16 Chinese companies to
its list of export-controlled entities, a move rejected
by Beijing.
A statement from the Asian giant’s Ministry of Commerce
describes Washington’s constant use of the concept of
national security as “exaggerated” adding -- it “has
abused export control measures and arbitrarily
exercised long-arm jurisdiction, imposing
high-impact sanctions ---- on multiple
entities, including Chinese ones”.
This measure “seriously undermines the legitimate rights and
interests of companies and alters the security and stability
of global industrial and supply chains,” the text states.
As of October 14, special port taxes applied by China to vessels
owned and operated by U.S. companies, organizations, and
individuals come into effect. The Ministry of Transport of
the Asian giant detailed, that the initial rates will be
400 yuan (about 56.3 dollars) per net ton, with
annual increases every April 17, for three
years, reaching 1,120 yuan in 2028.
The measure also affects entities with direct or indirect U.S.
participation of 25 percent or more -- as well as all U.S.-
flagged or U.S.-built vessels. For ships that dock at
multiple Chinese ports on one trip, the fees apply
only at the first port, with a maximum of five
trips per year.
The ministry justified the action as “a justified measure to
safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese
maritime companies.” in response to the additional
fees imposed by Washington on Chinese vessels
following a Section 301 investigation.
“The U.S. actions have seriously violated the relevant
international trade principles - and the China-U.S.
maritime transport agreement, causing serious
disruption to maritime trade between the two
countries,” the ministry noted, urging the
US to correct its wrong actions and
cease the crackdown on China’s
maritime industry.
Rare Earths: What the U.S. Needsand China Owns
The 100% levy demonstrates the Trump administration’s
dissatisfaction with Beijing’s decision to protect its
rare earths, the world’s largest reserve.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce --- included 14 foreign
organizations, mostly from the U.S. defense sector, on
its list: of untrustworthy entities. These include ----
Dedrone by Axon, AeroVironment, BAE Systems,
TechInsights, Elbit’s U.S. subsidiary, DZYNE
Technologies, Epirus, Exelis, and VSE
Corporation, as well as the Halifax
International Security Forum
in Canada.
These entities face prohibitions to carry out imports and exports
linked to China, make new investments in the Asian giant and
maintain transactions or cooperation with organizations in
that country, especially in data transmission or provision
of sensitive information.
The ministry argued that the measure seeks to “safeguard China’s
sovereignty, security and national development interests,” as the
sanctioned firms ------ “have maintained cooperation on military
technology with Taiwan, published malicious statements
about China, and helped foreign governments suppress
Chinese companies.”
“These actions have seriously damaged China’s national
sovereignty, security and development interests,” the
statement said. It stresses that the list includes only
a “very small number of foreign entities” that put
national security at risk.
“Foreign companies that act with integrity and comply with
the law have no cause for concern,” he adds, reaffirming
the commitment to a stable business environment for
global investors.
On Thursday, October 9, Beijing required special approvals for
overseas shipments of these items and permits for exports
of mining, smelting and recycling technologies, rejecting
applications for military goods.
After calling China “very hostile,” Trump suggested he will cancel
his meeting with President Xi Jinping, scheduled as part of the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in South Korea
in late October.
“I was due to meet with President Xi in two weeks, in APEC, in
South Korea, but now there seems to be no reason to do so,”
he said.
China, for its part, indicated that it will take all the necessary
measures to resolutely safeguard the rights of its entities, in a scenario of US aggression that could generate new fears ---- about the stability of the global economy.
_________________________
Reuters: Seven EU countries have
increased their energy imports
from Russia
October 10th, 10:19pm
(RT.ru)
According to Reuters, these countries are France, Belgium,
the Netherlands, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, and Hungary.
According to the agency, they have increased their
purchases of Russian energy resources in value
terms ...compared to last year.
It is noted that in France, for example, purchases of Russian
energy resources increased by 40% to €2.2 billion, and in
the Netherlands by 72% to €498 million.
The article states that US President Donald Trump has sharply
criticized European leaders, noting that they are buying oil
and gas from Russia while "at war with it."
Earlier, it was reported that the member states of the EU
overwhelmingly supported a ban on Russian gas and
oil imports... starting from January 2028.
Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma
Committee on Economic Policy, said that Russia is ready
Ukrainians who live in the country's major cities, especially
in Kyiv, should move to villages before winter, as Ukraine
may experience a total blackout. This was stated by
Mariana Bezuglaya, a member of the Verkhovna
Rada, on October 10.
"The winter will be long, and there will be a blackout. Stock up
and cooperate. The best option is to consider moving out of
the city for the fall (Autumn) and winter," Bezuglaya wrote
on her Telegram channel.
She noted that everyone should understand.... and adapt to their
environment on their own. She pointed out that everyone needs
their own life and comfort, as well as the comfort of their
loved ones.
Prior to that, on August 31, Bezuglaya also urged Ukrainians to
prepare for the approach of a harsh winter and the onset of a
blackout. The ExPro Daily Gas publication reported on May
28 that the cost of natural gas in Ukraine reached record
levels in two years... and amounted to 23,000 hryvnias
($553) per 1 cubic metre. It was specified, that this
was the highest figure since February 2023.
_______________________________________________
Trump announced --- that the US is ready to
impose higher tariffs on Chinese goods
October 10th, 4:05pm
(Izvestia.ru)
US President Donald Trump on October 10, announced the
readiness of the US to impose increased duties on goods
from China in response to Beijing's decision to limit the
export of rare-earth elements.
"One of the measures we are currently working on is a significant increase - in tariffs on Chinese products imported into the US of A. There are many other retaliatory measures ----- that are also being seriously considered," the US president wrote on the Truth Social, social media platform.
According to him, China is "holding the world hostage" by creating a monopoly in the market for magnets and other metals. He has promised to take financial measures.
On October 8, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
Kristalina Georgieva, said that the openness of the global
economy has been severely affected by US import tariffs,
but a global trade war has not yet occurred. According
to her forecasts, global public debt will exceed the
size of the entire global economy in 2029.
On October 9th, Trump highlighted the importance of tariffs to
strengthen the U.S. position. According to the US leader, the
tariffs he imposed have saved "millions of lives" of citizens.
______________________________________
CIS leaders ---- grant SCO observer status
October 10th, 11:52am
(Prensa Latina)
The leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
decided to grant the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
observer status in the CIS, the Kremlin website announced
today.
At the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS «the
decision on granting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
observer status in the Community of States was signed,»
says the note.
In total, 19 documents were initialed during the meeting at the
highest level in Tajikistan, the text adds. In particular ---- the organization's leaders established a new CEI plus format.
The concept of military cooperation in the context of the CIS until
2030 was also approved, just as they committed to strengthening
border security and cooperating in the fight against terrorism and
its financing, extremism, transnational crime, money laundering
and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Likewise, the heads of state signed an agreement to
collaborate in the field of regional energy security.
The CIS, founded in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union,
today includes ------- Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as
member states.
Georgia left the organization in 2009; Ukraine and Turkmenistan
legally maintain the status of state parties... to numerous
community agreements.
______________________________________
Putin arrives in Tajikistan
by Marina Sovina (night editor)
October 8th, 8:22pm
(Lenta.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Tajikistan.
The Russian President will be in Dushanbe, for the next
three days, according to TASS.
Putin arrived in the country on a state visit.... where he will meet
with the President of the Republic Emomali Rahmon. In addition,
the Russian leader will take part in the Russia-Central Asia
Summit and the meeting of the Council of Heads of State
of the CIS.
It is noted that President Rahmon personally met Putin at the
airport. The national flags of Russia and Tajikistan were
raised in honour of the guest, and an honour guard
was lined up.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian
and Azerbaijani presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev
will discuss bilateral relations between Russia and
Azerbaijan at the first bilateral meeting since the cooling of relations, on Thursday, October 9.
____________________________________________
Medvedev on his visit to North Korea:
Friends are together,enemies......
are tense
October 8th, 8:06pm
(RT.ru)
Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev
commented on his visit to North Korea with the phrase
"Friends are together. Enemies are tense."
"I have arrived for the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party
of Korea. Time is passing. Friends are together. Enemies
are tense," Dmitry Medvedev wrote on MAX.
In Pyongyang, he will participate in the celebrations
marking the anniversary of the founding of the
Workers' Party of Korea.
_____________________________________________
The Czech Prime Minister's candidate
refused to allocate budget funds for weapons for Ukraine
October 8th, 8:03pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Leader of the ANO movement - that won the parliamentary
elections ("Action of Dissatisfied Citizens") Andrej Babis'
candidate.... for the post of Prime Minister of the Czech
Republic, said on October 8, that the country will not
allocate "a single crown" from its budget - for the
purchase of weapons for Ukraine.
"We will not give Ukraine... a single crown for weapons.
We do not have money for the Czech Republic itself,"
the newspaper Denik quoted him as saying.
The politician also noted that the Czech Republic
contributes billions to the budget of the EU,
which is helping Ukraine.
The victory of ANO in the Czech elections - was announced
on October 4. It is noted that the country's outgoing Prime
Minister Petr Fiala --- congratulated the representatives
of ANO.
As Alexey Pushkov, Chairman of the Federation Council's
Information Policy Commission, later noted --- Hungary
may have a new ally in the EU --- following the victory
of the ANO political movement in the Czech Republic.
Donald Trump's Government suffered a second legal blow today
when a federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of
members of the National Guard from anywhere in the US
to Portland, Oregon.
The decision, issued on Sunday night, expanded on a more
limited ruling on Saturday ---- that prevented the federal
government from sending members of that armed
force - to Oregon's largest city.
Trump says the deployment is necessary to contain protests
at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility,
something the state and local authorities rejected.
Yesterday's hearing was urgently called after the authorities in
Oregon and California challenged in court Trump's decision to
reassign federalized members of the National Guard from Los
Angeles to Portland, which was seen as an apparent
attempt -------- to circumvent an order from the
previous day.
“There is no rebellion in Portland”, the two states warned in the
motion calling for expanding the provision, who clarified that
“there are no laws that defendants cannot enforce with
regular forces in Portland”.
Portland is one of several Democratic-ruled cities currently
targeted -- by Trump's aggressive policies. The president
called for the deployment of federal military personnel
in the context of his broader offensive..... against
undocumented immigrants.
During this Sunday's hearing, federal judge Karin Immergut -
appointed by Trump - pressured and interrupted lawyer and
deputy assistant secretary of the Department of Justice,
Eric Hamilton, on several occasions ----- expressing
frustration at what he described, as an obvious
attempt to get around his Saturday order.
His order Saturday blocked the sending of the Oregon National
Guard to Portland, based on his preliminary conclusion that
President Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by
federalizing the military.
The protests in Portland “did not represent a ‘danger of rebellion’”,
Immergut said, who last night reiterated that conditions had not
changed --- when the Trump Administration tried to mobilize
members of the California National Guard to the city.
While the deployment was being debated in court, protests and
counter-protests continued in areas near ICE headquarters in
south Portland and police reported two arrests -- raising the
number of detainees to 36 since June when the nighttime
demonstrations outside the building began.
The federal judge's order will be in effect until October 19, but
a hearing was scheduled on October 17 at which it could be
decided whether the edict would be extended for another
two weeks.
_________________________________________________
Chileans Denounce:Judicial Persecution
of the Communist Leader- Daniel Jadue
October 6th, 9:40am
(teleSUR)
The lawfare case against the Recoleta mayor threatens
democratic debate ---- and alternative public policies.
In an open letter, Chilean academics, intellectuals, and
artists raised the alarm -- over a judicial persecution
campaign against Daniel Jadue -- a member of the
Communist Party who has served multiple terms
as mayor of Recoleta, a commune within the
Santiago Metropolitan Region.
Among his most recognized initiatives is the creation of
municipal “People’s Pharmacies,” which aimed to
provide residents with affordable medicines.
He also helped to establish the Chilean
Association of Popular Pharmacies
(ACHIFARP) --- an initiative that
deeply angered ------ the large
pharmaceutical monopolies.
Since around 2021, Jadue has faced formal legal charges
related to ACHIFARP. The Prosecutor’s Office.... has
accused him of several offenses -------- including
bribery, embezzlement or mismanagement,
fraud, defrauding the treasury, and a
bankruptcy-related crime.
Much of the case focuses on allegations that during the
COVID-19 pandemic, ACHIFARP purchased large
quantities of medical supplies - some of which
were allegedly stored and unused, while
accumulating debts with suppliers.
In June 2024, Jadue was placed in preventive detention
as part of the investigation. A court later revoked the
measure, calling it “unjust and disproportionate,”
then replacing it ------- with house arrest and
travel restrictions.
As of early 2025, some charges have been adjusted: prosecutors
dropped certain mismanagement allegations but added others,
such as repeated fraud against the treasury. Jadue remains
under judicial precautionary measures ---- and has not
been convicted.
The letter, titled ------ “An Ethical Call to the Academic and Cultural
World,” argues... that the instrumentalization of the judicial system for political purposes not only targets an individual but seeks --- “to shut down the possibility of thinking, proposing, and implementing.... profound and transformative changes.”
It also criticizes President Gabriel Boric’s government, warning
that silence in the face of such events amounts to complicity
and paves the way for future persecutions. “When one
person is attacked and we remain silent, we open
the door for others to be attacked tomorrow,”
the letter states.
Jadue has spent 15 months in preventive detention ---- a period
described as excessive and marred by due process violations.
The case has unfolded amid intense media coverage and
political tension, reflected in the “suspicious
punctuality” of judicial rulings.
Recently, the Electoral Qualification Tribunal invalidated Jadue’s
parliamentary candidacy, a move the letter says shows the far
right’s intention ------ to eliminate a strong contender, ahead
of the November 16 elections.
“The goal is not to silence him, but to shut down the possibility of
change,” the letter declares, calling the case “an attack on the
very possibility of dissent, of imagining alternatives, or of
exercising citizenship.”
The signatories appeal to “those who cultivate words, thought, and
art” not to remain silent. Their warning is somber and evocative:
“Today they come for Daniel Jadue; tomorrow they will come for
others. And when no one is left to speak, it will be too late -we
already know that story ....all too well.”
The letter also defends Jadue’s political legacy ---- a model of local
governance focused on people’s well-being. From that perspective,
the judicial persecution is also seen as an attempt to “cancel”
alternative public policies that successfully challenged
Chile’s dominant neoliberal paradigms.
It concludes by calling for the construction of a society, based on
“truth and justice,” stressing that transformative proposals are a
“collective challenge” requiring a robust and plural democratic
space.... to flourish.
Signatories include architect Miguel Lawner; Inti-Illimani co-
founder Jorge Coulon; sociologist Maria Emilia Tijoux; and
Alvaro Ramis, rector of the Christian Humanism Academy
University. The letter was also signed by the Argentine
sociologist Atilio Boron and the Spanish journalist
"The number of protesters in the centre of the capital
has decreased significantly due to the organizers'
unclear plans. However, a small group remains
outside the parliament building," the
publication states.
Earlier, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
stressed that foreign agents are involved in
organizing the protests.
"This political force, a foreign agent,
will be completely neutralized,"
he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the
representatives of the intelligence
agency - will be deprived of the
opportunity to participate in
the republic's politics.
Kobakhidze held the EU ambassador
responsible - for the riots in Tbilisi.
At today's protest in Tbilisi, opposition supporters tried to
storm the presidential palace, and threw stones at the
police. 14 law enforcement officers were injured.
Also... the protesters in Tbilisi beat up an Imedi TV crew.
Kobakhidze called the rally outside the
presidential palace in Tbilisi -------
a criminal offense.
________________________________________
ANO is leading after the first results of
the Czech parliamentary elections
by Mark Leonov (Editor of
the Russia Department)
October 4th, 3:36pm
(Lenta.ru)
The ANO political movement (Action of dissatisfied citizens) is
leading after the first results of the parliamentary elections in
Czechia were announced.
It is emphasized that the vote count has only recently begun,
and the final results ---- will be announced in the evening.
The victory of the movement could lead to the post of the
country's Prime Minister being taken by Andrej Babis,
who is an opponent of the aid to Ukraine. In the EU
their bureaucrats fear this outcome of events.
At the moment, the Czech Republic is led by the centre- right alliance "Together", led by the country's Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who came to power in 2021.
His government has consistently advocated for military
assistance to Kyiv and an anti-Russian stance.
TASS has reported now, that Andrej Babis, after
being struck on the head by a metal object...
is currently being treated in hospital.
______________________________________
The new course of the Czech Republic.
Babis will refuse to help Ukraine
in favour of - the Czech people
by Lyubov Stepushova
October 3rd, 4:34pm
(Pravda.ru)
The Czech Republic is on the verge of change. The leader of
the polls, Andrej Babiš, and his party, are preparing to win
the parliamentary elections by offering voters the
option to cancel aid to Ukraine.
The Czech population is tired of helping Ukraine
Parliamentary elections have begun in the Czech Republic, which
will end on October 4. According to public opinion polls, the main
contender for victory is Andrei Babish's Anonymous Independent
Party (ANO), which has been consistently supported by about
30% of voters, for a year now.
Two-thirds of Czechs are dissatisfied with the current government
of Petr Fiala and believe that a change of course in politics is
necessary. The main complaints of the population are:
high rents and housing prices;
the highest energy prices;
rising food prices;
reduction of government benefits;
raising the retirement age.
The Czech Republic's GDP stagnated
in 2023 and grew by only 1% in 2024.
There is also a deep sense of fatigue and concern in Czech
society about the presence of Ukrainian refugees in the
country (350,000-370,000) and the huge amount of
public funds spent on them and on helping
Ukraine. According to polls, more than
65% of Czechs condemn the
government's policies
towards Ukraine.
Babiš promises to solve the problems
of the Czech Republic, not Ukraine
ANO is so popular because it offers solutions to Czech problems.
One of Babiš's mottos is efficiency. His personality also
represents economic growth for the Czech people,
as the country achieved significant success
under his previous premiership.
Babis's election promises include freezing energy prices,
reducing VAT and other taxes, increasing wages and
pensions, and setting the retirement age at 65
(currently 67). Babis strongly opposes the
EU's "green course" ------ and the
European migration pact.
Babis also promised to close the Czech program "one million
shells for Ukraine" and not to increase defense spending in
accordance with the new NATO goals. According to the
ANO's rhetoric, the country "sacrificed too much" for
Ukraine and it is time to focus on the problems of
the Czech people.
However, the ANO leader claims that he will not leave the EU
or NATO, but only restore national control over their projects.
The Czech Republic ----- will join Hungary
and Slovakia in the war against Brussels
According to the latest IPSOS poll, published at the end of
September, ANO will receive 32.6% of the vote, while the
current ruling coalition Spolu ("Together") Fiales will
receive about 21%. The right-wing radical party...
"Freedom and Direct Democracy" (SDP) - led by
Tomio Okamura (for leaving NATO and the EU),
may take third place with approximately 10-
13% of the vote. It is followed by "Mayors
and Independents" (Stan) and "Pirate
Party" (about 9-11%). It is expected
that.. the alliance of Communists
and Social Democrats "Enough" will barely pass the threshold of passing (7-8%); the same forthe "Motorists".
There is a possibility.... of a majority government
consisting of ANO-CDP-"Motorists", led by Babis.
One of the central elements of Fiala's government's election
program was the Russian threat, unlike Babiš, who did not
raise this issue at all. He will join Hungary and Slovakia in
defending national interests and forget about Ukraine,
undermining the "European solidarity" that has long
since disappeared.
_________________________________________
Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease
infects children ------------- in Guatemala
October 3rd, 12:57pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (Mspas) confirmed
an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in children in the
department of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, a local media
outlet reported today.
The majority of the 133 reported cases (117, 88 percent) are under
nine years of age, detailed the newspaper Publinews, based on
data provided by the head of that portfolio, Joaquín Barnoya.
In Santiago Sacatepéquez there are 27 infected, San Lucas (26),
The Foreign Minister of India, Subrahmanyan Jaishankar, today
advocated putting aside individualistic practices and making
international cooperation prevail, in the difficult times that
humanity is going through.
Speaking at the debate at the 80th session of the United Nations
General Assembly, Jaishankar stated that a world order
requires a common purpose, as well as empathy
for others.
“And that is where we look towards the
United Nations”, he pointed out.
The head of Indian diplomacy pointed out the need for
the reform of unilateralism, which he considered
evident --- given the current situation.
In that sense, he called for - the correction of historical injustice
with Africa and expressed India's willingness to take an active
stance in the face of the necessary changes.
“This new decade of the United Nations ------ must be one of
leadership and hope, we will do our part and even more”,
he said.
The Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs also reiterated the
importance of fighting terrorism, by condemning all its
manifestations --- and eliminating its financing.
In this regard, he referred to the recent attack in April in
Pahalgam and mentioned the subsequent New Delhi
operation in Pakistan against those he identified
as responsible for the attack.
The Indian Foreign Minister considered it essential to promote
understanding and respect, which, he said, will only be
possible when there is room for pluralism --- and
biases and double discourses..... end.
He referred to the imperative of taking into account the needs of
the Global South, and he mentioned the different initiatives
such as development and infrastructure projects that the
South Asian country has deployed.... in more than 70
countries and small states, mainly in the Indian
Ocean region.
Jaishankar also asked for the cessation of hostilities in the
world such as that of Ukraine and Gaza and ratified New
Delhi's position ---- of actively supporting any initiative
based on dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace.
He also expressed his Government's commitment to sharing its
endorsed experiences in terms of technological development
and electronic commerce such as the Unified Payment
System, UPI and its startup ecosystem.
Likewise, he explained India's approach to Artificial Intelligence,
which aims to use it responsibly based on human development.
Finally, he added that India is moving towards development based
on its own capabilities, with the doctrine of protecting itself
both inside and outside the country against terrorism,
and with self-confidence.
______________________________________
UN:Nuclear weapons and the
dangers of a growing threat
UN, September 26th
(Prensa Latina)
Nuclear weapons do not offer security, but rather a promise of
annihilation, the Secretary General of the United Nations
stated today, António Guterres, when warning about
the risks to humanity and peace.
______________________________________
Co-President Ortega Criticizes U.S.
Military Deployments in Latin
America, Calls Out Drug
Trafficking Pretext
September 26th, 1:21am
teleSUR)
Nicaragua’s co-presidents Daniel Ortega Saavedra and
Rosario Murillo, together with the National Police
leadership, presided over the 46th anniversary
ceremony of the police force, held at
Plaza La Fe in Managua.
In his remarks, Ortega turned to international affairs,
denouncing Israel’s actions—backed by the US and
European countries—as genocide against Palestine.
He also criticized the deployment of military forces in Latin
America, stating that the US uses drug trafficking as a
pretext to intervene in countries like Venezuela,
rich in oil. “The greatest drug consumption is
in the United States, and it is their
responsibility to control it,”
Ortega declared.
The president denounced the abuses against Latin American migrants in the US, rejecting their detention and deportation despite the essential work they perform.
“The Government of Nicaragua is receiving migrants - and they are welcomed with proper care - as brothers,” he said, stressing that the country offers new job opportunities.
Ortega also condemned the arrests of undocumented workers in
U.S. factories, highlighting their contribution as “hardworking
and humble people.”
The regional block, ALBA-TCP has rejected the
U.S. military deployment against Venezuela.
Yesterday, Venezuela called for a National
Civil Protection Drill --- in the face of
disasters and potential conflict.
The head of state urged those who have knowledge in first aid
to contribute to the day and called for a massive participation
by the population. “The prepared people -- are indestructible
people-- that is the slogan,” he said
________________________________________
Cuba expressed solidarity with Venezuela
in the face ofthreats of aggression
September 26th, 11:52am
(Prensa Latina)
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez today rejected the military
deployment of the US in the Caribbean and expressed
Cuba's solidarity with the Government and people
of Venezuela - before the current threats.
Our deepest solidarity with the Venezuelan Government and
people, victims of a dangerous act of provocation by the
US government, which seeks to justify military
aggression, said the head of Cuban
diplomacy at the VII Ministerial
Meeting ..of the Group of
Friends in Defense of
the Charter of the
United Nations.
Rodríguez rejected “categorically the growing US military
deployment in the Caribbean Sea --- which violates the
Proclamation of Latin America ..and the Caribbean
as a Zone of Peace, the Treaty of Tlatelolco for
the prohibition of nuclear weapons ---- in our
region, the Charter of the United Nations,
and International Law”.
He warned that it constitutes a direct threat to the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and that such deployment attempts
to justify military aggression ----- against that South
American country.
“This is the same government that, in crude complicity with
Israel,supports and participates in the genocide against
the Palestinian people, with his veto in the Security
Council and his financial and arms supplies”,
the minister stressed.
It is the regime that imposes an aggressive military and nuclear
doctrine on NATO so that it constitutes a threat on Russia's
borders - and attacked Iran's military facilities, although
protected by international safeguards, he added.
He expressed that close to commemorating the 80th anniversary
of the founding of the United Nations, “we are witnessing the
progressive erosion of its foundations, in an international
situation - in which tensions are increasing threats to
international peace and security”.
The Cuban leader argued that billion-dollar resources are wasted
in the arms race, unilateral coercive measures proliferate
against many of the States of this group and others,
and imperialist maneuvers against sovereign
States ---- increase.
“Respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and
International Law, and the defense of multilateralism are
essential in this complex scenario,resulting from the
obsolete, unjust and unequal international order”,
he emphasized.
Rodríguez stressed that the inclusion of Cuba in the unilateral
list of States that supposedly sponsor terrorism is an act of
aggression. “This measure reinforces the humanitarian
and economic impact of the blockade against Cuba
..which continues to arouse repudiation from the
international community, with the leadership
of this Group”, he pointed out.
The Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the world needs
a new international order, inclusive, plural and just, that promotes
peace, security, the dignity of the human being and social justice.
“An order founded on dialogue, cooperation and sovereign equality,
with full respect for the right of each people to choose their own
political and economic system, social and cultural, without
external interference”, he added.
Finally, he said that the Group of Friends of the Charter can
contribute to the construction of this new order and,
to do so, “we must keep our voice united”.
When opening the meeting, Foreign Minister Yván Gil warned
about the possibility... of US aggression against Venezuela,
which is being prepared “with increasing force, intensity
and more lies”.
______________________________________
The US is offering India cooperation.
What will they ask for in return?
by Oleg Artyukov
September 25th, 12:20am
(Pravda.ru)
US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced Washington's
intention to expand energy cooperation with India, focusing
on natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and joint projects in
oil, gas and clean fuels.
This gesture by Washington should be viewed in the context of a
broader set of pressure and incentive tools that the current U.S.
administration is using to influence the behaviour of foreign
partners regarding the supply of Russian oil.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, US President
Donald Trump directly pointed to China and India as countries
that continue to purchase Russian oil, criticizing them in
the process.
The practical form of pressure has been the doubling of tariffs on
a number of Indian goods, which came into effect on August 27
and have had a significant impact on India's export sectors,
particularly textiles, jewelry, footwear, and furniture.
However, the US administration has made exceptions for certain
strategically important categories, including pharmaceuticals,
electronics, and energy products.
This combination of public invitations to cooperate in high-tech and
capital-intensive sectors at the level of the Ministry of Energy and
the simultaneous use of customs barriers, looks like a classic
"carrot and stick" strategy.
The offer of joint projects in nuclear energy and LNG supplies gives
India an alternative to Russian energy resources and an economic
incentive to reorient. And high tariffs serve as a signal: price and
trade retribution will follow.... for continuing large purchases of
Russian oil.
However, the priorities of the United States and India differ sharply
in this regard. New Delhi motivates its purchases of Russian oil
with pragmatic considerations, such as access to significantly
cheaper raw materials, ensuring stable supplies for growing
demand, and benefiting from the utilization of its own
processing facilities, which has economic benefits
and supports fuel exports.
In addition, Russian-Indian energy and military cooperation, has a
long history and elements of interdependence: Moscow not only
supplies oil at discounted prices, but also discusses joint
projects for the extraction and processing of energy
resources, including the Arctic program and the
development of oil fields... which makes
cooperation with Russia part of India's
energy security strategy. These
factors make it difficult for
New Delhi to quickly
change its course
- in response to
US demands.
The political and strategic dimension is also important: India
traditionally adheres to the doctrine of strategic autonomy,
seeking to maintain room for maneuver between major
centres of power.
External pressure, even if backed up by economic incentives,
may trigger an internal Indian reaction aimed at defending
an independent course, especially if the proposed
alternatives are not sufficiently competitive
in terms of price or performance.
Experts note that it would be wrong from a realpolitik
perspective to expect New Delhi - to immediately
abandon its lucrative contracts for Russian oil.
The practical risks for both sides in this approach are obvious.
For India, this means reduced access to the world's largest
market, loss of revenue for export-oriented industries,
and increased costs for end-users and consumers.
For the United States, this is a loss of confidence in its policy
as consistent and predictable, while tariffs and threats do
not guarantee a complete shift in India's energy policy
and may encourage it to deepen its cooperation
with Russia and other partners.
___________________________________
Former British Ambassador Explains:
Why Escalators in UN Buildings
Are Disabled
September 24th, 10:01pm
(RT.ru)
The United States doesn't pay its bills, so the escalators in
the UN buildings have been disabled for the past couple
of years, and they're only activated for extremely
important individuals.
Former British Ambassador Craig Murray
spoke about this, on Rick Sanchez's
show on RT.
According to him, the organization has no money, and even
high-ranking diplomats ........usually have to walk up stairs.
"It's possible that someone is protesting, not so much against
Trump himself, but against the fact that only he is allowed to
use the escalator," the source said.
Yesterday, the US President, on his way to a speech at the UN
headquarters, faced the fact that the escalator stopped under
him. The special services...... have launched an investigation
into this matter.
_______________________________________
More than a million insulins
arrived in Venezuela
from Russia
September 24th, 4:15pm
(Prensa Latina)
More than one million 600 thousand doses of insulin from Russia, arrived in Venezuela today, as part of the agreements with the Eurasian country, the Ministry of Health reported.
The medicines arrived at the Simón Bolívar international airport in
Maiquetía, state of La Guaira, along with 64,994 pens-syringes
and spare parts, detailed the entity --- in a press release on
its web portal.
It indicated that 1,600,251 units of insulin, will be “essential for
hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans with diabetes mellitus”.
The note indicated that these actions are possible - thanks to the
“commitment of President Nicolás Maduro and his willingness to
guarantee access to vital treatments for all Venezuelans”.
With this, it said ------ the response capacity of the National Public
Health System is reinforced, amid pressures, coercive measures,
blockades and threats, in which “the life and health of people
--- is established as a priority”.
It highlighted - that the arrival of this shipment to the Bolivarian
Republic is part of the contracts established by the “Supply of
Essential Medicines and Reciprocal Investment Obligations”,
signed by several entities, in Moscow and Caracas.
Among them are the Ministry of Health, Espromed Bio, Corpovex,
the Centre for Productive Investments ---- and the technology
transfer agreement with the Russian company Geropharm.
This arranges the supply of insulin and the possibility of its local
production, in --- “a clear example of the fruitful cooperation and
brotherhood” that unites Venezuela and Russia, who know how
to weave ties of solidarity and mutual support --- for the well-
being of their people.
__________________________________
President of Venezuela:visits
Mechanized Infantry Brigade
September 24th, 3:18pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, reported today
that...... he visited the 31st Mechanized Infantry Brigade
"GB. Lucas Carvajal", where he spoke with the troops.
On the social network Telegram, the president commented that
he greeted “all the staff, who remain active --- and in constant
preparation to defend our sacred right to peace”.
You, Maduro said, are the Armed Forces that carry the
blood of the United Liberation Army, and you have the
responsibility to defend and protect the people, and
the country.
He expressed that the lies that “they fabricate against Venezuela
are crude, extravagant and infamous; However, we are in the
fight for the truth ---- and we will emerge stronger from it,
united and with greater combat and defense capacity”,
he added.
“Let's make ourselves respected - as a Republic!
Our commitment to the Homeland is more valid
and alive today than ever”, he assured.
________________________________________________
Hungary will ignore Trump's requests
to stop buying Russian oil
by Oleg Artyukov
September 24th, 1:27pm
(Pravda.ru)
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that his country
does not intend to refuse to import Russian oil, even if such a
request comes from Donald Trump.
During his speech at the UN General Assembly the day before,
the US President hinted at the possibility.... of making a
''proposal'' to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Szijjártó argued that Hungary's position is driven ---- not only by
political considerations but also, by geographical factors. The
country is landlocked -- making it challenging to establish oil
refineries or liquefied natural gas terminals on its own coast.
There are alternative supply routes through neighbouring
countries, but they come with high tariffs and
limited capacity.
Of particular importance in the discussion is the pipeline project
through Croatia, which was considered as a potential source of
diversification. However, the Hungarian government found it
economically unfeasible. The tariffs set by the Croatian
side are significantly higher than the cost of
transporting oil through the Druzhba
system, which connects Russia
with Central Europe.
Moreover, the capacity of the Croatian infrastructure is limited,
and is unlikely, to be able to meet the full demand of Hungary.
Therefore, for Budapest, the choice to continue importing
from Russia is not only pragmatic, but also inevitable.
At the same time, it is worth considering... the factor of long-term
contracts. Hungary, like Slovakia, receives Russian oil on terms
that allow it to purchase raw materials at a lower price than
when importing them by sea from the US or the Middle East.
It is worth noting that Bloomberg, in reporting on Hungary's
position, focuses on tariffs and the political dimension of
the issue, but barely touches upon the economic
aspect related to the benefits of long-
term agreements.
This is precisely the reason why Hungary and Slovakia
are so cautious about discussing the issue of
abandoning Russian energy resources.
Slovakia, which depends on supplies through Hungarian
territory, has also recently stated that it is not ready
for drastic changes in its energy balance.
Bratislava emphasizes that before abandoning Russian raw
materials, it is necessary to develop viable alternative
supply schemes, otherwise not only the stability of
the energy system but also the competitiveness
of the national economy ...will be at risk.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has long demonstrated
a special stance in his relations with Russia and the EU. His
policy of balancing between Brussels and Moscow, allows
the country to benefit from energy cooperation.
Getting closer to Trump on the political plane does not mean
automatically following his economic wishes, especially if
they contradict pragmatic calculations.
Thus ---- the situation surrounding the supply of Russian oil to
Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia, reflects a broader issue:
Europe does not have a unified approach to energy security.
EU sanctions policy is facing the harsh reality of geography and
the economy. Hungary and Slovakia are examples of countries
where abruptly cutting off Russian resources without well-
developed alternatives -------- would be a blow to their
economies and social stability.
Trump's attempts to influence Orban indicate that energy remains
an instrument of international politics not only for Brussels and
Moscow, but also for Washington. However, the Hungarian
leadership, represented by Szijjártó, has made it clear
that national interests and economic rationality will
be prioritized, even if it causes discontent among
NATO allies - or the US president himself.
As a result, the dispute over Hungarian oil is not only a matter
of tariffs and routes, but also a reflection of the struggle for
sovereignty in a global competitive environment. Orban,
as one of Europe's most independent politicians, uses
the energy factor to strengthen his position, while
Trump uses it ----- to demonstrate his influence
over allies.
However, Budapest's final choice highlights --- that
economics and geography often take precedence
over political declarations.
_______________________________________
Honouring History ------- Requires
Recognizing China’s WW2 Role:
Turk
September 24th, 12:23pm
(teleSUR)
China --- was among the first victims of aggression, long before
the war in Europe began, the former Slovenian President said.
Recently, Former Slovenian President Danilo Turk said that
the sacrifice and contribution.... of the Chinese people
during World War II remain underestimated globally
and deserve wider recognition.
Turk, now a professor of international law, said while the world
usually regards Sept. 1, 1939 as the start of World War II,
atrocities began earlier ---- in Asia.
“China had many victims in the Second World War and was among
the first victims of aggression, long before the war in Europe
began,” he said. “China’s contribution to the defeat of
Japan and the end of the war, remains insufficiently
understood, and this historical mistake should be
corrected, even 80 years later.”
Reflecting on the war’s broader significance, Turk said China was
both a victim of Japanese militarism - and a key contributor to its
defeat. More should be done to raise global awareness of
China’s wartime contribution, he said, noting that it is a
long-term task that requires cooperation among
historians, writers and filmmakers.
“Young people need to know history. Much has to be done in
popular culture, particularly film production, so that the
memory of that era is preserved,” Turk said, and
highlighted China’s constructive role ---- in
safeguarding peace and promoting
multilateralism.
The world should take the Global Governance Initiative proposed
by China seriously, he said, adding that its five core concepts —
adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by the international
rule of law --- practicing multilateralism --- advocating a
people-centred approach — and focusing on taking
real actions — are all very important.
“China has sufficient power, self-assurance and wisdom
to avoid unnecessary conflicts. It is developing
economically and enlarging the circle of
cooperation, which makes it well
placed to explain how it sees
the world today and how it
wants the world to be
organized...... in the
future,” he noted.
_______________________
Lula questions the rise of the extreme right
September 24th, 11:48am
(Prensa Latina)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva questioned the rise
of the extreme right today in New York, in a meeting with other
leaders ----- on the defense of democracy ----- and the fight
against extremism.
«What matters to me today, is that -- we answer ourselves:
where the Democrats went wrong. Where and when did
the left -- make a mistake? Why have we allowed the
extreme right to grow..... with the strength -- it is
acquiring? Is it ------- their virtue ------- or our
incompetence?», Lula asked .... in the
parallel meeting to the 80th United
Nations General Assembly.
During his speech ---- the founder of the ruling Workers' Party
criticized himself as president and representative of the left.
«What are we wrong about? What did I do as President of the
Republic ------ to strengthen popular and social organization?
Because, often, we win elections with left-wing rhetoric,
and when we start governing.... we serve the interests
of our enemies much more than those of our friends»,
he warned.
Lula then questioned the motivations
behind these political decisions.
«Often, we govern by responding to what the press publishes
about us, to the demands of the market, to the need to
please the market, to the need to please our
opponents», he continued.
He pointed out that, often, «our voters who took to the streets,
who were beaten, who were mocked, considered sectarians
and radicals by us. And we begin to ignore them and pay
attention to those who speak well of us. This --- is the
failure of democracy», he stressed.
He called that, before seeking the virtues of right-wing extremism,
«we must look for the mistakes --- that democracy has made in its
relationship with civil society. How are we exercising democracy
in our country?», he finally stressed.
The leaders of Chile, Colombia, Spain and Uruguay also participated in the meeting, and the agenda included
debates -------- on how to strengthen democracy and
multilateralism, as well as strategies to combat
extremism, disinformation and hate speech.
Unlike last year, when the US attended the first edition
of the forum, under Joe Biden's Executive........
Washington is now ---- not invited.
According to Lula's advisors, none of the organizers
considered inviting the US, nor did Donald Trump's
current administration show interest in doing so.
The event is being coordinated by Lula, together with the
rulers Gabriel Boric (Chile), Pedro Sánchez (Spain),
Gustavo Petro (Colombia) and Yamandú Orsi
(Uruguay).
They are all in New York for the 80th UN General
Assembly, which opened this Tuesday -- with a
cheered speech by Lula.
________________________________________________
China has shown whose Crimea it is:
ships, visa-free travel ------- and a
willingness to build facilities
of any complexity
September 24th, 10:06am
(Pravda.ru)
China has effectively stopped hiding its attitude towards
Crimea. Instead of using the word "neutrality" -- China's
actions speak louder than any diplomatic statements.
In the summer of 2025, the Heng Yang 9 container ship from
Guangxi Changhai Shipping Company entered Sevastopol
three times, as reported by the Financial Times.
Previously, Chinese ships avoided Crimean ports for fear of
sanctions, but the launch of the new railway has partially
integrated the peninsula into Russia's container
transportation system.
Meanwhile, Crimea is doing everything it can to open its doors
to tourists from China. The Ministry of Resorts and Tourism
has launched a full-fledged Chinese-language portal that
describes the beaches, wines, and attractions of the
peninsula, which is known as the "Russian Pearl
of the Black Sea."
And since September 2025, there has been a visa-free regime:
Russians, including residents of Crimea, can come to China
without unnecessary formalities. By the way, China has
previously accepted tourists with "Crimean" passports
issued by offices in the Kuban region, but with their
place of birth in Crimea or Sevastopol.
There are also signals from diplomats.
China's ambassador to France, Lu Shai, told a French TV
station ---- that Crimea has "Russian historical roots".
For more than a decade, Beijing has refused to vote
in favour of resolutions at the UN..... that call the
peninsula's vote to join Russia an "annexation."
China has not supported any attempt to secure
Ukraine's status in Crimea via UN resolutions.
The economic vector confirms the same line.
According to the Washington Post... back in 2023, the
China Railway Construction Corporation announced
its readiness to build "objects of any complexity"
in Crimea.
In turn, China's state-owned media outlets Xinhua and
Global Times are increasingly referring to Crimea as
a Russian peninsula, emphasizing the "economic
stability" and describing the Crimean Bridge
as a symbol of a new era.
Taken together, this means that China already considers
Crimea to be Russian, through ships and containers,
tourism and investment, diplomatic statements,
and publications in its leading state media.
"What is written on paper cannot be compared to what is
confirmed by actions", — with such an old proverb, the
representative of Chinese state media commented
on the issue of Crimea, on the sidelines of the
BRICS summit.
Legal recognition is only a matter of time. In response,
Moscow unconditionally supports Beijing on Taiwan.
______________________________________
Cuba ---- Launches Nationwide Petition
Drive Backing Venezuela Against U.S.
September 24th, 9:39am
(teleSUR)
The Communist Party of Cuba calls on citizens to sign
in solidarity with President Maduro, as tensions rise
in the Caribbean.
On Wednesday, Cuba’s Communist Party (PCC) began
collecting signatures from citizens in support of
Venezuela amid U.S. hostilities.
“Starting this Wednesday, September 24, our signatures will
add to our steadfast and unwavering solidarity with the
legitimate president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro,
and with his brave people, subjected to one of
the empire’s most infamous campaigns,”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel
posted on social media.
In a statement, the PCC said signature books would be made
available in all workplaces, schools and communities in a
process scheduled to conclude September 30 with
meetings or brief acts.
“The signature drive will also continue the support of mass and
social organizations, and Cuban civil society in general, for the
struggle being waged by the brotherly Venezuelan people
against the empire’s growing hostilities, applying all the
resources contemplated - in unconventional warfare,”
the PCC said.
The initiative was announced last week by PCC secretary Roberto
Morales, during a meeting with President Maduro on his visit to
Caracas. The signatures will endorse a Cuban government
declaration issued a week earlier, warning of a direct
military aggression by the U.S. against Venezuela,
an action that ----- “would have incalculable
consequences” for regional peace
and stability.
In late August, Washington announced it would use all its power
to stop the “flow of drugs into the country,” including deploying
ships and troops to Caribbean waters near Venezuela. So far,
the U.S. has confirmed the sinking of four vessels and the
deaths of 17 people allegedly linked to drug trafficking.
Cuba considers those actions part of an escalation
by Washington --- to justify military aggression
against Venezuela in order to seize its oil
and other natural resources.
_________________________________
China has promised to take action
in response to US attempts... to
restrict Russian oil imports
by Oleg Artyukov
September 4th, 9:45am
(Pravda.ru)
The Chinese authorities are ready to defend their legitimate
interests in response to the actions of the US, which is
trying to prevent international oil purchases
from Russia.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiankun said that
Beijing will not ignore such actions and will act decisively to
protect its national interests.
According to him, China views any attempts at pressure, as a
violation of the principles of fair trade and interference in the
internal affairs of sovereign states. He emphasized that the
country is ready to take all necessary measures..... to
preserve its legitimate rights.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump's statements,
Guo Jiakun emphasized --- that normal economic and
business relations between China and Russia -- are
built in strict accordance with international rules
and market mechanisms.
The diplomat also noted that most countries around the world,
including the US and the EU, continue to maintain trade
relations with Russia. In this regard, Beijing considers
Washington's claims to be inappropriate, as the US
participates in international economic processes
but seeks to limit other participants.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that
cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies, is
based on the principles of the World Trade Organization
and is aimed solely at developing mutually
beneficial projects.
According to him, such interaction does not aim to
cause harm to third parties and should not be
subject to external interference.
Guo Jiankun also recalled Beijing's position on the Ukrainian
crisis, which the US authorities are trying to link to the
purchase of Russian oil. According to him, China has
consistently taken an objective and impartial
approach, advocating for peaceful solutions
and promoting dialogue between the
parties to the conflict.
The Chinese government continues to stress
the need for a political resolution and the
avoidance ------ of unilateral pressure.
The official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry
paid special attention to the activities of the UN. He
noted that in 2025, the organization will celebrate
its 80th anniversary since its establishment.
Over the decades ---- the UN has played a
crucial role in maintaining international
peace and stability...... as well as
promoting global development.
Guo Jiankun emphasized that Beijing views the upcoming
anniversary as an important opportunity to return to the
organization's fundamental principles. China intends to
work with other countries to reaffirm its commitment
to the goals and ideals enshrined in the UN Charter,
as well as to strengthen the UN's authority and
vitality --------- in the face of new
international challenges.
The day before, US President Donald Trump harshly criticized
China, India, and even his own NATO allies.. for continuing to
purchase Russian energy resources. According to him, such
actions contribute to the financing of the military conflict
and turn Beijing and New Delhi - into key supporters of
the ongoing hostilities. The US leader accused these
countries of indirectly supporting Russia by
providing it with additional resources.
Thus, on the one hand, Washington is trying to increase
pressure on participants in the global energy market
in order to limit their interaction with Moscow.
On the other hand, China continues to assert its right to
independently determine its foreign economic policy,
intention to prevent interference in its own decisions
and protect its national interests --- in the face of a
growing confrontation with the United States.
____________________________________
India is once again relying on Russia:
the Su-57 replaces the failed Tejas
and AMCA projects
by Peter Ermilin
September 24th, 7:57am
(Pravda.ru)
India is decommissioning its last MiG-21 fighter jets,
according to a report by the US military magazine
Military Watch Magazine (MWM). The authors
discuss the shortage of aircraft and the
potential reliance on Russian Su-57s
in their new article ---- which has
been translated by Pravda.Ru.
The Indian Air Force is scheduled to retire its last squadron
of MiG-21 fighters on September 26, marking the end of a
62-year history of this aircraft, the first of which entered
service in 1963. In addition to a small fleet of Jaguar
strike aircraft, the MiG-21 remains the last pre-4th-
generation fighter aircraft in service with the
South Asian nation. These aircraft have
undergone extensive upgrades,
incorporating f4th-generation
avionics and armaments.
By the early 2000s, Indian MiG-21s had more advanced weapons
and electronic warfare systems, than Russian Air Force fighters,
with the addition of advanced R-77 active radar-guided missiles.
Notably, the MiG-21 remained in service for a significantly
longer period than the third-generation MiG-23ML and
MiG-27 fighters. The modernization of the older
aircraft ------ provided it with greater combat
potential, and it was more cost-effective
to operate due to its lower weight and
lower maintenance costs,
compared to the new
Soviet fighters.
A key factor in extending the service life of the MiG-21 was the
significant delays in the implementation of the Tejas national
light fighter program. Despite being in development for over
40 years, the project has yet to be fully operational and
has been plagued.. by significant cost overruns. The
commitment to the Tejas program to support local
industry has limited interest in purchasing other
light and medium-range fighters, such as
the MiG-29.
After the decommissioning of the MiG-21, the Indian Air Force
intends to focus on modernizing its fleet, but years of delays
in purchasing fifth-generation fighter jets have left the fleet
in an unfavorable position. India plans to develop its own
fifth-generation fighter jet as part of an AMCA (Advanced
Medium Combat Aircraft) program, but its introduction
is expected no earlier than the late 2030s, and most
likely later. Given the history of national projects
with constant delays, as well as the example of
the simpler Tejas, many believe that the AMCA
is unlikely to enter service before the end of
the 2030s, or even later.
The need to purchase more modern aircraft has increased after
the new Indian Rafales lost between one and five aircraft in
battles with the Pakistani Air Force in early May, allegedly
shot down by Chinese J-10C fighters. This incident has
dealt a significant blow to India's reputation.
Additionally, the J-10C is not considered one of the top five
Chinese fighter jets, as it is inferior to the J-16 and J-20,
making the loss of the Rafales particularly concerning.
These events have reinforced the view that European fighter jets
are not capable of competing with modern Chinese and US
aircraft. Purchasing from China, or the United States, is
politically impossible, so the Russian Su-57 is seen
as the most likely option.
India needs not only more advanced fighter jets, but also more
of them. Currently, there are only 31 squadrons in service,
compared to the planned 42, each consisting of
18-20 aircraft. The shortage of 11 squadrons
equates to approximately 200 aircraft.
Previously, Indian officials had considered the possibility of
purchasing two squadrons of Su-57 "off the shelf," but the
current focus of the Ministry of Defense.... on licensed
production suggests plans for a significant purchase,
potentially up to 200 aircraft. However, this will still
not be enough, as the Jaguar and Mirage 2000 are
expected to be retired in the coming years.
The scale of possible purchases is illustrated by the example
of the last fighter jet produced in India under license, the
Su-30MKI, of which more than 270 were purchased,
with over 80 percent built in the country itself.
In mid-July, Indian Defense Minister Rajesh
Kumar Singh confirmed negotiations for
the purchase of the Su-57. However, an
unprecedented offer was made two
months earlier -- to provide full
access... to the fighter jet's
source code, as part of a
licensing agreement.
In March, the Russian company Rosoboronexport said that
licensed production of the Su-57 in India could be quickly
deployed by upgrading the existing production line for
the Su-30MKI, which could be quickly adapted to
produce the Su-57E.
The intensive combat testing of the Su-57 in Ukraine --- and the
development of a new version, the Su-57M1, with significantly
improved capabilities, are likely to further increase India's
interest. The aircraft is expected to become a new
member of the long series of Soviet and Russian
fighters -------- that make up the elite of the
Indian Air Force.
_______________________________________
The Belgian diamond industry - is
on the verge of collapse due to
anti-Russian sanctions
by Oleg Artyukov
September 24th, 12:20am
(Pravda.ru)
The Belgian diamond industry is experiencing one of
the deepest crises in decades. This situation is a
result of the EU and G7 sanctions on Russian
diamonds, according to Denis Gonchar,
Russia's Ambassador to Brussels.
According to the diplomat, direct supplies from Russia
have ceased since January 2024, following the
implementation of the European embargo,
as reported by RIA Novosti.
This caused a sharp drop in trade volumes: in 2024, the figure
decreased by 23.2 percent - reaching only 20.3 billion euros.
For Antwerp, the largest diamond trading centre in Europe,
the consequences were devastating, with a wave of
bankruptcies sweeping through the city.
The crisis in the industry is confirmed by specific examples.
Over the past two years, more than 20 jewelry companies
in Belgium have announced forced closures. Even
major players have been unable to maintain
their pre-crisis levels of activity.
So, Laurelton Diamonds, the "daughter" of the famous jewelry
house Tiffany & Co, was forced to cut its staff --- by half. This
demonstrates that difficulties have affected not only small
family workshops, but also, international corporations,
whose business models should have provided them
with greater stability.
According to Denis Gonchar --- an industry that has traditionally
provided tens of thousands of jobs and generated a significant
portion of Belgium's tax revenue..... is now teetering - on the
brink of survival.
The diamond sector has been not only a source of employment,
but also an important part of the national identity: Antwerp
has enjoyed the unofficial status of the "Diamond Capital
of the World" for many decades. Declining trade
volumes and bankruptcies ------- threaten to
undermine this historic leadership.
The reasons for this situation lie in international politics.
Since January 1, 2024, the EU and the G7 countries
have imposed a ban on the direct import of
Russian diamonds.
The next step was additional restrictions: starting in March
2024, Western countries began gradually blocking access
to their markets for Russian-origin stones, even if they
had been processed in third countries. This made it
nearly impossible to legally incorporate Russian
diamonds into European trade chains.
In April of the same year, the European Commission clarified
the control mechanism. It was announced --- that the origin
of the stones.... would be verified by the Belgian Financial
Authority at the International Diamond Centre in Antwerp.
This step was an attempt to create a transparent certification
system and prevent sanctions from being circumvented.
However, in practice, this decision only increased the
burden on market participants, increasing costs
and bureaucratic pressure.
Analysts note that the consequences of the sanctions extend far
beyond the Belgian economy. The reduction in Russian diamond
imports has had an impact on the global diamond distribution
system. Russia, as the largest producer of rough diamonds
in the world, has contributed significantly to the
global supply.
The exclusion of Russian supplies inevitably leads to shortages
and higher prices, which in turn has a negative impact on
jewelry houses, consumers, and the countries where
the cutting centres are located.
For Belgium, the situation was particularly painful. For decades,
Antwerp has been a key player in the international diamond
trade, with major exchanges, a unique certification
system, and a concentration of expertise.
The forced closure of operations threatens to lose the
competitive advantages that the city has enjoyed
for over a century. Competition.. is already
intensifying from Indian Surat and other
Asian centers, which have less
stringent regulations... and
lower production costs.
The EU's sanctions policy against Russian diamonds,
intended as a tool to exert pressure on Moscow,
has also had a negative impact on Europe's
own economic interests.
The diamond industry in Belgium is at risk: declining trade
volumes, bankruptcies, mass layoffs, and the loss of its
status as a global diamond centere - have all become
a reality - in less than two years.
Under these conditions, the prospect of Antwerp
maintaining its position in the global gemstone
trade chain ------- is highly uncertain.
_______________________________________
Colombian PresidentAccuses the US
of EnforcingA Failed‘War on Drugs’
September 23rd, 2:31pm
(teleSUR)
Gustavo Petro - rejects U.S. military strikes near
Venezuela and likens Gaza to Nazi experiments.
On Monday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro
questioned the U.S. “decertification” of his
country and accused the United Nations
of being an “accomplice” to a global
anti-drug policy that - he said -
has failed.
“I am a president decertified by a foreign government.
By what right - under international law - can the
president of a foreign government, decertify
another president who was elected by his
own people? Is that democracy, or the
beginning of barbarism?” he queried
during a high-level dialogue in New
York on climate financing, held as
part of the 80th session of the
UN General Assembly.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump´s administration
decided to “decertify” Colombia, meaning.. it removed
the South American nation from the list of countries
deemed to be ''complying'' with the fight against
drug trafficking in 2024.
Petro criticized the UN ----- for defining whether a drug is
“poisonous” depending on the country that produces it.
To illustrate, he noted that alcohol is not considered
by the United Nations, to be as dangerous a
substance as cannabis, because alcohol
is largely produced in the North, not
in the South.
The Colombian president also referred to recent U.S.
military attacks in international waters near
Venezuela against ships -- allegedly --
carrying drugs.
He said the South is the victim of a drug control approach,
that leads to “the murder of young people, who are not to
blame, with missiles ordered by a president of the US.”
Petro stressed that the “War on Drugs” is a “misguided policy”
and an “outright failure” because “it was never a war against
drug traffickers, but “a dominant global power policy of the
North --- over the South.”
He argued that this failed policy blames substances or objects
instead of targeting those who profit from the drug business
and live in “New York, Miami or Dubai.”
“The missiles don’t go there. The missiles go to the poor. This
is the same global power that prevents solving the climate
crisis, and therefore makes it impossible for humanity to
survive. It is the same global power that drops bombs
on Gaza… and does so to continue dominating the
world,” Petro declared.
For the Colombian leader, the so-called fight against drug
trafficking and anti-immigrant policies fall within a “war
between greed and life,” in which the US and Europe
believe.. “a superior race exists, and that is why
Colombians are treated in the streets, as if
they were slaves.”
“What they are doing in Gaza is an experiment just like
Hitler’s, when he began testing gas chambers and
....concentration camps,” Petro said. He then
reiterated the need to end the genocide
in Gaza and called for the creation of a UN protection force.
_______________________________________
Groups from the Amazon--- join with
protests against Noboa in Ecuador
September 23rd, 12:50pm
(Prensa Latina)
The seven indigenous nationalities of the Amazon of Ecuador
announced today a “great uprising” against the Government
of Daniel Noboa and thus join the actions in it framework
of the national strike.
At a press conference, this Tuesday, from the province of
Pastaza, they demanded the repeal of Executive Decree
126 that eliminated the diesel subsidy and the review
of the agreements with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), to those --- they hold responsible for
aggravating the social and economic crisis
in the country.
«We ratify - the permanent and progressive mobilization.
We declare a great uprising, with peaceful and forceful
actions», said the Amazonian leaders.
The president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities
of the Ecuadorian Amazon, José Esach, pointed out that
although they supported Noboa at the beginning of
his mandate, now, they are “disappointed”.
Esach pointed out that the mobilization is not an act of hate
or terrorism, as the Government tries to position itself.
“We are not going to generate chaos, but if we have to take
measures we are going to do it without fear, we are not
afraid of dying. The public force ---- is our brothers”,
said the leader.
After the repression of the protests that occurred this Monday,
the president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities
of Ecuador (Conaie), Marlon Vargas, denounced the
«arbitrary» detention of some 50 protesters and
asserted that it constitutes a violation of
human rights.
Vargas blamed Noboa and his ministers for any attempt
on the lives of the participants in the mobilizations.
One of the events that occurred the day before that attracted
attention occurred in Otavalo, province of Imbabura, where
a car ran over a protester a few metres from where the
police were repressing.
In addition, the Latin American office of the Chinese news agency
Xinhua reported that its graphic correspondent was attacked and
stripped of his work equipment --- while covering the protests.
In 2019 and 2022, the indigenous people already led the historic protests that led the then presidents Lenín Moreno (2017-2021) and Guillermo Lasso (2021- 2023), to back down - when they also tried to eliminate fuel subsidies.
Conaie affirms that ending the diesel subsidy benefits
multinational fuel importing companies and further
impoverishes the Ecuadorian people.
Despite the claims, the president has said that he is not
going to give in and warned that those who commit
acts of terrorism, illegal road blockades and
organized violence will be punished.... in
accordance with the law.
This Tuesday, Ecuador woke up with roads blocked by
protesters - and mobilizations are expected in the
afternoon - in cities such as Quito, Guayaquil
and Cuenca.
__________________________________
The World Public Assembly Unites Peoples
for the Sake of the Future of Mankind
September 23rd, 11:29am
(teleSUR)
Moscow has become a point of attraction for people
who believe in a future without wars and divisions.
The First World Public Assembly (WPA), which brought
together politicians, diplomats, cultural and scientific
figures, entrepreneurs and journalists in the heart of
Russia, has become a unique platform for dialogue.
They discussed not only politics and economics,
but also the very essence of human existence
— peace, trust, spirituality and responsibility.
Award “For Service to Humanity”: A
Symbol of the Unification of Nations
On the International Day of Peace, a landmark event took place
at the Closing Ceremony. For the first time, a Public Recognition
Award “For Service to Humanity”, established by the World
Peoples Assembly, was presented. This award has
become a symbol of gratitude - to those who
devoted their lives to serving the ideals of
humanism, developing dialogue and the
creative unification of peoples.
The laureates -- were outstanding personalities from different
countries and cultures. Among them are Alexandra Ochirova,
Russian scientist, poet & public figure & UNESCO Goodwill
Ambassador; Adnan Badran, the former PM of Jordan;
Rashid Alimov, SCO Secretary General (2016-2018),
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary;
Tolengen Mukhamedzhanov, a Kazakhstani
composer and public figure; Ms Sabena
Johannes, from Angola, founder and
CEO of Afritrack Angola; Mr Igor
Khalevinsky, Russian diplomat;
Dalbir Singh, Indian politician
plus --- Bhai Sahib Mohinder
Singh Alluwalliya, from the
UK, a KCOBE and one of THE most influential Sikhs in the world.
Each name was accompanied by applause, and together they
formed a panorama of the spiritual leaders of our time. The
audience was particularly touched... by the speech of
Madame Sabena Johannes, whose words sounded
like the motto of the World Peoples Assembly: ”We must awaken as one.”
The Economy of Life: Trust as a Foundation
The second day of the Assembly was devoted to what experts
called the “economy of life.” The focus of the panel session
“From People’s Trust - to the Trust of Economies: The Humanitarian Foundations of International
Partnership” was not on the market, but on man, as a source of trust, meanings
and genuine values.
“Politics rarely affects the economy, the opposite always
happens. We need to be closer to politics - through
economic diplomacy,” Sabena Johannes said.
Svetozar Darnev, Head of the construction and financial
association “Osnova”, emphasized: “The economy of
life began with the search for meanings. The
economy - is based on people.”
Mr. Kang Zaw, Minister of Finance and Revenue of the Republic
of the Union of Myanmar, spoke about the relationship of trust
between people and economies. And the representative of
the State of Kuwait, the president of the WAGB Public
Diplomacy Organization --- Sheikh Naif Al-Muhana
Aladwani, summed it up: “forums like the WPA
help to go beyond borders and create a
genuine partnership.”
Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary General of the World Peoples
Assembly, expressed confidence that “contacts are being
formed here that will lead to new business projects and
humanitarian initiatives.”
New Media and Cognitive Warfare
The panel discussion “New Media in the Service of Humanity:
Heroes, Exploits and Challenges” caused a special heat of
passion. It was about an invisible war, a war -------
for consciousness.
“The cognitive war is being waged today against all nations,
against human spirituality. The media ---must give us back
our meaning, cultural identity, and cultural code,” said
Russian journalist Oleg Yasinsky.
Nikita Anisimov, author of the federal Good News project, added:
“People want to read about real heroes and their achievements.”
Silvana Yarmolyuk, a film director from Argentina --- recalled the
power of cinema, which is able to show inspiring images to the
world. Producer Olga Azhnakina emphasized the importance
of glorifying creative work, large families, and scientists.
Evgeny Klesh, moderator of the site, head of the department
for work with partners of the New Media Workshop project,
summarized: “The task of the media is to find heroes and
present them to society, create a cascade of content
that will be a “fishing rod” for the audience.”
Thus, the media - at the WPA - was considered
not as a tool of manipulation, but as a force
..capable of restoring hope to humanity.
Germany and Russia: A Union of Values
Representatives of the German delegation expressed the
continued high interest in Russian culture and language
in Germany. “All members of our organization are united
by the idea of mutual understanding between peoples,”
Oksana Kogan—Pekh, member of the Board of the
Federal Union of German Societies West-East,
advocated for “Interreligious dialogue, for
the preservation and strengthening of
spiritual and moral values.”
Former Bundestag deputy Waldemar Gerdt announced the
development of a Charter - that will form the basis of a
Global alliance of Traditional Values. Holger Thorsten
Schubert, president of the Neutrino Energy Group,
recalled: “The world is being destroyed not only
by weapons, but also by hunger, poverty
and injustice.”
The words of the German participants confirmed that the
path to peace lies --- not through politics --- but through
spiritual values common to all peoples and religions.
Peacemaking: The Energy of the Future
At the session “Peacemaking — a strategy for uniting and
flourishing humanity”, the participants talked about the
roots of conflicts ...and ways to overcome them.
“When the economy comes first, rather than people, it
becomes the cause of all wars,” said Alexander
Usanin, professor at the Academy of
Geopolitical Problems.
Special attention was paid to the problem of resources and
energy. “Whoever controls energy controls nations, — said
Holger Thorsten Schubert. But Mikhail Krasnov, Chairman
of the Board of Directors of MIO Technologies of the
Future, suggested a different approach: “Issues of
energy & food supply are solved technologically,
not by conquering resources.”
At the end of the session, a thought was voiced that
became the general leitmotif of the WPA: Peace is
a Shared Responsibility.
Instead of an Epilogue
The First World Public Assembly in Moscow - has become an
event that cannot be measured solely by decisions and final
documents. Its main achievement.. is the atmosphere of
unity, in which, people from different countries and
cultures... have found a common language.
The forum, dedicated to the International Day of Peace, brought
together over 4,000 participants from more than 150 countries.
As part of the closing ceremony, multinational creative teams
performed song and dance numbers reflecting the spirit and
culture of various countries: from Russia to Indonesia
and Madagascar.
On the day when the planet celebrated the International Day
of Peace, established by the UN General Assembly, a new
call was made in Moscow:
“We must awaken as one. This call has become the voice of
the WPA addressed to all of humanity…. We achieved what
we wanted and drew attention to ourselves with our ideas
desires, & thoughts,” WPA Secretary Andrei Belyaninov
said at the closing ceremony, announcing that the
Second World Public Assembly will be held
next year, in Vienna, Austria.
[Rhondda Records adds: tossers]
_____________________________
EU Faces Decline Without
Sharp Policy Shift: Orban
September 23rd, 8:am
(teleSUR)
‘If the Union does not carry out an urgent and sharp
turn, its story will come to an end,’ he warned.
On Monday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned
that the EU faces decline unless it undertakes an urgent
change of course, while also stressing Hungary’s
positions on Ukraine, migration, and energy
security..... in his opening speech to
parliament’s autumn session.
This - is the Hungarian Parliament’s last autumn session with
the current party structures, as Hungary’s general elections
will be held next spring, presumably in April 2026.
“If the Union does not carry out an urgent and sharp turn, its
story will come to an end,” Orban said, comparing the EU’s
trajectory to that of the Roman Empire.
He criticized the bloc’s current structure as unable to deliver
economic success for member states, pointing to what he
described as ineffective policies on migration, climate,
sanctions, and green transition. “So many attempts,
so few results.” The Hungarian leader also said -
he did not see the “EU’s ability to renew itself.”
Reviewing international developments over the summer, Orban
said the United States was reshaping the world trade order
and noted that China and India were strengthening
cooperation with Russia.
He described the EU as weaker than expected and reiterated
Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s membership bid,
arguing it could draw the bloc into the conflict.
“Hungary has given no one a mandate to wage war on its behalf”
and sees diplomacy as the only solution to the Russia-Ukraine
conflict. Orban also spoke about the migration pact of the EU,
which he said Hungary will not implement, and about the
related financial sanctions on his country.
He argued that while Western states face security challenges
linked to migration, Hungary “remains an island of peace.”
While several Western European countries suffer the
results of migration with “bombings, shootings,
and riots.”
Turning to domestic issues, Orban highlighted the launch of the
“Home Start” housing program on September 1, which aims to
broaden the middle class and support the construction of
50,000 homes within five years. He also cited
supplementary pension payments and
measures to shield families
from inflation.
On trade and industry, Orban said Hungary would launch
an action plan to support small and medium-sized firms
and protect jobs, while also stressing recent progress
in higher education.
_____________________________________________
CELACRejectsU.S. Military
Deployment in The
Caribbean Sea
September 23rd, 7:44am
(teleSUR)
Foreign ministers back Venezuela, highlight
unity, and advance planning for EU summit.
On Monday, foreign ministers of the Community of Latin American
and Caribbean States (CELAC) met in New York during the 80th
session of the United Nations General Assembly to strengthen
multilateralism and reaffirm the region as a Zone of Peace
amid U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean Sea
and threats against Venezuela.
Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio, holding CELAC’s
pro tempore presidency, led the meeting to unify the voice of
Latin America and the Caribbean - in favour of peaceful
coexistence, cooperation, integration and mutual
respect among nations.
The central issue of the meeting was rejecting the U.S. military
deployment in the southern Caribbean Sea. The ministers also
discussed key items on the regional agenda such as energy
transition, food security, risk management and migration.
During his address, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil
denounced the presence of U.S. vessels and a nuclear
submarine, calling it a threat to the peace and
stability of the entire region, not only
his country.
Gil thanked CELAC member states for their support, stressing the
importance of unity to defend the Zone of Peace established in
2014, in Cuba, by most CELAC members.
Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, reaffirmed his country’s
willingness to continue “working with the Community to promote
progress in areas of regional interest, with impacts on
development and the well-being of our peoples.”
Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente and Brazilian
Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed concern over foreign
military interference. De la Fuente emphasized that Latin
America must remain a territory of peace, based on
respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and
international law.
In addition to geopolitical issues, the ministers advanced planning
for the fourth CELAC-European Union Summit, set for Nov. 9–10.
Regional leaders expressed their support for the summit and
for the Santa Marta Declaration, which is currently
under negotiation.
Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa expressed her nation’s
solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people, as
well as with Palestine, in defense of peace, sovereignty
and the dignity of peoples.
“Putting a bounty on the capture of a constitutional president
is an affront to democracy and sovereignty. Filling our seas
with warships is a colonialist action we cannot accept,”
she said, denouncing the U.S. harassment measures
against Venezuela.
Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Martinez, thanked Colombia’s
pro tempore presidency for convening the meeting & highlighted
progress on the 2025 Work Plan, which he considered key to
driving a pragmatic and results-oriented regional agenda.
He underscored the importance of CELAC’s internal cohesion,
political coordination and consensus-building and reaffirmed
his commitment to cooperation..... in areas such as
technological innovation.
The CELAC meeting also addressed other pressing issues,
including the situation in Haiti. The ministers reaffirmed
their nations’ commitment to the well-being of Latin
American and Caribbean peoples.
_______________________________________
US demands $350 billion
in investments from
South Korea
by Oleg Artyukov
September 22nd, 12:40pm
(Pravda.ru)
The investment agreements between South Korea and the
US have become the subject of intense debate, as their implementation - in its current form - could pose
significant economic risks for Seoul.
The plan is to invest about \$350 billion in the U.S. economy
in exchange for reducing customs duties to 15 percent.
However, the lack of clear agreements on currency
swaps poses a risk of a repeat of the 1997 Asian
financial crisis, according to a statement by
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung
to Reuters.
The problem is that when such significant funds are
transferred to a foreign jurisdiction, the South
Korean financial system loses some of
its foreign exchange liquidity.
For a country whose economy depends on the stability
of its national currency and foreign economic
stability, this can be a critical factor.
In recent decades, South Korea has built a high-tech,
export-oriented economy, but its dependence on
global markets and foreign investment....
remains high.
History has already shown how vulnerable the Korean
economy can be to such challenges. In 1997, South
Korea - was among the most affected countries by
the Asian financial crisis. At that time, a shortage
of foreign exchange reserves, a sharp outflow of
capital, & the inability to maintain the stability
of the national currency led to a sharp decline
in the won's exchange rate, bankruptcies of
major corporations ----- and the need for
assistance from the International
Monetary Fund.
The experience of that crisis is still a painful reminder
for Seoul of the risks of excessive financial
dependence on external factors.
In the future, the country has repeatedly sought to protect
itself from such threats. For example, in 2008, during the
height of the global financial crisis, and in 2020, during
the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea and the US
entered into currency swap agreements.
These mechanisms provided mutual
access to dollar liquidity, and
reduced pressure on their
national currencies.
The lack of a similar tool today, in the case of large
investments in the US economy, actually puts the
country's financial stability at risk.
Disagreements between Seoul and Washington, over
the distribution of profits from planned investments
have become an additional source of tension.
The US side insists on conditions that the South Korean
elite considers too harsh. However, according to
Reuters, the final agreements on tariffs have
not been legally formalized, indicating
ongoing disputes.
The comparison of South Korea's situation with Japan's is
particularly noteworthy. Tokyo has also been engaged in
negotiations with the US regarding tariffs, but its
significant foreign exchange reserves and the
yen's status --- as one of the world's key
reserve currencies, have placed it in
a more advantageous position.
For Seoul, the lack of such advantages makes it much
more dependent on the negotiation process.
The domestic political context further complicates the situation.
President Lee Jae-myung finds himself in a difficult position:
accepting all the US conditions would cause significant
discontent within the country and could even lead to
the threat of impeachment.
The key challenge facing Seoul today is to find an agreement
that would allow it to gain access to the US market on
favorable terms, while maintaining the country's
financial stability.
Economic logic requires, not just a formal reduction in tariffs,
but also the creation of mechanisms to protect the national
economy from possible shocks, such as currency swaps
or other financial insurance instruments.
If an agreement is reached without taking these factors into
account, South Korea risks repeating the scenario of the
late 1990s, when a lack of foreign exchange reserves
and unfavorable external conditions ...brought the
country to the brink of default.
_______________________________
Zakharova wished the Lithuanian Minister
of Defense success ------ in the field of
legal psychology
September 20th, 2:04pm
(RT.ru)
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
wished Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene
--- who hinted at the right to shoot down Russian
fighter jets by NATO forces after the incident
in Estonia --- would pursue her career
in legal psychology.
"The psychologist demonstrated competence in her own
phobias. We wish the 'Master of Legal Psychology', to
succeed in her field," TASS quoted her as saying.
Earlier, Shakalene hinted at the right to shoot down Russian
fighter jets by NATO forces, commenting on the alleged
entry of VKS aircraft into Estonian airspace.
The day before, Estonia had complained about three
Russian fighter jets allegedly violating its borders,
and requested consultations with NATO.
The Russian Ministry of Defense emphasized: that Russian
MiG-31 fighter jets made a planned flight from Karelia to
an airfield in the Kaliningrad region on September 19,
without violating Estonian airspace.
______________________________________
They condemn interference from the US
in the Honduran electoral process
September 20th, 12:52pm
(Prensa Latina)
Former Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina today
rejected the claims of US Congresswoman María
Elvira Salazar, to hinder the process towards
the general elections on 30 November in
this Central American country, on his
account on the social network ---
presented by Salazar in the US
House of Representatives.
The controversial initiative ..seeks to guarantee the
“supervision” of the northern power - in elections
scheduled for the last Sunday of November.
“We condemn this terrible attempt to interfere in the
sovereign electoral process of Honduras, which
seeks to manage the elections, and intervene
in the laws of this nation and the decisions
of the National Electoral Council”,
Reina denounced.
He believes ---- that this interference aims to favour the
Honduran two-party system, embodied by the National
and Liberal parties, the two main right-wing
opposition forces.
Reina accused the liberal presidential candidate, Salvador
Nasralla, a well-known TV presenter turned politician, of
seeking at all costs to supplant the popular will, “in his
ambition to become an imposed head of state, by his
despair... at the prospect of defeat” at the polls,
he denounced.
The candidate for vice president for the ruling Freedom
and Refoundation Party (Libre) also criticized the trip
that Nasralla made this week to Washington, during
which he consulted with Democrat and Republican
representatives.... including the aforementioned
ultra-conservative congresswoman.
“()Nasralla” does not dare to hold meetings with the people,
but he does meet ...in dark corridors in Washington”, the
former chancellor warned.
In his opinion, the projected North American interference would
become a disastrous precedent for any electoral process and
against the people of any sovereign State in the world,
especially in South America, because it would be a
return to the outdated eras of interventionism,
he emphasized.
“This congresswoman (in reference to Salazar) intends, from an
electoral district in Florida, to decide for more than 10 million
Honduran men and women”, Reina concluded.
Given the proximity of the upcoming elections, the interference
in Honduran politics by ultra-conservative North American
legislators... has become recurring --- in recent weeks.
The attacks coming from the US are directed against Libre,
which, according to various polls, starts as one of the
favourites heading into the November race..... and
could get a second four-year term (2026-2030).
______________________________________________
NAM supports efforts... to preserve
South America as a Zone of Peace
September 20th, 12:42pm
(Prensa Latina)
The NAM Bureau expressed its firm support for all efforts aimed
at preserving Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone Free
of Nuclear Weapons ....and for Peace, as it met here today.
The organization expressed in a statement the day before, its deep
concern about what has been publicly stated in recent days “by a
large number of Latin American and Caribbean States”, on the
deployment of extra-regional military forces in the region,
including nuclear-capable assets.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) recalled the Treaty of Tlatelolco
of 1967 and the II Summit of the Community of Latin American
and Caribbean States (Celac), held in Havana, Cuba, in 2014.
It declared that Celac, through a declaration at the time, reaffirmed
the sovereign right of the peoples of that region to determine their
own destiny, “free from external interference” and the permanent
commitment to “resolve disputes by peaceful means”.
With the objective, he stressed, of eradicating forever
“the use - or threat of use - of force, in the region”.
The forum, made up of more than a hundred countries, reaffirmed
“its firm determination” to defend the principles of sovereignty
and the sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity, non-
interference in the internal or external affairs of States
and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Likewise, abstaining from the threat or use of force
---- against the political independence of any State.
He warned, in this sense, against resorting to aggressive
rhetoric, hostile actions and military threats -- as foreign
policy instruments, “particularly in a region committed
to diplomacy, peace and its denuclearization status”.
The 'phone call between the presidents of China, Xi Jinping,
and the US, Donald Trump, and the Xiangshan Forum on
military diplomacy, impacted China's week that ends
on Saturday.
The conversation between the two heads of State was
described as “practical, positive, and constructive”
by Chinese official sources.
Xi Jinping affirmed that China and the United States can
achieve joint prosperity and benefit the world, if they
act with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence,
and win-win cooperation.
Both presidents agreed to continue technical consultations
on economic, trade, and security issues.
The Xiangshan Forum on military diplomacy, in which some
1,800 representatives from 100 countries, regions, and
international organizations participated, was also
held this week.
The forum included four plenary sessions and eight parallel
meetings to discuss global security governance, strategic
trust in the Asia-Pacific, and the evolving nature of
warfare, among other issues.
The Beijing International Dual-Use Advanced Equipment and
Technology Expo was held as a parallel activity, in which
applications in artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and
cybersecurity, were showcased.
_________________________________________
Trump ''Halts'' $400 Million in Military Aid
to Taiwan Ahead of Possible Meeting
with Chinese President Xi
September 20th, 6:59am
(teleSUR)
U.S. President Donald Trump withheld approval of a planned arms
package for Taiwan, the Washington Post revealed Friday, citing
five individuals briefed on the matter. A White House official
stressed, however, that no final decision has been made.
The proposed deal—valued at over $400 million—was described
as significantly more advanced and “more lethal” than
earlier transfers.
According to the report, the hesitation is tied to Trump’s broader
strategy of seeking a trade accord with Beijing, as well as a
possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
during the APEC summit set for next month
in South Korea.
Beijing, which regards the island as an inseparable part of its
territory, firmly rejects any external involvement in Taipei’s
affairs, with Xi reiterating --------- that China’s goal is
peaceful reunification.
Washington has approved several arms sales to Taiwan
in recent years, including the delivery of NASAMS
air-defense missile systems.
In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in May
that it “firmly opposes U.S. arms sales to China’s Taiwan
region.” and called on Washington to “stop selling arms
to Taiwan ..and stop creating factors that could lead
to tensions in the Taiwan Strait”
The statement concluded by reaffirming --- that “China
will continue to firmly defend its national sovereignty
and territorial integrity.”
________________________________________________
Intervision is being held
in Russia on Sept 20th.
In what ways has the new contest
already surpassed Eurovision?
by Evgeny Shulgin
September 19th, 10:01pm
(Lenta.ru)
On September 20, Moscow will host Intervision, a new global
music competition that has been positioned from the very
beginning as a response to Eurovision - and whose goal,
as Russian President Vladimir Putin recently noted is
to highlight the importance of traditional cultural
values. But not only that.
The music show... is expected to have good songs and a national
flavour from various regions of the world, because the project's
geography.... covers the US, BRICS countries, the post-Soviet
space, and even Africa. "Feed" tells about the participants
and main favourites of the future show.
Representatives from 23 countries - will
perform at the Intervision Song Contest
Participation in the international music competition has
been confirmed by artists and bands from Belarus,
Brazil, Venezuela, Vietnam, Egypt, India,
Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kenya, China,
Colombia, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan,
Madagascar, UAE, Saudi
Arabia, Serbia, the USA,
Tajikistan.. Uzbekistan,
Ethiopia & South Africa.
This is a much wider geography than Eurovision.
The main genre of Intervision, will be pop music.
It is expected that the songs will be performed in national
languages, unlike Eurovision, where everyone sings in
English. According to the rules of the competition,
the song -- must be popular in the performer's
home country. The themes of the songs
include national traditions, history,
and culture, as well as love,
home, and family.
For example, Mustafa Saad from Egypt will sing "Among All
the Girls," Dana Al-Mir from Qatar will perform "It's You," &
Nydia Góngora from Colombia will sing "In the Mangroves."
Yaroslav Dronov - known as SHAMAN - will perform from Russia.
Dronov will sing the song "Straight to the Heart." The musician emphasized that his main goal is to represent the country well
at the competition. He noted that it doesn't matter to him...
what place he takes at "Intervision".
''Music is not a competition, it is a gathering of cultures and
traditions from different countries and republics. My goal
is to represent Russia with dignity ....and meet the
expectations of the audience.''
USA replaced the participant at the last moment
Initially, the US was supposed to be represented by the singer
Brandon Howard, however, due to family circumstances, he
refused to perform three days before the Intervision. The
artist was considered one of the favourites of the
competition. However, a replacement was
quickly found --- Vasiliki Karaghiorgos,
known as Vassy, a singer with Greek
roots, born and raised in Australia,
but who has long been working
- in America.
Vassy is one of the most prominent figures
in the world of electronic music.
Her songs were featured in the Oscar-winning Disney animated
film "Frozen" and in the TV series "Anatomy of Passion". Her
singles (including collaborations with DJ Tiësto and David
Guetta) have gone multi-platinum in 30 countries,
garnering billions of digital downloads. Vassy
grew up in Australia, in a family of Greek
immigrants, but her music career took
off in the United States, where she
moved in 2013. The singer was
the first woman to win the
EDMA ICON Award.
She is also actively involved in social initiatives,
including working with young talent... and
protecting the environment.
India will be represented by music teacher, Rauhan Malik
Rauhan Malik is a singer and music teacher with 12 years of
experience from Kashmir. His songs..... combine folk motifs
with elements of rock and pop music. In his compositions,
Malik -- sings about the history of his native region. He
actively performs throughout India -- combining his
creative work with teaching, and his tracks have
millions of listens on streaming platforms.
At Intervision, Rauhan Malik will perform the song "Love."
China sent its national star, Wang Xi, to the competition
One of the most expressive voices on his country's music scene,
renowned master, and winner of numerous national awards,
Wang Xi will represent China. A graduate of the Shenyang
Conservatory of Music, the artist is renowned... for his
ability to combine rigorous academic training, with
deep emotional expression. In his home country
he has also gained fame as a member of the
iconic shows "I Am a Singer" and
"Super-Vocal."
South Africa...... has assembled the supergroup,
Mzansi Jikelele specifically for the competition
South Africa.. will be represented by the Mzansi Jikelele musical
ensemble, which roughly translates to "the South African team"
in Zulu. The group, assembled specifically for the Intervision
Song Contest, consists of five distinctive artists who
specialize in various genres --- including gospel,
amapiano (-a subgenre of house music from
South Africa that gained popularity in the
mid-2010s), opera, and Afro-pop.
Each member of the group is highly acclaimed and
has won numerous awards in their home country.
YouTube star Zina Emad will perform from Saudi Arabia
Singer Zina Emad, who has become famous in the Middle East, as
a young rising star and a symbol of modern Arab pop, started her
career with covers and later became a YouTube star with 100s
of millions of views. She works in a style that combines
traditional Arab melodies and modern pop rhythms
with elements of haliji, jazz, and soft rock.
Emad is a winner of national competitions --- and has
received the Riyadh Joy Award for Best Young Artist.
The winner of the contest will be determined
by the decision of the jury
Unlike Eurovision, where the audience vote plays an important
role, the winners of the new show will be determined by an international jury. The jury includes respected
representatives of the music industry.... from
each participating country in Intervision.
Igor Matvienko, a Russian composer,
was a member of the jury.
Music producer and composer Maxim Fadeev
named his favourites at Intervision.
Maxim Fadeev, considers the representatives of Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, and China to be the favorites of the competition.
I listened to all the participants - and marked many people
for myself, but I will be especially rooting for three people.
The producer highlighted the Chinese artist Wang Xi,
the Kyrgyz band Nomad, and the Kazakh singer
Amre (real name: Yernar Sadirbayev).
The prize fund of the competition will be 30 million rubles
In addition to the money, the winner will also receive a crystal
cup with the Intervision logo. The other contestants will be
awarded diplomas.
The contest will take place in Moscow on September 20, 2025,
and will begin at 20:30 Moscow time. It will be broadcast live
on Channel One. The final stage of the contest will take
place at the Live Arena, in Moscow Region.
The Intervision song contest was originally held in the 1970s
and 1980s in the countries of the socialist bloc. Later, the
event was restarted.. several times. Russia decided to
bring back Intervision, after being suspended from
participating in the Eurovision Song Contest
in 2022.
____________________________________________
Nebenzya: Baerbock ------ has already left her
mark on history with her clumsy statements
September 19th, 4:09pm
(RT.ru)
The new head of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock,
is remembered for her “belligerent, cynical, and sometimes
offensive” statements when she served as Germany's
foreign minister. This was highlighted by Russia's
Permanent Representative to the UN,
Vasily Nebenzya.
"I don't have a personal opinion about her, because we don't know
each other personally. One way or another....... I'll have to do it.
Whether I want to or not is another question... She's already
made a name for herself and left her mark on history with
her clumsy statements as Germany's foreign minister.''
''They were belligerent, cynical, and sometimes
offensive. She became famous for her catch-
phrases, such as “a 360-degree turn,” said
the diplomat... in an interview for the
program, “America with Valentin
Bogdanov” on the Russia 24
TV channel.
He also emphasized that at a meeting with EU colleagues,
Baerbock stated that her main priority at the UN would
be ---- to limit speeches at the General Assembly to
3 minutes.
In February 2023, Annalena Baerbock said in a panel
discussion at the Munich Security Conference that
Russia needs to change its position ---- by 360°.
Her Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto -- noted
that Böröcz is capable of mathematical miracles,
"because someone who can make a 360-degree
turn in the opposite direction is revolutionizing
mathematics."
_______________________________________________
Medvedev ---- on the Council of Europe's
project for Ukraine:Russia's response:
will not be long in coming
September 19th, 10:55am
(Vesti.ru)
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security
Council -------- commented on the project to create an
"International Claims Commission"... for Ukraine,
expressing a strong negative attitude towards
this initiative by the Council of Europe, and
stating that a harsh reaction from the
Russian Federation would not be
long in coming.
According to him, the closer the hour of "our final victory over
the neo-Nazis in Kiev" gets, the "further into its own space"
the Council of Europe is moving. He stated that Russia's
withdrawal from this "discriminatory" organization
was not in vain. He also believes --- that it is a
"strange and meaningless organization."
Medvedev expressed his bewilderment over the draft convention on
the creation of an international claims commission for Ukraine. In
his opinion, this is an attempt to establish a quasi-judicial body
under the auspices of the Council of Europe....... to collect
compensation from Russia.
At the same time, Medvedev suggested that -- despite the
absurdity of the project, most of the Council of Europe
countries, would probably join the convention.
"Well -- there will be one more senseless Russophobic structure in
the Old World. And our harsh reaction, will not be long in coming,"
Medvedev wrote on the MAX messenger.
Medvedev noted that the project is planned to be financed from the
budgets of the countries that will support it, but Europeans do not
have any free funds at the moment due to economic difficulties.
He suggested.... that officials are counting on Russia to take responsibility and cover the costs - in order to return to the "European family." Medvedev described this... as "rose-coloured fantasies."
On September 17th, the UK newspaper the Financial Times
reported that Europe is considering the option of ''using''
the frozen Russian assets --- which are stored in the
Belgian depositary, Euroclear --- to help Ukraine.
Earlier, Medvedev also stated that in small countries in the West ---- the bosses are usually more stupid and more boastful.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador
(Conaie) will define now whether it will mobilize against
President Daniel Noboa's decision to eliminate the
diesel subsidy, although.... they have already
announced that they are ready to resist
the new neoliberal coup.
Prior to the extraordinary assembly that takes place at this time
in the city of Riobamba, in the Andean province of Chimborazo,
the organization published a video on its social networks in
which it warns the president that when the people rise up,
“history changes course”.
The message recalls the historic strikes of 2019 and 2022,
when indigenous people - led the mobilizations against
similar measures by then-presidents Lenín Moreno
(2017-2021) and Guillermo Lasso (2021-2023).
“Today, Noboa and his government impose a new neoliberal coup,
with the elimination of the diesel subsidy and Decree 126 that
hits transportation, the countryside and working families”,
conaie stated.
According to this group, which brings together communities
throughout the country, the rise in the value of diesel
occurs.... amid no lack of problems in the health
sector, with insecurity and authoritarianism.
At this Thursday's meeting, the leaders seek “to collectively
define the de facto actions - against the elimination of the
diesel subsidy and the national crisis”, the call indicates.
Prior to the assembly... the Union of Peasant and Indigenous
Organizations of Cotacachi (Unorcac), in northern Ecuador,
called for an “indefinite mobilization” from September 21
at 10:00 p.m. (local time).
For his part, José Esach, president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon
(Confeniae), reported -- that they will also call for
permanent and progressive mobilization, and
decided --- to withdraw support for Noboa,
whom they supported in the elections.
In the midst of these dispersed calls, Salvador Quishpe --- from
the Pachakutik movement, announced that one of the topics
to be discussed at the meeting will be to unify all the
demonstrations announced by indigenous groups.
According to a study by the Center for Research and Specialized
Studies (Ciess), 83 percent of Ecuadorians consider that the
increase in unsubsidized diesel, negatively impacts them,
a perception that is similar in both urban and rural areas.
The survey figures, added to the announcements of
mobilizations --- reflect the discontent among the
population regarding the government measure,
which the Executive justifies ----- as saving
1.1 billion dollars ---- and as a part of a
''temporary'' compensation program,
for transport firms, and farmers.
_________________________________
Trump: Designates Antifa as
a Terrorist Organization
September 18th, 10:29am
(teleSUR)
Legal experts question the feasibility of targeting
such a decentralized social movement.
On Wednesday --- U.S. President Donald Trump
designated the antifascist social movement
Antifa ...as a terrorist organization.
“I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that
I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS,
RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” he said.
“I will also be strongly recommending that those
funding ANTIFA, be thoroughly investigated.. in
accordance with the highest legal standards
and practices,” Trump warned.
The U.S. president appeared to take this step in an
attempt to capitalize - on emotions stirred by the
Sept. 10 killing of far-right activist Charlie Kirk.
In his Truth Social post, Trump did not clarify
what mechanism he would use.. to make his decision effective.
Antifa is a highly decentralized network in the U.S.
--- that brings together activists who identify as
anarchists, anti-capitalists or communists.
The lack of clear leadership... makes it uncertain who
or what exactly would be targeted by Trump’s policy.
On previous occasions, he had accused the antifascist
movement of... inciting violence, including riots that
followed the 2020 killing of George Floyd during
his first term.
Trump -- had also expressed his desire to designate it
a terrorist group multiple times, though experts and
officials have stressed --- the legal difficulties of
sanctioning such a decentralized collective.
Since September 10, the day Kirk was killed in Utah, Trump
has blamed the “radical left” for the country’s political
violence. Several employees at U.S. companies and
universities - have been fired or disciplined over
comments considered ''inappropriate'' about
Kirk’s killing. Among them - were workers
at Nasdaq, the law firm Perkins Coie
and a Texas State University
student expelled...... for
mimicking the killing
during a vigil.
Republicans have sought to sanction and remove
Democratic lawmakers from legislative spaces
after they criticized the role and comments of
the far-right activist, who often clashed with
students during online programs - and his
appearances at public venues
and universities.
___________________________________
Italian Justice Reform Vote
Sparks Chaos in Parliament
September 18th, 9:53am
(teleSUR)
Lawmakers traded shouts and shoves after approving
a controversial bill backed by Meloni’s coalition.
On Thursday, a vote on a judicial reform bill in Italy’s
Lower House ended in shouts and shoves between
government and opposition lawmakers ----- who
criticized the ruling coalition for celebrating
the vote.
The Chamber of Deputies approved, with 243 votes in favour
and 109 against, the separation of judges’ and prosecutors’
careers. The measure has been a priority for the governing
coalition, especially for the conservative Forza Italia
party... as it was a longtime goal of its late founder,
Silvio Berlusconi. Lawmakers from the governing
parties celebrated the result.
The constitutional reform now moves to the Senate for final
approval, expected by the end of the year. A referendum,
will be required afterward ----- as the measure is unlikely
to secure the two-thirds majority needed in Parliament.
Opposition members approached government benches to
protest the celebrations, particularly those directed at
Foreign Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani
after no answers were given to questions on Gaza.
The shouting and scuffles forced Chamber President
Lorenzo Fontana to suspend the session -- and call
in parliamentary forces.
“We are moving forward with the judicial reform process.
We will continue working, to provide Italy and Italians
with an increasingly efficient and transparent justice
system. While awaiting the Senate’s final approval,
we will move forward with determination to deliver
to the nation a historic and long-awaited reform,”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, hailing the
bill’s passage.
The constitutional reform, would establish separate career
paths for prosecutors and judges, who currently share the
same track. If enacted, it would also create two superior
councils of the Judiciary, one for prosecutors and one
for judges — a change that the opposition warns ---
poses a real threat --- to democracy.
The National Magistrates Association (ANM) said that
separating prosecutors from the Judiciary “only
serves to make them more controllable”
because... it “weakens their ability
to investigate the powerful.”
_________________________________
China Urges U.S. to Stop Pressuring
Latin American Nations Over Ties
With Beijing
September 18th, 8:47am
(teleSUR)
Washington’s coercion is backfiring and
strengthening regional partnerships
with China.
On Thursday, China urged the US to stop
pressuring Latin American countries
and respect their right ------- to
independently decide their
international relations.
“China firmly supports Latin American countries, in
their stance against foreign interference and their
efforts to defend national sovereignty,” Foreign
Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
“The US should not ignore or act dismissively ---
in response to the legitimate concerns and just
demands of Latin American nations,” he added.
Prior to the remarks, outlets including The Economist
and The New York Times, reported that the
administration of U.S. President D. Trump
was pressuring Latin American nations
to scale back ties with Beijing.
Arguing... that China engages in “exploitative practices,”
Washington wants Latin American countries to reduce
their economic, cultural and political connections
with China. Nevertheless, U.S. pressure has had
a limited effect and, in several cases, has
strengthened LATAM governments’
engagement with Beijing.
The U.S. stance “once again shows that pressure and
coercion policies lack support and are increasingly
unviable,” Lin said.
“China and Latin America are good friends and good
partners on an equal footing.... characterized by
openness, inclusiveness & mutually beneficial
cooperation. Our cooperation responds to the
will of the people and the common interests
of both sides,” he added.
“Latin America and the Caribbean are not anyone’s
‘backyard’ and have the right to independently
choose their development path -- and their
cooperation partners,” the Chinese
diplomat stressed.
Lin also urged the US --- to “stop coercing Latin American
countries to take sides, stop interfering in their internal
affairs, and contribute concrete actions that support
their development and prosperity - instead of
sowing discord - and issuing orders.”
_______________________________________
Pakistan’s Monsoon Floods
Kill Over a thousand - as
Indus River Swells
September 18th, 7:21am
(teleSUR)
Pakistan’s worst floods since 2022, have killed
over 1,000 people, displaced millions, and left
three eastern rivers at record levels.
More than 1,000 people have died across Pakistan
since late June as heavy monsoon rains triggered
widespread flooding, displacing millions and
damaging homes and infrastructure - on a
scale not seen since the 2022 disaster.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
confirmed on Thursday that 1,002 people have lost
their lives since June 26, including 274 children,
163 women, and 565 men. Over 1,000 others
have been injured.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported the highest
toll with 504 deaths, followed by Punjab with 300, Sindh
with 80, Balochistan with 30, Gilgit-Baltistan with 41,
Pakistan-administered Kashmir with 39, and nine..
in Islamabad.
Floodwaters have destroyed more than 4,100 houses and
damaged thousands more, while at least 6,509 livestock
have been lost. Punjab, Sindh, & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
have seen the largest displacements, with over 2.4
million people affected in Punjab alone - and
2.6 million already rescued.
The Indus River is experiencing high to medium flood levels, as
waters surge downstream, according to the Flood Forecasting
Division. Authorities have also reported “exceptionally” high
levels in the Sutlej, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers—marking the
first time in Pakistan’s history that the three eastern rivers
have simultaneously reached such levels.
In late August, India released water from several dams on rivers
governed by the Indus Waters Treaty, warning Islamabad that
downstream flooding could worsen. The discharges further
raised water levels in Punjab.
Officials caution that the current floods are the most severe
since 2022, when more than 1,700 people were killed, a
third of the country was submerged, and damages
reached an estimated \$32 billion.
Relief operations continue as rising waters threaten
further devastation in southern Sindh, where tens
of thousands - remain displaced.
____________________________________________
ChinaUrges Unity,Warns - Against Foreign
Interference at Xiangshan Security Forum
September 18th, 6am
(teleSUR)
At the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China pledged
cooperation on global security while warning
that foreign interference and Cold War
divisions ----------- threaten peace.
China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun opened the 12th Beijing
Xiangshan Forum by pledging cooperation to safeguard
peace and stability, while warning that foreign
interference and Cold War-style divisions
threaten global security.
The Xiangshan Forum, held from September 17 to 19 at the Beijing
International Convention Centre, brought together over 1,800
government representatives, scholars, and observers -- from
over 100 countries, regions, and international organizations.
Framed around the theme “Upholding International Order and
Promoting Peaceful Development,” the forum is one of
China’s most prominent platforms for dialogue on
global and regional security.
In his keynote address on Thursday, Defense Minister Dong Jun
said the Chinese military is prepared to “uphold security with
concrete actions” by building mutual trust, strengthening
multilateral coordination, and advancing
cooperation mechanisms.
He added that China sought to “safeguard world peace and
build a community with a shared future for humanity.”
This year’s forum coincides with the 80th anniversary of the
victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against
Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Dong called on participants to uphold “a correct view on
World War II,” defend historical justice, and forge a
broader consensus in international relations.
Addressing regional tensions, Dong reaffirmed Beijing’s position
on Taiwan. “The People’s Liberation Army ----- will never allow
any separatist plot to succeed, nor tolerate foreign military
interference,” he stated, describing the island’s return,
as part of the post-World War II settlement.
He also warned against what he termed “the rule of the jungle”
and outdated Cold War mentalities, saying they fuel disorder
and instability. Dong urged countries to resist division and
strengthen unity to ensure stability at both regional and
global levels.
Participation by Western states this year was largely limited
to lower-level delegations, reflecting caution over China’s
growing military role but also an ongoing interest.... in
engaging with Beijing’s security agenda.
By pairing calls for collective peacebuilding with firm warnings
against external involvement in its core interests, China used
the Xiangshan Forum to showcase both its diplomatic
outreach --- and its uncompromising stance
on sovereignty.
____________________________________
Von der Leyen is being sued:the head of
the European Commission--- is being
asked to apologize
by Peter Ermilin
September 17th, 10:36am
(Pravda.ru)
Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperi has filed a lawsuit against the
head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen,
Politico reports. The reason was her statements during
the vote of no confidence debate. The translation of
the Politico article is published by Pravda.Ru.
A European parliamentarian who led an unsuccessful attempt to
pass a vote of no confidence in Ursula von der Leyen, has filed
a lawsuit against her --- for defamation, claiming that she
implied that he was subordinate to Russia.
Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piper from the centre-right European
Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group said that the head
of the EU Commission had decided to "personally attack"
him in her comments, during the vote of no confidence.
Piperet is demanding an official public apology for the Commission
chairman's remarks, which he said ----- included claims that the
signatories are "friends of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin."
Putin", "extremists" and propagators of "conspiracy
theories". A "significant number" of these
signatories also joined the lawsuit,
the MP added.
The lawsuit was filed with the Court of Justice of the European
Union.... which has not yet ruled on its admissibility. Although
libel cases are typically handled by national courts, as the
Court of Justice deals exclusively with Union law,
Piperere relies on Article 2 of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the EU, as a legal basis. This
article states ---- that the Union must
"...compensate for any damage
caused by its institutions or
employees in the course
of their duties."
The EU Commission .....declined to comment.
"Putin's Puppets"
In a July no-confidence debate in Strasbourg, von der Leyen
said that Piper's arguments "come straight from the oldest
extremist manual."
"We see an alarming threat from extremist parties that want to
polarize our societies with disinformation," the Commission's
chairwoman said, adding that there is"plenty of evidence
that many are receiving support from our enemies and
their puppeteers in Russia or elsewhere."
Manfred Weber, president of the European People's Party von der
Leyen, called the signatories of the resolution "Putin's puppets,"
adding: "Putin will like what his friends are doing here." Iratxe
Garcia, head of the Socialists and Democrats group, also
called Pipere and other signatories, Putin's allies.
Pipere initiated a vote of no confidence in mid-July, collecting
enough signatures in response to his protest against von der
Leyen's secret correspondence with Albert Bourla, the head
of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, dating back to 2021.
During the vote debate in July, Piper accused the
"undemocratic" Commission of making the EU's
decision-making process "opaque," leading to
"concerns about abuse and corruption."
_________________________________________________
Despite the sanctions, Switzerland
has sharply increased its imports
of Russian gold
by Oleg Artyukov
September 17th, 9:20am
(Pravda.ru)
In the first half of 2025, Switzerland significantly increased
its imports of Russian-origin gold, despite the ongoing
sanctions restrictions.
Purchases of this metal have almost doubled compared to the
same period last year, according to RIA Novosti, citing data
from the UN Comtrade platform.
This trend is particularly noteworthy given that Switzerland
officially joined the EU's embargo on Russian gold in
August 2022.
However, the sanctions regime turned out to be less clear-cut.
The Swiss authorities clarified that the ban does not apply to
metal that left Russia before the restrictions were imposed.
This left Swiss companies with the opportunity to continue
purchasing gold if it was coming through third countries
or was already in warehouses outside the Russian
Federation. This legal loophole.... effectively
allowed trade flows to continue, albeit
in a modified form.
According to official statistics, Switzerland imported 10.2 tons of
Russian gold worth approximately \$934.7 million in the first half
of the year. This represents a 50% increase in physical terms
compared to the previous year, and a 100% increase, in
monetary terms.
For the Russian export sector, gold continues to be one of the most
important sources of foreign exchange earnings, especially in the
context of limited access to Western capital markets and
declining revenues from hydrocarbons.
It is worth noting that gold plays a strategic role in Switzerland.
The country has historically been the world's largest centre
for the refining and processing of precious metals. It is
home to leading refineries that handle a significant
portion of the global gold market.
Thus, Switzerland's interest in imports, including those from
Russia, is driven not so much by domestic market needs
as by its status as a key hub for global processing
and subsequent re-export.
If we look at the overall scale of trade, Switzerland acquired
more than $95.1 billion worth of gold on the global market
in the first six months.
This is almost double the figure from a year ago, reflecting not
only the rise in metal prices but also increased demand from
investors seeking safe-haven assets amid geopolitical and
economic instability.
The main suppliers to Switzerland in the first half of the year were
the US, with exports worth $19.2 billion, followed by the United
Arab Emirates, which sold $17.6 billion worth of gold, and
Canada, which sold $4.5 billion.
The top five - also includes Australia ($4.4 billion) and Uzbekistan ($4.3 billion). This import structure - highlights the diversification of sources, and Switzerland's commitment to maintaining
sustainable supply channels, even in a complex political environment.
It is worth noting that, on the one hand, Western countries have
declared a strict approach to restrictive measures aimed at
reducing Russia's revenues from raw material exports.
On the other hand, due to the specifics of global trade and
complex re-export schemes, the bans are not absolute.
From Switzerland's perspective, this policy is pragmatic. The
country aims to maintain its status as a major processing
hub, as cutting off supplies from Russia, could weaken
its position in the global market.
In addition, given that gold is a liquid and versatile asset,
Swiss companies are interested in accessing as wide
a range of sources - as possible.
_________________________________________________
Former ECB Governor:Gas in Europe
is four times more expensive than
in the US
by Oleg Artyukov
September 17th, 12:20am
(Pravda.ru)
The former head of the EU Central Bank and former Italian Prime
Minister Mario Draghi is dissatisfied with the implementation
of his proposals to improve the EU's competitiveness,
which were put forward and approved a year ago.
In the meantime, the situation has not changed much: the cost of
energy in Europe ..remains significantly higher than in the US,
competition from China is intensifying, and the new trade
agreement with the US has been largely negotiated
on Washington's terms.
According to a publication by Il Sole 24 Ore, the key
problem is the high cost of energy resources for
the EU's industry.
According to experts, European companies spend about twice
as much on energy as US companies, and the cost of gas is
four times higher in Europe, than in the US.
Meanwhile, the energy intensity of modern production, especially
in the high-tech sector, is increasing. Artificial intelligence, data
centres, and cloud services, which are expected to become
the foundation of the new economy..... consume vast
amounts of electricity.
Consequently, the difference in energy prices directly affects
the competitiveness of European companies compared to
their US and Chinese rivals.
In the context of the ongoing imbalance, the EU's transition to
a high-tech economy is at risk. While Europe has declared its
intention.. to promote innovation and digitalization, objective
economic barriers hinder the implementation of these plans.
With cheaper resources in the US and China, it is becoming more
difficult for European companies to compete --- both in terms of
production costs & the pace of introducing new technologies.
Draghi also emphasizes that Washington and Beijing are exerting
increasing geoeconomic pressure. The US has imposed the
highest tariffs on European goods in almost a century,
leaving the EU in a weak position with limited
tools for a symmetrical response.
The EU's reliance on US military support and the overall
architecture of transatlantic relations played a crucial
role in the EU's reluctance to accept terms in the
trade agreement that favoured the US.
Thus, Brussels finds itself in a situation where economic policy
intersects with security issues, and political dependence
directly affects economic independence.
A year ago, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
instructed Mario Draghi to prepare a detailed analysis of
the EU economy's challenges - and propose solutions.
The Italian economist then formulated a set of recommendations
aimed at strengthening the industrial sector, developing the
defense industry, and digitalizing and integrating
the EU's internal markets.
Among the key factors undermining Europe's competitiveness, he
highlighted the increased costs of importing energy resources
due to the withdrawal of Russian supplies. According to his
calculations, the additional expenses amounted to
approximately 100 billion euros ------ which is
equivalent to 2.7% of the EU's total GDP.
Even then, he warned that the continued disparity in energy
costs between the EU and its main competitors --- would
make its ambitions for new technologies, untenable.
Based on Draghi's proposals, a strategic document called "The
Competitiveness Compass" was developed. This plan aimed
to set long-term goals for the EU economy, reduce its
dependence on external factors, and strengthen
its position in the global market.
However, a year later, the results of its implementation were far
from what was expected. The energy situation has remained
largely unchanged: prices remain high, dependence on
external suppliers persists, and the transition to
alternative energy sources - has not yet been
able to compensate for the increased costs.
An analysis of the current situation shows that the problem is
systemic. The high cost of energy for Europe is due not only
to the rejection of Russian resources, but also to the
structural features of the EU energy market.
A complex regulatory system, a high tax burden, and insufficient
coordination among member countries are slowing down the
formation of a unified energy space.
At the same time, the United States and China, with access
to cheaper energy sources and a centralized policy, have
significant competitive advantages.
The EU's strategic dependence on the US... in the military
sphere remains an important aspect. This limits Europe's
maneuverability in trade policy matters. Any attempt to
resist Washington's economic pressure.... is
automatically met --- with the threat of a
revision of defense agreements.
Thus, the EU finds itself in a kind of trap: on the one hand,
it seeks strategic autonomy, but on the other, it is forced
to accept conditions dictated by its stronger partner.
Over the past ten years... China has been actively investing in infrastructure development in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
This policy ----- allowed it to prepare for the consequences of the trade war with the US, which was initiated by the Donald Trump administration, according to The New York Times.
Investments in roads, ports, energy, and industrial facilities have
strengthened economic ties with countries in the global South,
and provided Beijing with strategic influence over key regions
that are - gradually.... becoming alternative centres of
global demand.
After the US imposed high tariffs, China's exports to the
US economy - decreased by approximately 15 percent.
However, the total volume of China's foreign trade ------ has not
decreased, as exports have been redirected to other markets.
Trade flows with countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin
America, and Europe .....have increased significantly.
Chinese companies have launched an active offensive in
new segments: the presence of electric vehicle brands
is expanding in Europe and Asia, and sales of Chinese
solar panels are increasing dramatically in Africa.
As a result, China's trade surplus increased from $612.6 billion
to $785.8 billion in annual terms, indicating the country's
high economic flexibility.
At the same time --- Beijing is using trade leverage for political
purposes. For example, the refusal to purchase US soybeans
has been a painful blow to the U.S. agricultural sector,
particularly to farmers in the Midwest, for whom
China was a major market.
This step showed that China is ready to use economic measures
not only for protection, but also to demonstrate its own strength.
The US, in turn, has consistently increased tariffs on Chinese
goods. Taking into account earlier restrictions, the total
amount of tariffs on Chinese products has reached
around 145%. Despite this... China has managed
to maintain economic growth and compensate
for losses by diversifying its trade routes
and markets.
Later negotiations in Geneva....... temporarily mitigated the
confrontation, with the parties agreeing to a 90-day partial
reduction of tariffs, but this measure was limited and did
not change the strategic course.
The US side repeatedly postponed the return to stricter tariffs,
which indicated the vulnerability of the US in the context of
the mutual dependence of the two economies.
China's experience in the trade war with the US highlights the
importance of a long-term investment strategy and market
diversification. Investments in the infrastructure of
developing countries... have become a tool for
building sustainable economic ties... which
have helped to offset the losses incurred
from declining exports to the US.
Thus, Beijing has taken a step towards reducing its dependence
on the US market while - simultaneously - strengthening its
global influence.
For the US, the trade war has shown the limitations
of protectionist measures: pressure on China has
been accompanied by retaliatory actions that
have caused significant damage to
US exporters.
In the long term, we can talk about a gradual shift
of the centre of global trade ....towards Asian
countries, and the global South.
_____________________________________________
UN Report Warns of Worsening Famine in
Gaza, Sudan and Other Conflict Zones
September 16th, 8:21am
(teleSUR)
Catastrophic food insecurity affects millions - with
climate shocks and funding cuts fueling the crisis.
On Tuesday --- the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) informed -- that northern Gaza is in
conditions similar to or worse than Gaza Governorate
but has not been officially declared in “famine” due
to a lack of data.
The assessment was presented in the latest update of the
Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), published annually
by the Global Network Against Food Crises. This
publication was updated with data available
through August 22nd, 2024.
“Famine is projected by the end of September in Deir al-Balah and
Khan Younis, placing three of the five governorates” of the Gaza
Strip in famine conditions, while Rafah was not analyzed
“because it is largely depopulated,” FAO said.
The GRFC also stressed that the impacts of conflicts triggered
famine in parts of Sudan and pushed South Sudan, Yemen,
Haiti and Mali to “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity
affecting a total of 1.4 million people.
In Sudan, which remains “the world’s largest internal
displacement crisis, with 10 million displaced,”
famine was confirmed in five areas, and its
spread was projected --- to five more in
northern Darfur between December
2024 and May 2025.
“Available evidence indicates famine likely continues, with
further deterioration during the lean season from June to
September,” the FAO said. In neighbouring South Sudan,
famine risk was also detected in the counties of Ulang
and Nasir between April and July 2025.
Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan account
for the largest numbers of people facing high levels of acute
food insecurity, while Gaza, South Sudan and Yemen have
the highest proportions - relative to their populations.
The 2025 analyses indicate a “deterioration” in acute food
security in 14 countries compared with the previous year.
In some of them, such as Guinea, Senegal, Kenya and
Somalia, the main cause has been adverse climate
events, including floods and forecasts of
insufficient rainfall.
This crisis is ''compounded'' by economic ''downturns'' and
“abrupt and substantial” funding cuts - at the beginning
of 2025 - which “continue to drive food crises.”
______________________________________________
Dutch Voters Dissatisfied With
Politics ......Ahead of Election
September 16th, 7:53am
(teleSUR)
Only 29 percent of voters trust politics, while
68 percent have little or no confidence.
On Tuesday -- the Dutch Broadcast Company (NOS) published
a poll showing that most Dutch voters have little confidence
in national politics and expect no improvement after next
month’s parliamentary election.
The Ipsos survey found only 29 percent of voters trust politics,
while 68 percent have little or no confidence. Trust briefly
rose to 44 percent a year ago when the cabinet of the
Party for Freedom (PVV), the People’s Party for
Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the Farmer
-Citizen Movement (BBB) and the New
Social Contract (NSC) took office.
“PVV and BBB voters expected their interests to be better
represented under the Schoof cabinet, but.. that has not
materialized,” Ipsos researcher Asher van der Schelde
told NOS.
Among PVV supporters, trust has collapsed from 50 percent
to 14 percent. Confidence among BBB voters dropped
from 57 percent to 13 percent.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents said “politics is
preoccupied with itself, incapable of cooperation
and does not solve problems.”
Dissatisfaction is highest with asylum and migration policy
(68 percent), housing (64 percent) and healthcare
(53 percent). More than 87 percent of PVV
voters disapprove of immigration policy.
The NSC, once buoyed by rising trust -- has now lost nearly all
support and polls at or near zero seats. Economic sentiment
is also bleak: 44 percent expect conditions to worsen in
the coming year, while only 7 percent foresee
improvement. Only 18 percent believe
Dutch politics will function better
after the October 29 election.
________________________________________
National Guard to Memphis: Trump’s
Latest Move Against Cities
and Immigrants
September 16th, 1:59am
(teleSUR)
U.S. President Donald Trump, issued an order on Monday,
September 15, to deploy the National Guard to Memphis,
Tennessee under the excuse of “alarming” crime levels
highlited by the White House.
The president stated.. that several federal agencies would
also be involved, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S.
Marshals Service.
Trump has threatened to deploy federal forces in other cities
governed by Democratic mayors — despite their opposition
— such as Baltimore or Chicago, which he said would be
“the next” to receive troops.
Trump also announced on his social media platform, Truth
Social, that he is ready to impose a state of emergency in
Washington, D.C., and even assume direct control of
the city.
On August 11th, Trump had deployed 800
National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
Several social organizations across multiple states, such as
the Coalition for Migrant and Refugee Rights, stressed that
they will resist any attempt at militarization and will not
be intimidated by Trump’s threats. They warned: that
such an action could trigger serious confrontations.
On September 5, the National Guard announced
the mobilization of approximately 95 troops in
Louisiana ---- to support operations by ICE.
In this context, activists are organizing a demonstration in
New Orleans on September 16 to protest the deployment
of the National Guard, comparing this measure to other
troop deployments ordered by the Trump regime... in
different parts of the country, such as Washington,
D.C., as well as to the intensification of
immigration crackdowns in the
Chicago area.
Police operations in Chicago reached deadly levels
on September 12, when ICE agents fatally shot
undocumented immigrant Silverio Villegas-
González after he allegedly drove his
vehicle ''toward'' the agents.
_______________________________
The EU cannot convince Türkiye
-------- to stop buying Russian oil
by Oleg Artyukov
September 16th, 12:20am
(Pravda.ru)
The EU has once again faced limitations in its ability to
exert external economic pressure. The situation
surrounding Türkiye's import of Russian oil
has gained significant attention.
Despite Brussels' efforts and Washington's support, the EU
has been unable to convince Ankara to stop purchasing
Russian energy resources, a Politico article suggests.
In this case, the EU does not have the tools to effectively
influence the decisions of a non-member state.
Washington has set a condition for Europe: a complete halt
to the purchase of Russian-origin oil. The goal of this step
is to limit revenue for the Russian budget.
In addition, the US has called on European countries to
increase their pressure on China, by suggesting that
Beijing is indirectly providing financial support
to Moscow.
However, in practice, the situation turned out to be much
more complicated. Despite the fact that many European
countries have already reduced their purchases of
Russian oil, not everyone has been able to
completely abandon their energy
cooperation with Moscow.
This is especially true for gas supplies.. which continue to flow
to several EU countries. Türkiye , as a non-member of the EU,
has a unique position in terms of its energy policy, which is
largely based on pragmatism --- and the search for the
most favorable conditions.
Russian oil remains an attractive resource for Ankara
....due to its relatively low price, and stable supply.
Thus, Brussels is facing an obvious limitation of its influence.
The economic leverage that the EU has within the union
does not extend to Türkiye.
Even close ties in the form of negotiations on migration policy or military cooperation within NATO do not allow the EU to dictate energy conditions to Ankara. This is the key point: Türkiye uses its geopolitical position as a tool ......to maintain its autonomy in decision-making.
Analysts point out that the demands put forward by Washington
initially had little chance of being met. For example, columnist
Maggie Haberman described them - as obviously impossible,
noting that the US leader's entourage is well aware of this.
Indeed, in an era of global energy restructuring, it is unrealistic
to expect..... a complete abandonment of Russian resources.
Even within the EU itself, there are ongoing disagreements:
some countries.... continue to rely on Russian gas,
highlighting the disconnect between political
rhetoric and economic reality.
Against the backdrop of statements and threats from the US,
global markets have demonstrated a high sensitivity to
political signals. Oil prices have responded with an
increase, with Brent crude rising by 2.3 percent
to reach $67.42 per barrel.
Vandana Hari, the founder of the analytical company Vanda
Insights, said that the key factor in market nervousness
is the uncertainty surrounding possible sanctions
against Russia. For market participants, it is not
so much the fact of imposing restrictions that
is important, but rather the lack of clear
predictions - regarding their nature,
and timing.
The situation around Türkiye demonstrates a broader trend:
the West's sanctions policy is facing limitations in its
effectiveness when it comes to countries that
pursue their own strategies --- based on
national interests.
For Ankara, energy security and economic benefits, are more
important than pressure from its allies. As a result, a unique
balance is formed: Türkiye maintains its partnership with
Russia in the energy sector --- while remaining an
important NATO ally, and a participant in the
EU dialogue.
The EU's inability to convince Türkiye to stop importing
Russian oil reflects a deeper issue: the disconnect
between Western political goals ------- and the
economic realities of individual countries.
In this case, pressure from the US and Brussels did not lead to
the desired result, demonstrating the limitations of sanctions
in a globalized market.
For Türkiye , this episode is a confirmation of its special role
at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia,
as well as its ability to develop an independent
energy strategy.
_______________________________________________
China will respond to NATO - if it imposes
tariffs on oil imports from Russia
by Oleg Artyukov
September 15th, 9:50am
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian - said that any
restrictive measures that could affect the country's legitimate interests - would inevitably lead to retaliatory steps.
Washington and its G7 and NATO partners are considering the
possibility of imposing tariffs on countries that continue to
cooperate with Russia in the oil sector.
From their point of view, such a pressure tool could encourage
Beijing to become more actively involved in resolving the
conflict in Ukraine.
However, the Chinese side views such actions as a manifestation
of economic coercion and political pressure - which aligns with
long-standing criticism of the US for using sanctions policies
to achieve its own geopolitical goals.
The energy aspect is particularly important in this context. China
is the world's largest oil importer, and its energy strategy
depends on a stable supply. In recent years, Russia
has been a leading supplier of hydrocarbons
to the Chinese market.
According to official statistics, in 2023, Beijing imported 107 million
tons of oil from Russia, which is a quarter more than in the
previous year. In 2024, this volume ----- reached over
108 million tons, worth over 62 billion dollars.
Thus, Russian oil plays a key role in China's energy mix, and
abandoning these supplies is not only impractical, but also
extremely challenging.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasizes - that China's cooperation
with Russia and other countries in the fields of trade and energy is
fully legitimate and in line with international law. Any attempts to
criticize or restrict this cooperation are perceived in Beijing as
undermining the country's economic sovereignty.
Moreover, China views such threats not only through the lens of
foreign policy, but also in the context of long-term strategic
interests. Energy security is a cornerstone of sustainable
development, and Beijing seeks to minimize its
dependence on political circumstances by
diversifying its energy sources.... while
maintaining close cooperation with
Russia as a reliable partner.
The imposition of tariffs or secondary sanctions on Russian oil
imports to China could have serious consequences for the
global energy market. Such measures could disrupt
established supply chains, lead to higher prices,
and destabilize the international energy
trade system.
For China, this would not only mean economic costs ------ but also
pose a threat to its growth rate, as access to energy resources
directly affects the country's industrial production and export
potential. In a slowing global economy, these risks become
particularly sensitive.
By using pressure tactics through allies and international
organizations, the US is effectively seeking to isolate
Russia from its key energy markets.
However, in the case of China, this strategy faces objective
limitations. Beijing ---- has sufficient economic power and
political independence to withstand external pressure.
Moreover, in recent years, China and Russia have been actively
building alternative mechanisms for settlements in national
currencies, reducing their dependence on the dollar and
Western financial institutions. This creates additional
resilience to sanctions risks.
Thus, the threat of imposing tariffs on China for importing Russian
oil is unlikely to lead to the desired outcome. Instead, it could
exacerbate the confrontation between Beijing and
Washington and encourage China to seek
alternative economic and
political alliances.
In the long term, such measures may weaken the US's influence
on the global stage, as they encourage the formation of new
centres of power ....and reinforce the trend towards
multipolarity in international relations.
_________________________________________
Finnish Prime Minister Announces Damage
to the Country's Economy from the Break
...in Relations with Russia
September 13th, 2:24pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Finland's decision to sever ties with Russia, has had a
negative impact on the country's economy. This was
announced by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in
an interview with Yle broadcaster on September 13.
He emphasized, that the closure of the border with Russia
has led to a halt in the import of 10 million cubic metres
of wood ---- which is essential for the Finnish forestry
industry. Orpo also noted that Finnish companies
have suffered losses.. due to the loss of billions of investments in Russia.
"All cross-border transportation and trade have been stopped. Air
traffic with Russia is interrupted. And this creates uncertainty.
All this affects the fact --- that the growth of the Finnish
economy does not correspond to the desired one,"
the politician added.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev
said the day before that at the initiative of Helsinki the mutually
beneficial relations between Russia and Finland ---- have been
completely destroyed. He stressed that these changes strike
primarily at ordinary Finnish citizens. According to him, they
received serious benefits from the development of bilateral
trade and economic ties with Russia, and now they
express dissatisfaction with the policy of their
authorities, which - clearly - does not
correspond to their interests.
_____________________________________
Foreign intelligence agencies spent
$4 billion --- on protests in Serbia
September 13th, 2:07pm
(Izvestia.ru)
In an attempt to overthrow the Serbian government.... foreign
intelligence agencies spent $4 billion to organize street riots.
This was announced by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
in an interview with Informer TV on September 13.
"$4 billion has been spent on the collapse of the state. The main
organizers of the colour revolution come from outside. These
are employees of various intelligence agencies, and they
are doing this, from several countries," Vucic said.
The President noted that he knew the list of countries that had
tried to organize a coup d'état. However, he did not disclose it
in order to maintain Serbia's neutrality.
"These countries know that we are aware
of what they are doing," he emphasized.
Vucic explained that the special services had financed protests
that were supposed to turn into a colour revolution, all in an
effort to destroy Serbia and overthrow its government.
Anti-government protests, in which the Serbian opposition is taking
part, began after 15 people died in November 2024 as a result of
the collapse of a canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad.
Protesters blocked bridges and roads. Vucic on July 4 called
on those who took to the streets not to block the cities,
threatening to use countermeasures. However, since
August 2025, the street riots .....have become
particularly widespread and violent.
On August 12, protests took place in the Serbian Vrbas, during
which almost 70 people were injured. A group of citizens of
the republic expressed their discontent in front of the
building of the Serbian Progressive Party and
its supporters.
On August 13, it was reported that 64 people were injured in the
protests, 16 of them were police officers. The protests spread
to the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party in Novi
Sad ...and other cities in Serbia.
_________________________________________
Acting prime minister ''appointed'' in Nepal Colour Insurrection
September 13th, 2:14am
(Prensa Latina)
With the appointment of the independent Sushila Karki as
interim prime minister, Nepal's government... lifted the
national curfew imposed by the unstable situation
due to recent violent protests.
According to The Himalaya Times, public transport
resumed operations this Saturday, and the
Kathmandu Valley - registers a strong
presence of vehicles and people,
while traffic restrictions, have
also ceased.
The newspaper stated that Karki's appointment occurred in
a special ceremony on Friday night in Sheetal Niwas,
administered by President Ram Chandra Paudel.
The decision to position the former president of the Supreme Court
responds to a key demand from representatives of the movement
that the Western press called Generation Z, who pushed for the
dissolution of Parliament and a nonpartisan government, the presidential ''press adviser'', Kiran Pokhrel said.
Karki was the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court of
Nepal and served from July 2016 to June 2017. In 2017, she faced an impeachment motion --- by lawmakers
from the then-ruling Nepalese Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre).
She now leads a government tasked with holding new
parliamentary elections within six months.. and
''transferring power,'' according to the
Western biased Nepalese press.
This is the first time since the promulgation of Nepal's new
Constitution... that a prime minister has been appointed
under Article 61, which empowers the president to
act as head of state and exercise functions
in accordance with constitutional and
federal legislation, The Himalaya
Times, now asserts.
Last Monday, under the pretext of a ban on several social
networks, a bloody protest broke out that on its second
day - and after the resignation of KP Sharma Oli as
prime minister - to try to calm the crisis - led to
chaos --- with deaths and injuries, attacks on
officials and their families, & the burning of
parliamentary & government institutions,
media and residences, due to inaction
by the security forces.
According to the official count, at least
34 people died and 1,368 were injured
in the illegal violent insurrection.
________________________________________
Malaysia reported that Trump and Putin
Will be attending the ASEAN summit
September 12th, 10:10pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, US leader Donald Trump and
Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang will take part in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit,
which will be held in October in Kuala Lumpur. This was
reported on September 12, by the Malaysian agency
Bernama with reference to the Malaysian Prime
Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
"The event will also be attended by President US Donald Trump,
Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the Chinese Premier,
Li Qiang," the publication said.
Ibrahim also noted that Brazilian President Lula da Silva
and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa - had
confirmed their participation in the summit.
Time for a Deal: Putin and Trump - are both
interested in ending the conflict in Ukraine
The leaders of Russia and the United States have not yet
reached a full understanding, but they have made
significant progress.
On September 9th, Trump announced that he would have a
'phone conversation with Putin - this week or next. Prior
to this, on September 7th, the American leader stated
that he wanted to talk with the Russian president
in the near future.
On September 5, Russian President's Press Secretary Dmitry
Peskov did not rule out a second round of Putin-Trump talks.
According to him, if necessary, a meeting between the
two leaders could be organized very quickly.
_______________________________________________
Poland passed a law on depriving
unemployed Ukrainians of
social benefits
September 12th, 9:58pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The Polish Sejm has adopted a bill to amend some laws to check
the right to family benefits for foreigners, primarily Ukrainians.
This was reported on September 12 from the document
on the Sejm's website.
"The project concerns the tightening of the system for receiving
family benefits by foreigners, primarily from Ukraine. The new
rules link the right to benefits to activity in the labour market
and the education of children in a Polish school. Exceptions
include, for example, people with disabilities," the draft
law states.
It is also emphasized that restrictions will be imposed on the
provision of medical services to adult Ukrainian citizens.
What Will the New Quarrel Between
Ukraine and Poland..... Lead to?
TVP Info reported on August 25 that Polish President Karol
Nawrociński vetoed a bill, that would have extended the
special status and benefits for refugees from Ukraine.
Only Ukrainians who make an effort to work in
Poland, will be able to receive benefits.
Warsaw bans Banderite symbols ----- and Kiev
threatens its neighbours with consequences.
________________________________________
Pakistan to Host Shanghai
Cooperation Organization
Summit in 2026 - 2027
September 12th, 10:50 am
(teleSUR)
PM Sharif calls for preparations to build new facilities and
beautify Islamabad ---- ahead of the SCO leaders’ meeting.
On Friday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced
that his country will host the Council of Heads of State
summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) in 2027.
“The duty of hosting the next SCO summit, in 2027, rests upon
us. We must begin preparations now,” Sharif said during the
inauguration of a flyover on Islamabad’s highway.
The prime minister stressed that work must start immediately,
including the construction of new accommodations and
improvements to the capital’s appearance. “We must
not only build new facilities, but also beautify
Islamabad,” he said.
In October 2024, Pakistan already hosted in Islamabad the 23rd
meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. The
country will assume the rotating presidency of the SCO
Council of Heads of State and the Council of Foreign
Ministers, in 2026-2027.
The Council of Heads of State, the SCO’s highest decision-
making body, meets annually to discuss regional and
international issues, rotating venues among the
member states.
The SCO is a Eurasian bloc that works on political, economic
and security cooperation. It currently has 10 members:
China, India, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan.
Pakistan joined the SCO as a full member in June 2017, after
being an observer state from 2005 to 2017.... although its
ties with the member countries date back much earlier.
____________________________________________
Arctic LNG-2 gas replaces
US supplies to China
by Oleg Artyukov
September 12th, 10:05am
(Pravda.ru)
The Russian project "Arctic LNG-2" continues to demonstrate
its resilience and ability to find markets despite the harsh
sanctions pressure.
According to Reuters, the fourth gas carrier carrying liquefied
natural gas produced at the Beihai LNG project has arrived
at the Beihai LNG terminal in Beihai, China. This time, the
carrier is the Buran tanker, which is currently unloading
at the Tieshan port.
Shipments from the plant began relatively recently, at the end of
August 2025. The first batch arrived in China aboard the Arctic
Mulan tanker. This was followed by the Voskhod and Zarya,
which delivered LNG in the first days of September.
Thus, in just a short period of time, the Chinese market received
four major deliveries, which indicates the formation of a
sustainable export route and the consolidation of
the Russian project's position in Asia.
The Arctic LNG-2 project, implemented by NOVATEK, has been
under severe US sanctions since the beginning of 2023. The
US administration has publicly expressed its extremely
negative attitude towards this project.
In particular, in November 2023, US Assistant Secretary of State
Jeffrey Payette announced his intention to "put an end" to its
implementation. The sanctions measures included bans on
the supply of equipment, technological solutions, and
restrictions on access to international
financial instruments.
It was assumed... that these measures would significantly slow
down the project's launch and make its commercial operation
almost impossible.
However, the real dynamics show the opposite. Despite external
pressure, the project has reached the export stage, and its
products are in steady demand in China.
Moreover, a paradoxical situation is emerging: while the US
has been trying to block Russian LNG, US companies have
lost the ability to supply gas to China.
This was caused not only by political confrontation, but also by
trade barriers. As a result of the mutual restrictions and tariffs
imposed ....during the height of the US-China tensions,
exporting US LNG to China became unprofitable.
Thus, Arctic LNG-2 .....is gradually filling a niche that could
have been occupied by the US. For the Chinese side, this
diversification of supplies is particularly important. By
maintaining energy security, China aims to minimize
its dependence on a limited number of suppliers
and create a more flexible import system.
In this context, Russian LNG becomes an alternative resource
--- that can compensate for the risks associated with trade
conflicts or potential disruptions with other suppliers.
It should also be noted that China remains one of the largest
energy consumers in the world. Economic growth and
urbanization continue to increase domestic energy
demand, while policies to reduce carbon
emissions are driving a shift from coal
to cleaner fuels, including natural gas.
In this logic, LNG supplies from Russia not only ensure a stable
influx of energy resources, but also align with China's strategic
goals in the fields of ecology and energy.
On the Russian side, supplies demonstrate the ability to adapt to
sanctions pressure. NOVATEK and its partners have found ways
to solve logistical and financial problems, as well as to
establish cooperation with Asian markets.
In fact, Arctic LNG-2 is becoming a symbol of the fact that
sanctions aimed at isolating Russian energy projects
are not achieving the expected effect.
Moreover, in the context of global competition, they sometimes
play a reverse role, opening up additional opportunities in
Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric said during a meeting with Kirill Logvinov, the Director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Foreign Ministry, that it is
important to maintain dialogue and regular contacts with Russia at the highest of high levels.
This was reported on the website of the Serbian Foreign Ministry, on September 11.
"Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the continuity of
dialogue and high-level meetings, Duric noted the recent
meeting between Presidents Vucic and Putin in Beijing,
emphasizing that it was a confirmation of the mutual
readiness to maintain the traditionally close ties
between the two countries," the Foreign
Ministry said.
The Serbian minister expressed his readiness to continue good cooperation with Russia. Duric also thanked Moscow - for its principled position on the status of Kosovo and Metohija.
Earlier, on September 2nd, Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, described his conversation with Putin in Beijing as very honest and important. He also expressed hope for strengthening bilateral relations and stated his principled position --- of not supporting anti-Russian sanctions, despite pressure from the West.
_______________________________
Lukashenko thanked the United States --
for partially lifting sanctions on Belarus
September 11th, 4:15pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed his
gratitude to the United States for initiating the process of lifting the sanctions imposed on the republic.
He announced this on September 11 at a meeting with the
permanent representative of the republic to the United
Nations, Valentin Rybakov, according to the BelTA
news agency.
"The fact that they have started lifting sanctions against us
is a good thing, and it will make it easier for us to work.
This, is also very important. As I warned you, this is
not the main focus of our work. However, it does
exist. It weighs heavily on the economy, and
the economy is the life of the people,"
said the Belarusian leader.
Earlier in the day, the US special representative John Cole
at a meeting with Lukashenko announced the lifting of
sanctions from the Belarusian airline Belavia. Cole
noted, that the decision was made by the US
leader Donald Trump. According to him,
the lifting of sanctions --- is also
accepted by all the relevant
agencies and ministries.
__________________________
National Electro-energy System
now re-established in Cuba
September 11th, 1:38pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Cuba reported today
that all the country's provinces are connected to the
National Electroenergy System (SEN).
Portfolio specialists specified that so far more than
1,400 megawatts of generation are available.
According to the deputy director of the Electrical Union,
Omar Ramírez --- although the system has already
returned to its condition before disconnection,
“it is not yet possible to meet the country's
total demand”.
Ramírez stressed to national television that - thanks to
the experience accumulated by similar situations --
protocols were consolidated that allow a faster
response to restore service throughout the
national territory.
He explained that to provide more robustness to the system,
it is expected that in the afternoon the Antonio Guiteras
thermo-electric plant will synchronize, joining Mariel
unit 6, already connected to the SEN.
The National Electroenergy System of Cuba suffered a total
collapse the day before, after an unexpected failure from
the Antonio Guiteras plant, the most efficient thermal
block in the Caribbean country.
_________________________________________
Noboa marches in Ecuador and asks
to defend his popular consultation
September 11th, 1:27pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, today led a march
in the city of Guayaquil “for security and peace”, where
he defended the right of citizens to decide - with his
popular consultation scheduled for this year.
A crowd dressed in white accompanied him on a short drive
of a few blocks through the centre of the coastal city until
he got into a van and gave his two-minute speech, in
which he spoke of a “final battle”.
“We must let the people decide, there are questions on which
citizens will be able to speak out and that will be our final
battle”, Noboa said --- in reference to the questions
proposed for a popular consultation and
referendum that the Constitutional
Court must review.
The ruler claimed to be in the mobilization to fulfill a civic
and democratic duty, but he insisted on questioning the
constitutional control body that partially stopped
articles of three laws that he considers key, as
well as four questions that he intended to
include in his popular consultation.
“They want to be on the side of drug traffickers, they want
to be on the side of criminals. We have to raise our voices
and demand at the polls - what the direction of this
country is, without positions or extremism, this
is pure democracy”, stated the president.
Analysts question whether the Executive organizes a
mobilization to demand peace and security, when it
is precisely the Government that is responsible
for guaranteeing that right.
In the last few hours, complaints have emerged indicating
that public servants in the country have been forced to
attend ---- under pressure from their superiors.
At the same time, protests are also expected in Quito and
other cities in the country this afternoon, but against
Noboa's laws and measures, as well as in rejection
of the consultative process, which would cost
around 60 million dollars.
In the capital, Quito, the Unitary Workers' Front (FUT)
and other social organizations, will march for the
“defense of health, public education, decent
work, social security, the environment,
and human rights”.
From 4:00 p.m. (local time) they will gather outside the
headquarters of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social
Security, and walk towards the historic centre,
where fences and military tanks are already
placed around the Carondelet Palace....
the headquarters of the Executive.
_________________________________________
Europe is at risk - of becoming completely
dependent on the US for its gas supplies
by Oleg Artyukov
September 11th, 1:05pm
(Pravda.ru)
In recent years, European energy policy has been
increasingly influenced by geopolitical factors
rather than economic feasibility.
After a sharp decline in Russian gas imports in 2022,
and announced plans to completely phase them out
by 2027, the EU is facing a new dilemma: reducing
dependence on one major supplier --- almost
inevitably leads to increased dependence
on another.
At the same time, the current situation demonstrates
that it is primarily the US --- that has rapidly taken
over the vacated niche in the European market.
According to industry statistics --- in the first half of this year, liquefied natural gas imports to Europe
increased by 25 percent --- compared to the
same period last year, reaching a record
high of 92 billion cubic metres.
More than half of this volume, about 55 percent, came
from the US, and Russia, surprisingly, remained in
second place with 14 percent, despite political
statements about completely abandoning its
energy resources.
This dynamic confirms that the replacement of Russian
pipeline supplies is primarily due to American LNG,
which means that the structure of dependence
is not disappearing, but rather, transforming.
Representatives of the European Commission do not hide
their readiness to strengthen the energy partnership
with the US. At the official level, this is presented
as part of the energy security strategy, but in
reality, a paradox arises: the rejection of an
"unreliable" supplier leads to an increase
in the role of another monopoly.
According to Reuters analysts, if the current trend continues,
the US share in European LNG imports could reach 70%.
Moreover --- if another 16 billion cubic metres of gas
are replaced through the Turkish Stream pipeline,
this figure could exceed 80 percent.
It is important to note that even these figures do not reflect
the full picture, as the total volume of gas consumption in
Europe is also influenced by pipeline supplies from
Norway, Azerbaijan, and North Africa.
According to rough calculations, the share of US gas in
Europe's total imports could be around 23 percent. For
comparison ----- before 2022, Russia accounted for
approximately 40% of the EU's total gas imports.
The EU's strategy raises questions. Firstly, the high
concentration of supplies from a single source
objectively reduces the flexibility of the
energy system. The European market,
which previously balanced between
Russian pipeline supplies.... and
alternative sources, now risks
being exposed to the price
and political volatility
of US' LNG.
Given that the US actively uses energy as a foreign
policy tool, it cannot be ruled out that Europe will
be at a disadvantage when negotiating prices
or the terms of long-term contracts.
Secondly, the economic aspect should be taken into
account. LNG from the US requires more complex
logistics, as it needs to be liquefied, transported
by tankers, and then regasified at European
terminals. This increases the final cost
of fuel for consumers, compared to
pipeline gas.
While Europe was willing to pay significantly above market
prices during the 2022 energy crisis, to diversify its supply,
this could have a negative impact on the competitiveness
of European industries.... in the long term.
Thirdly, the formation of a new dependency goes against
the EU's declared goal of building a sustainable and
autonomous energy system. Theoretically.... the
transition to renewable energy sources should
have reduced the dependence... on external
suppliers, but in practice, Europe remains
highly vulnerable to external shocks.
In the meantime, gas imports, especially LNG,
continue to play a key role in ensuring
energy stability.
Thus, the current EU policy can be seen as an attempt to
solve a short-term problem by creating long-term risks.
If the share of US gas reaches the projected 70-80%
in the LNG segment in the coming years, it will be
the highest degree of supply concentration in
the history of the European energy market.
At first glance, this situation appears to be a guarantee of
security due to its alliance with the US, but --- in reality,
it leaves Europe with very little room for maneuver.
The EU Court has banned Hungary from financing the construction of reactors in Russia for its nuclear power plant
by Oleg Artyukov
September 11th, 10:15am
(Pravda.ru)
The EU Court of Justice, has decided to cancel the European
Commission's approval - that allowed Hungary to finance the
construction of new nuclear reactors at the Paks II nuclear
power plant by the Russian company, Nizhny
Novgorod Engineering.
This move was the result of a years-long dispute over the
legality of the project and its compliance with various
EU regulations.
The court's decision emphasizes that the European Commission
allegedly made a mistake by only verifying whether Hungary's
investment assistance complied with the rules on state aid.
According to the judges, it was also necessary to
thoroughly examine whether the construction
contract itself complied with the EU's rules
on public procurement.
Thus, the key argument was that the contract for the construction
of two new power units was concluded directly with the Russian
side, allegedly bypassing competitive procedures, which could
be considered a violation of the principles of transparency
and equal access for market participants.
As a reminder, back in March 2017, the European Commission
approved Hungary's plan to allocate €12.5 billion in public
aid for the Paks II project.
Of this amount, Russia pledged to provide a ten-billion-euro loan,
while Hungary planned to contribute the remaining 2.5 billion.
The decision was met with protests from Austria, which
opposed the project, arguing that it violated EU rules
on public procurement and undermined the
principles of fair competition.
The Paks-2 project itself - is of strategic importance for Hungary.
Currently, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, located approximately
100 kilometres from Budapest, provides almost half of the
country's electricity needs. The commissioning of two
new units equipped with VVER-1200 reactors ---- was
intended to double the amount of energy generated
and strengthen Hungary's energy independence.
The country's leadership has repeatedly stated that nuclear
energy is the key to stability in the face of high gas prices
and political tensions in Europe.
The new Paks-2 power units were supposed to be built on a
turnkey basis, with a design life of at least 60 years. The
license --- issued by the Hungarian regulator in August
2022, confirmed that the project meets international
safety standards.
Moreover, for Russia, this project would have been the first
experience of building a nuclear power plant within the
EU, which would have given it both economic and
political significance.
However, the EU court's decision raises questions about the
project's future implementation. On the one hand, Hungary
is highly interested in completing the construction, as the
country's dependence on energy imports, particularly
gas, remains significant.
On the other hand, the EU is seeking to strengthen its control
over infrastructure projects involving Russia, especially in
light of the escalating geopolitical situation and growing
tensions in relations. Therefore, it is important to note
that the court's decision is politically motivated.
The situation surrounding Paks-2 reflects a broader conflict
of interests within the EU. Some member states, such as
Hungary, seek to maintain economic cooperation with
Russia in the energy sector as a pragmatic way to
ensure their own security.
Other countries insist that such projects not only undermine
the rules of competition, but also increase political
dependence on Moscow.
In addition, the precedent of the European Commission's
decision to overturn the decision shows that legal
mechanisms within the EU ------ remain tools for
monitoring and revising major
energy agreements.
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)
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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!
Cleaners form a picket line with their UVW comrades
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.
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.
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PEOPLE DESERVE RESPECT
Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership opponent flaunted his contempt for democracy by backing a second referendum on UK membership of the EU.
And MPs pressured Jeremy Corbyn to resign, by constant smears, media lies and attacks on Labour's membership !!!
No wonder the Unite policy conference has overwhelmingly backed mandatory reselection of MPs - to ensure genuine democratic accountability in the party.
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Unite pushes for reselection of MPs by Conrad Landin
Candidates ‘should reflect members’ views’
Labour's largest affiliate is now behind the push for mandatory reselection of MPs, as Jeremy Corbyn critics have “destabilised” the party, to ditch anti-austerity policies.
Delegates at general union Unite’s conference are resolved to support the approach, in order “to ensure democratic accountability, and the rights of party members to select candidates that reflect their views.”
Currently, sitting MPs are only subject to a “trigger ballot” -- where they automatically become the candidate -- unless a super- majority of branches in the constituency support a new selection.
London and eastern region's delegate, Kevin Parslow: “The current trigger mechanism is difficult, & weighted in favour of the incumbent.
“We put ourselves up as reps and branch officers for election regularly.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for MPs to put themselves up for re-selection. They should be accountable to us, and not to Murdoch’s press: they're there because they have the Labour Party name on the ballot paper.”
Mike Hedges, another London delegate: “Four weeks ago I would have spoken against this motion--- but after the treachery of 172 MPs --- we have no option.”
The union’s leaders are also mandated to “support moves to bring more democracy into policy-making -- by returning powers to the party conference.”
A Unite spokesperson:
“This vote simply reflects the immense frustration that our members feel. They look at the conduct of some within the party, the challenge to the elected leader, and they feel angered.
“They want Labour fighting the Tories, not among themselves.”
KEEP FIGHTING FOR MORE DEMOCRACY!
Momentum and Labour are engaged in a huge consultation to expand democracy in Labour...
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http://www.peoplesmomentum.com/democracy-review
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If you haven't done so already, join Labour, join Momentum, and let's rebuild #BuildOurMovement.
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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.
