Mexico’s President confirms
upcoming fuel shipment
to Cuba
October 31st, 5:15pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum,
confirmed today - that her government will
ship fuel to Cuba, in a bid to help Havana
overcome the current energy crisis.
Support is already being provided to Cuba, the
president stated during a conference, when
she said that Mexico will export 400,000
barrels of oil to the island.
She emphasized that Mexico is supportive
to Cuba for humanitarian reasons.
Mexico has never been in favor of the blockade
(of the United States government) on Cuba,
as we believe that it is an act that directly
impacts on the well-being of its people,
said Sheinbaum.
Last week, Sheinbaum spoke of the “technical support
to Cuba in the face of the current energy emergency”
and announced that they were analyzing “whether
fuel aid is also necessary.”
“We will always be supportive. The Federal Electricity
Commission (CFE) is in contact (with Cuba) through
the Foreign Ministry (regarding) whatever the
Cuban people may need so as to provide
them support. It is essentially
technical aid,” she
said then.
“At one time we assisted Cuba --- and we are seeing
whether fuel aid is also necessary as humanitarian
aid, and (we do it) for the Cuban people, obviously,
and for the country,” she insisted.
Back then, she also reiterated Mexico’s opposition
to the hostile policies applied by the White House
against the people and Government of Cuba.
Cuba is experiencing an energy contingency caused
by fuel shortages and obstacles to guaranteeing
the modernization and operation of its power
generation plants, due to the US blockade.
In addition, it is undertaking recovery efforts following
the recent passage of Hurricane Oscar through
the eastern part of the island.... which left at
least eight dead - and significant economic
damage, especially in four municipalities
in the Guantánamo province.
_______________________________
Nebenzia invited Britain's Permanent
representative to the UN ------ to
visit "impoverished Russia"
October 30th, 11:24pm
(RT.ru)
Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily
Nebenzia, responded to the statement of his British
counterpart, Barbara Woodward, about
"impoverished Russia", suggesting
that she personally visit
the country.
Nebenzia ------ thanked the British Permanent
Representative to the world organization for
her "touching concern for the Russian
budget" and invited her to Russia,
so that she could be convinced
of her statements.
"But I'm afraid that what you will see
will disappoint you, because your
characterisation is so clearly
contradicted" ------ TASS
quoted him as saying.
Earlier, Nebenzia said that the West
"broke another bottom" by calling
a meeting of the UN Security
Council on Ukraine.
___________________________________
Thai Foreign Minister confirms the
country's readiness to join BRICS
October 30th, 11pm
(Izvestia.ru)
As a result of the BRICS summit in Kazan, no expansion
was announced; the BRICS members.. only identified a
list of partner states. However, Thailand still intends
to join BRICS as a full member, the country's
Foreign Minister, Marit Sangyamphong,
confirmed to Izvestia.
"Given all this, and the contribution that we can make,
Thailand confirms - its readiness and determination
to become a full member of BRICS - at the earliest
opportunity. We are talking about contributions -
especially in the areas of international finance,
food security, the green transition and supply
chain development. In addition ---- given the
country's strategic position ---- and unique
ability to build bridges while maintaining
good relations with everyone --- we are
confident that Thailand can become
the link -------- that will make the
BRICS more interconnected
and influential," the
minister said.
Thailand officially applied for
BRICS membership in June.
_______________________________
187 countries called on the UN
to lift sanctions against Cuba
October 30th, 10:57pm
(Lenta.ru)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said --- that the
overwhelming majority of countries for the 32nd time
spoke at the United Nations (UN) in favour of lifting
sanctions against Cuba. He wrote about this...
in his Telegram channel.
Maduro clarified that Venezuela also demanded the
lifting of sanctions against Cuba. He stressed that
"Cuba deserves and has earned the right to
choose its own path of development in
peace and complete freedom."
The politician also expressed solidarity with Cuban
President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Raul Castro and the
Cuban people. He said that Venezuela is ready
to look for concrete solutions ----- that will
improve the lives of the two countries.
"A new world is possible, and we, the
free peoples, will build it,"
he concluded.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry assessed
the easing of US sanctions against Cuba.
The official representative of the department,
Maria Zakharova.... considered that the
measures are limited in nature.
In her opinion, the easing does not remove
the "tough economic siege" on Havana.
__________________________________________
Milonov urged to check the planting
of the Halloween cult --- in Russia
by Anastasia Rumyantseva
October 30th, 9:01pm
(RT.ru)
State Duma deputy Vitaly Milonov proposed to conduct
an inspection of the planting of the Halloween cult in
Russia. A copy of the appeal ---- addressed to the
chairman of the Investigative Committee of
Russia, Alexander Bastrykin, is
available to RT.
"The facts of the celebration of so-called Halloween in
our country, come to my attention. These events, at
first glance, have the character of religious occult
events, the purpose of which is to turn our fellow
citizens away from following traditional religious
beliefs and instilling obscurantist superstitions,"
Milonov stressed.
He added that the celebration of this "event" does
not help foster love for the traditions of Russia.
"I ask you to study this phenomenon --- and conduct a
check on the planting of the Halloween cult - in our
country. Maybe there are more serious destructive
forces behind this "holiday" than it may seem at
first glance," the appeal says.
In October 2023, Mikhail Vetrov, the chairman of the
Association of Manufacturers of Children's Goods,
Works and Services, suggested considering the
possibility of replacing Halloween, with a
traditional harvest festival.
__________________________________
Kazachok landing module of
ExoMars-2022 mission
returns to Russia —
Roscosmos
October 30th, 1:34pm
(TASS)
The Kazachok robotic lander of the cancelled
2nd stage of the Russian-European ExoMars-
2022 mission for exploring Mars, has been
returned to Russia, Roscosmos said.
"The Kazachok module for the ExoMars program has
been returned to Russia," the statement reads.
The joint Russian-European ExoMars project -- included
two phases - the ExoMars-TGO orbital probe equipped
with Russian and foreign research instruments
meant to study the atmosphere of Mars, as
well as the Kazachok descent module
and the Rosalind Franklin rover.
The orbital part of the mission was successfully
delivered to Mars in 2016 and is now actively
studying the composition and properties of
the atmosphere of the Solar System's
fourth planet.
The launch of the other part of ExoMars --- was
canceled by the European side in early 2022
due to events in Ukraine.
____________________________
COP16, a moment of brilliance
for Colombian diplomacy
October 30th, 11:06am
(Prensa Latina)
For the first time, a high-level segment for this type of
event has been installed and the call brought to this
southwestern city, some high-ranking dignitaries,
including the presidents of Armenia, Suriname,
Ecuador, & Guinea Bissau, the vice president
of Bolivia & the head of Haiti’s Presidential
Transitional Council, Leslie Voltaire.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, António
Guterres, also arrived in the capital of Valle del
Cauca, and took the opportunity to thank the
host country for holding the meeting and
praised its commitment --- to achieve
peace with nature.
In a meeting with President Gustavo Petro, the UN
leader highlighted the Government’s renewed
focus - on the implementation of the 2016
Final Peace Agreement with the extinct
Revolutionary Armed Forces - People’s
Army and expressed his support, for
the ongoing efforts to consolidate
peace through dialogue.
The rest of the dignitaries were also
received by the Colombian ruler.
_______________________________
DPRK and Russia ------- are
expanding cooperation in
information technologies
October 30th, 10:43am
(Prensa Latina)
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
and the Russian Federation.. are deepening their
cooperation - on information & communications
technology (IT), the state news agency KCNA
reported today in Pyongyang.
This is the purpose of an exhibition inaugurated on
Tuesday, at the Palace of Science and Technology
with the participation of companies and scientific
institutions dedicated to the field in both nations.
The event, entitled IT, digital development and
cooperation, showcases products, research
work and innovations on this field - in order
to take advantage of the best experiences
for the economic and social development
of the two countries.
In his opening speech, Ju Yong Il, Minister of
Information Industry of the DPRK, expressed
the aspiration of the DPRK to keep abreast
of global IT trends .....and to enrich them
with its own programs and resources.
For his part, Russian Deputy Minister of Digital
Development, Post and Mass Communication
Andrei Zarenin expressed willingness to
cooperate with the DPRK on this field
------ in line with the Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership Agreement
signed by President Vladimir
Putin and Chairman of the
State Affairs Committee
Kim Jong Un.
Signed last June, during Putin’s visit to the DPRK,
the treaty covers cooperation in military matters,
but also in health, medical education, science
and scientific research.
__________________________________
China’s astronauts - successfully
arrive at Tiangong space station
October 30th, 10:36am
(Prensa Latina)
China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-19 successfully
docked with the Tiangong space station today,
marking the beginning of a new stage
of crew transfer --- in orbit.
According to the Manned Space Agency of China
(AETC), the spacecraft was sent into space
aboard a Great March-2F carrier rocket
from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch
Centre in northwest China.
According to the source, the Shenzhou-19 executed
a fast and automated operation, thus completing
docking with the front port of the Tianhe core
module in the morning - local time.
The mission’s 3 astronauts entered the Tiangong
station -- where they were reunited with the
Shenzhou-18 crew in a scheduled crew
exchange and replacement process.
Among the milestones of Beijing’s space career
are the rover that reached the hidden part of
the Moon --- and the construction of the
Tiangong station, or Celestial Palace.
In addition, China is constantly launching satellites for
a variety of purposes, ranging from remote sensing,
commercial services, communications,
meteorology and research.
Recently, the Chang’e-6 probe successfully landed in
China with samples of the hidden face of the Moon
--- for the first time in human history.
_____________________________________
Army Snipers Are Ready to Repress
the Bolivian People ---- Evo Morales
October 30th, 10:22am
(teleSUR)
Clashes between citizens and the police ------- were
previously reported in the municipality of Mairana.
On Tuesday, former Bolivian president, Evo Morales,
alleged that the Ministry of Defense is mobilizing
military snipers --- to suppress the people.
“At this moment, under the instruction of President
Luis Arce, Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo -- is
concentrating snipers from the Army’s Olympic
Shooting School, at the Maximiliano Paredes
Sergeants’ School in Tarata, Cochabamba.
They are just awaiting orders to confront
the mobilized people,” he stated.
“This is practically an announcement of a massacre
against social movements and particularly, the
Indigenous movement. Any bloodshed - will
be the sole responsibility of the National
Government, Luis Arce, and his
ministers,” Morales said.
Earlier, during a police operation to clear road
blockades in Mairana -- in the department
of Cochabamba.. people maintaining the
road closures, forcefully resisted the
police, detaining some members
of the Bolivian security forces.
The Bolivian Information Agency (ABI) released images
showing supporters of Evo Morales attacking police
officers and journalists who had arrived in the
area to cover the operation.
“We strongly condemn the acts of violence recorded
in the municipality of Mairana, where police and
journalists were brutally assaulted while
carrying out their duties. These acts
of violence will not go unpunished,”
President Arce said.
“We express... our solidarity with the police officers and
press workers and demand a thorough investigation to
impose exemplary penalties on those responsible for
these unacceptable acts. In Bolivia, anyone who
commits a crime must face the consequences
according to the law. We will not allow the
rights of Bolivians to be violated!”
he emphasized.
The former Bolivian President, Evo Morales,
(@evoespueblo) ---- claims that the vehicle
he was traveling in was hit by 14 bullets
- saying that they wanted to kill him.
His driver was injured.
#Bolivia
#EvoMorales
_______________________________
Bolivian Indigenous activists blame
Arce's government for an alleged
assassination on former
president Morales
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
(Morning Star)
Indigenous activists in Bolivia, have blamed
the government --- for an alleged attempt to
assassinate former president Evo Morales.
Mr Morales reports surviving a bid to kill him in the
coca leaf-growing region of Chapare, on Sunday,
after unidentified heavily armed men dressed
in black --- opened fire on his car.
He was not injured in the alleged attack, which quickly
became the latest flashpoint in a struggle between the
former leader and current President Luis Arce.
Mr Morales, who served as Bolivia’s first indigenous
president from 2006 to 2019, blamed Mr Arce’s
government for the outburst of violence,
saying it was part of a co-ordinated
campaign by Bolivian authorities
to sideline him from politics.
The incident coincides with a bitter rift at the
highest levels of the ruling Movement
Towards Socialism (MAS).
Mr Morales and Mr Arce, his former economy
minister, are fighting over who will lead the
party into next year’s elections.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the Morales-aligned
faction of MAS, said in a statement. “It's clear
evidence --- that we are facing a fascist
government that does not hesitate
to attack the life --- of former
president Evo Morales.”
Responding to the attack, Mr Arce said: “The
exercise of any violent practice in politics
must be condemned and clarified.
“Problems are not resolved by trying to
kill people or by partisan speculation.”
But the indigenous activists from the Bartolina Sisa
Resistance offered “full solidarity” to Mr Morales
and said the attack on the former president
had been carried out by “fascist and ultra-
reactionary forces, heavily armed,
seeking to end his life.”
The group said Mr Arce and Vice-President David
Choquehuanca, had betrayed the principles of
the MAS, & are “steeped in hatred towards
indigenous people and make every effort
to disqualify, prevent ---- and now try to
physically eliminate, our brother Evo -
a symbol of struggle and resistance.”
The group added: “We demand a detailed
investigation at the international level
to ensure that these crimes do not
go unpunished.”
____________________________________
Szijjarto: Western politicians realize
that they have chosen the wrong
strategy in Ukraine
October 29th, 7:32pm
(RT.ru)
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that
Western leaders are well aware that they have
chosen the wrong strategy for Ukraine, but
they do not have the courage to admit it.
The corresponding statement was made in
an interview with the Imedi TV channel.
"Sanctions do not work, and the weapons provided
on the battlefield -- do not change the situation,"
Szijjarto stressed.
Earlier, Szijjarto said that Ukraine's entry
into NATO, would mean World War III.
________________________________________
Structural changes taking place
in Russian economy — Putin
October 29th, 2:33pm
(TASS)
The Russian economy is undergoing structural
changes at present, President Vladimir Putin
said at the 13th (extraordinary) congress
of the Federation of Independent
Trade Unions of Russia
"One more very important trend.. is registered in our
labour market. It reveals that the Russian economy
is changing structurally," Putin said.
The economy is changing to the development
of branches with high added value ---- and a
skilled workforce, the head of state added.
______________________________________________
Non-Aligned Movement ----- Calls for
End to U.S. Blockade Against Cuba
October 29th, 1:32pm
(teleSUR)
Washington’s arbitrary sanctions are tools to exert
political, economic, and financial pressure on
developing countries.
On Tuesday, Uganda’s representative to the United
Nations, Richard Nduhuura, denounced the
US' criminal blockade against Cuba.
Speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement,
diplomat Nduhuura addressed the first debate
session on the draft resolution entitled
“Necessity of Ending the Economic,
Commercial & Financial Blockade
Imposed by the US Against Cuba.”
The NAM --- stands in solidarity with the Cuban
government and people, he said, highlighting
that the imposition of unilateral coercive
measures is not authorized by the UN,
contravenes the principles of
international law, and
contradicts the
UN Charter.
The U.S.’s arbitrary sanctions also contravene the
principles of the multilateral trading system and
are used as tools to exert political, economic,
and financial pressure on various states,
especially on developing countries.
The Ugandan diplomat emphasized -- that the blockade
violates international law, thereby “infringing on
Cuba’s right to fully engage with the
international community.”
Nduhuura mentioned the harm caused by this unilateral
measure to the Cuban people, preventing them from
enjoying - and realizing - their human rights,
particularly their right to development.
“The direct and indirect damage caused to Cuba by
the blockade is immense, affecting all essential
sectors of the Cuban economy, particularly
public health, nutrition, agriculture, trade,
investment, tourism, and banking,”
he added.
“Cuba’s financial transactions with third countries - are
prohibited, and this has especially harmful effects,”
he said, recalling that the blockade has caused
billions in material damage to Cuba.
The diplomat denounced the obstacles that the
blockade creates for Cuban development,
including --- access to the Internet,
interpersonal contacts, and the
development of scientific,
cultural, and sports
relations.
“The NAM strongly condemns the inclusion of Cuba in
the unilateral list of states that allegedly sponsor
terrorism, drawn up by the U.S. Department of
State as announced on January 11, 2021,”
he also asserted.
___________________________________
Venezuelan VP Rodriguez Meets
With Vietnamese President
Luong Cuong
October 29th, 12:36 pm
(teleSUR)
On Tuesday, Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s Vice President
and Oil Minister, met with Vietnam’s President
Luong Cuong.
They held discussions in a room at the Presidential
Palace in Hanoi, where the figure of revolutionary
leader Ho Chi Minh and the flags of both
countries were displayed.
Rodriguez arrived in Vietnam on Monday night to
“strengthen investment and work ties” in areas
such as oil, agriculture, telecommunications,
and other sectors.
During the visit, Venezuela and Vietnam will also
address investment links in other fields ------ like
construction, health, culture, and tourism, thus
consolidating a 35-year historical relationship,
she said.
On October 19, the Vice President met in Caracas with
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Vu Trung My, to
“strengthen commercial cooperation and reaffirm
the willingness of both nations to increase
trade exchange.”
Currently, Venezuela and Vietnam are working to boost
trade based on agreements signed in April in areas
like energy and construction.
Rodriguez arrived in Hanoi.. after visiting India, where
she met with India’s Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri,
to explore ways to leverage Indian companies’
investment in Venezuela’s energy industry.
_______________________________
US State Department: threatens
Georgia with ''consequences''
if the government does not
change course
October 28th, 6:47pm
(RT.ru)
The US has threatened Georgia with consequences
if the government of the republic does not
change course.
This was stated by the head of the press service
of the US State Department, Matthew Miller.
He noted that Washington has consistently appealed
to the Georgian government this year "with a call to
abandon anti-democratic actions and return to
the Euro-Atlantic path."
"We do not rule out further consequences
-------- if the Georgian government
does not change its course,"
TASS quoted him as saying.
The opposition - demanded a second
parliamentary election at their rally.
Georgian President Ms. Salome Zurabishvili
expressed hope - that Western countries
will support the protesters expressing
''dissatisfaction'' with the results of
the parliamentary elections in
the republic.
________________________________
Medvedev called the suspension and arrest
---- an appropriate response to Zurabishvili
October 28th, 6:15pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The appropriate response --- to the actions of Georgian
President Salome Zurabishvili, who called for protests
and provoked popular unrest, would be her removal
and arrest. This statement was made, on Monday,
October 28, by Deputy Chairman of the Russian
Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev.
"The puppet president of Georgia --- refused to accept the
election results ------- and went against the constitution,
calling for a coup. The usual practice in such cases is
removal from office and arrest," the politician wrote
in the English-language account in the social
network X (ex. Twitter).
Zurabishvili called on her fellow citizens to protest
against the results of the parliamentary elections
and said that she 'did not recognize' the results
of the vote the day before. Later on Monday,
thousands of people gathered for a rally
in Tbilisi. Zourabichvili herself arrived
at the event. During her speech, she
addressed the protesters, saying
that their votes were stolen.
Voting in the parliamentary elections in Georgia -- took
place on October 26. According to the CEC, the ruling
Georgian Dream party won with more than 50% of
the vote. 3 opposition parties - United National
Movement, Coalition for Change and Strong
Georgia - did not ''recognize'' the
election results.
Back in late August, the press bureau of the Russian
Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported that the
US is very dissatisfied with the development of the
situation in Georgia --- ahead of the parliamentary
elections, and is hatching plans to hold a "colour
revolution" in the country. Later, on September
the 11th, the SVR again stated, that the US is
going to provoke mass protests in Georgia -
to seize power by force.
____________________________
Protest rally against parliamentary
election results.. ends in Tbilisi
October 28th, 3:14pm
(TASS)
Opposition forces in Georgia have finished their
protest rally against the results of the October
26th parliamentary elections, without any
incidents reported, a TASS
correspondent said.
The rally organizers have declared the official part of
the rally finished, with the EU anthem being played.
People are leaving the area, although some continue to
congregate around the parliamentary building. Traffic
along the nearby avenue is blocked. Police are still
on duty.
A protest rally against the outcome of the October 26th
elections to Georgia’s parliament was held in Tbilisi
on Monday. The rally was called by President
Salome Zourabichvili, who claims that the
elections ''were rigged''. She... was
supported by opposition activists.
Along with Zourabichvili, former President Georgy
Margelashvili and other opposition leaders
addressed the rally. The organizers
have promised to announce
further steps.
Georgia held its parliamentary election on Saturday ---
with 18 parties involved, including the ruling Georgian
Dream - Democratic Georgia party, which has been in
power for 12 years. According to the latest data from
the country’s Central Electoral Commission, the
ruling party secured 54.08% of the vote,
allowing the Georgian Dream to form
a government independently.
Additionally, the Coalition for Change (10.92%), the
Unity - National Movement (10.12%), the Strong
Georgia coalition (8.78%), and the Gakharia
For Georgia party (7.76%).. have also won
seats in parliament, while other parties
failed to surpass the five-percent
election threshold.
All the opposition parties refuse to recognize the
election results. Moreover, the Unity - National
Movement and the Coalition for Change, have
promised to boycott the parliament’s work.
The Strong Georgia also announced
its decision to join the boycott.
__________________________________
The EU has put forward a number of
conditions for issuing a 35 billion
euro loan to Kiev
October 28th, 1:11pm
(Izvestia.ru
In order to receive a 35 billion euro loan from the
EU, which is repaid with proceeds from frozen
Russian assets, Kiev must agree to a number
of conditions. This follows from the decree,
which was published on October 28 in the
official journal of the EU.
"A prerequisite for the allocation of a loan under the
macro-financial assistance to Ukraine ------ is the
'continuation' of the protection and observance
of effective democratic mechanisms, including
the multi-party parliamentary system and the
rule of law, as well as the guarantee of
respect for human rights, including
those belonging to minorities,"
the document says.
Kiev will also be required to promote cooperation
with the EU in the "restoration, reconstruction
and modernization of the defense industry
of Ukraine."
The decision to grant a loan is linked to the fulfillment
of these conditions -- which will be monitored by the
EU Commission. If they are not met - Brussels may
suspend the allocation of funds, cancel part of the
tranches, or demand early repayment of the loan.
The document will come into force, on October
the 29th.
The official representative of the Russian Foreign
Ministry, Maria Zakharova, called the loan to
Ukraine at the expense of frozen assets of
the Russian Federation a new fraudulent
scheme of Brussels to appropriate
someone else's property.
She stressed, that Moscow's decisive response
to what is happening will not be long in coming.
Western countries have stepped up military and
financial support for Kiev against the backdrop
of the Russian special operation to protect the
Donbass -- which was announced by Russian
President Vladimir Putin on February 24th,
2022, after the situation in the region
worsened --- due to shelling by the
Ukrainian military. Soon... the EU
approved the decision to freeze
the assets of the Central Bank
of the Russian Federation.
________________________________
Japan to send Ukraine $3 billion ---
from income from Russian assets
October 28th, 12:57pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The Japanese government will allocate $3 billion to
Ukraine, using the proceeds from frozen assets of
Russia. This was reported on October 28 by the
Kyodo news agency.
"The Japanese government will implement a loan in the
amount of 471.9 billion yen for the support of Ukraine
- from seven developed countries (G7) - using the
frozen assets of Russia," the publication says.
According to the agency, earlier this day, the leaders
of the G7 countries adopted a document, in which
they prescribed the amount of credit provided
from each country.
Earlier.... on October the 23rd, the US President Joseph
Biden --- announced a decision to allocate a $20 billion
loan to Ukraine at the expense of interest from frozen
assets of Russia. The Russian Embassy in the United
States, in turn, called it theft.
On the same day, the EU Council approved the issue of
a loan to Ukraine in the amount of €35 billion ----- paid
from the frozen assets of Russia. The corresponding
scheme for allocating funds to Kiev -- was approved
by the EU (so-called) Parliament, the day before.
The Council of the EU (controlled by the US) noted that
the maximum repayment period for a loan of 35 billion
euros issued to Kiev .......will be 45 years. It was also
specified that this macro-financial assistance (MFA)
loan is the EU's contribution to the G7 loan in the
amount of up to €45 billion. The loan is
expected to be granted to Ukraine
by the end of 2024.
On October 10th, the Financial Times reported that the
EC was forced to propose an alternative plan, to raise
€35 billion for Kiev from the EU's general budget due
to Hungary's disagreement with the US demand to
extend the freeze on Russian assets.
The original plan of the G7 countries, approved in June,
implied the allocation of $50 billion (more than €46
billion at the current exchange rate).
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on
the transfer of proceeds from the immobilized
Russian assets to Ukraine, stressed that
these steps are illegal - and will have
consequences.
_________________________________
Political scientist -------- on
Zelensky's words to Modi:
Ukraine will pay for
its rudeness
by Polina Poletaeva
October 28th, 12:40pm
(RT.ru)
Political analyst Ivan Mezyukho in an interview with RT
said that Vladimir Zelensky once again demonstrated
his ignorance of the basics of geopolitics.
So he commented on the report that Zelensky accused
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, of "covert
support" of Russia and called for abandoning
his neutrality.
The RT source noted that Zelensky crossed the red line
by making an offensive statement against the head of
the Indian government, who treated Zelensky
"undeservedly condescendingly."
"It is unlikely that the Indian political elites will ignore
this unfair Bandera slap in the face. Ukraine will pay
for its rudeness. India is a sovereign, independent,
developing country and can afford not to tolerate
strange and inappropriate statements from a
vassal of the United States of America.''
''Zelensky, by and large, once again - demonstrated his
ignorance of the basics of geopolitics. He made a big
mistake and will bear responsibility for this mistake,"
Mezyuho is sure.
Earlier, Zelensky said that representatives of countries
that attended the BRICS summit in Kazan, and
declared their neutrality --- regarding the
conflict in Ukraine are "pro-Russian".
_________________________________________
US blockade of Cuba - is an act
of genocide, ambassador says
October 28th, 10:22am
(Prensa Latina)
The US blockade of Cuba is an act of genocide and
today generates a severe social and economic
impact on the whole society, the Cuban
ambassador to Panama,
Victor Cairo said.
A few days before the UN General Assembly votes on a
Cuban resolution to demand the end of the US hostility,
the diplomat told La Estrella de Panamá newspaper
that it is an act of war ------ in violation of
international law.
The extraterritorial effects of the blockade limit Cuba’s
commercial activity with the rest of the world and
restrict the actions of foreign companies, he
added on what he also considered to be
an inhumane policy, that violates the
sovereignty of the Cuban State and
the United Nations Charter itself.
In that sense, he recalled that in 2019, after measures
adopted by the government of ex President Donald
Trump (2017-2021), 14 shipping companies were
sanctioned by the United States, among them,
five Panamanian-flagged ships to which they
applied similar measures for carrying fuel
to Cuba.
The ambassador also denounced ---- that famous
European banks, hotel and tourism companies
from Spain, France and Germany, among
others, have been sanctioned for their
business relations with Cuba.
It is not only the sanction, Washington instills fear to
hinder any relationship with Cuba, he further said.
He also mentioned that the OFAC [Office of Foreign
Assets Control] website lists 116 Panamanian or
Panamanian-based companies sanctioned,
17 of which are linked to Cuba.
__________________________________
Electoral Court count confirms
growth of Frente Amplio
October 28th, 10:10am
(Prensa Latina)
The latest data from the Electoral Court today confirm
the growth of the opposition Frente Amplio (FA), the
most voted for party in the Sunday elections
in Uruguay.
At the closing of the elections at 06:00 local time, and
with 99.92 of the votes counted, the FA rose to 46.22
percent of the vote, and was the only party to
exceed one million votes.
In the first round of the 2019 elections,
the FA obtained 39% of the ballots.
With such data, its presidential candidate, Yamandú
Orsi, will go to a runoff with the standard bearer of
the ruling National Party (PN), Álvaro Delgado,
on November 24.
Delgado will have the support of the parties
of the current government coalition.
The PN, of President Luis Lacalle Pou,
has 28.15 percent of the ballots.
It is followed by an improved Colorado Party, with
16.86 percentage points and 385,685 votes.
In Sunday’s election tally, Gustavo Salle’s Sovereign
Identity Party (IS), which claims to be anti-system
and even opposes vaccines and the UN
Sustainable Development Goals,
came out surprisingly stronger.
______________________________________
Majority of U.S. Citizens Support
Abolishing Electoral College
October 28th, 10:03am
(teleSUR)
A PRC survey shows that 63 percent of US citizens
favoured a direct popular vote for the nation’s
president, over the College.
According to a flurry of recent public polls, the majority
of US citizens favored abolishing the Electoral College
for the presidential election - a mechanism that made
the United States’ executive president be indirectly
elected via a group of presidential electors...
instead of being decided by the voters.
The Pew Research Centre survey released last month
indicated that 63% of US citizens favored a direct
popular vote for the nation’s president -- over the
Electoral College, with about 80% of Democrats
and 47% of Republicans in favor of doing away
with the process.
The Public Policy Institute of California’s October poll...
also showed that seven out of 10 voters in California,
the most populous state of the country wanted the
Electoral College abolished. The University of
Massachusetts Amherst League of Women
Votes (UMass Amherst) poll - published on
Friday shows 6 out of 10 US women favor
the abolition of the Electoral College.
“The Electoral College, is an outdated, racist relic, with
harmful implications --- for all voters,” said Celina
Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters,
in a statement. “So, it is no surprise that
women are advocating for a more
representative system ------- that
prioritizes..... the power of the
people. Voters, not politically
motivated electors, must
choose the president.”
No surprise there, since states whose electoral votes
can swing the election... despite losing the national
vote tend to be Republican. Donald Trump’s 2016
victory... despite losing the popular vote by a
significant margin fueled public debate on
the Electoral College’s legitimacy and
underscored the reason, for many,
why it has to be repealed.
For over two centuries, the U.S. Electoral College has
decided presidential elections, yet a majority of
US citizens now prefer a shift to a popular vote
system that guarantees a democracy based
on “One person, One vote.”
The Electoral College works by assigning each state
a number of “electors” based on how many
congressional representatives it has.
Total electoral votes add up to 538, with most states
awarding all their votes.. to the candidate who wins
that state in the popular vote. The Candidate who
receives 270 electoral votes wins the presidency.
Battleground “swing” states like Arizona, Michigan
and Pennsylvania received disproportionate clout,
reinforcing the importance of a few decisive
regions in determining the outcome, which
many feel undermines democratic rule.
The roots of the Electoral College go back to the U.S.
Constitution’s framers --- who sought to balance the
influence of large and small states and prevent
the dominance of heavily populated regions.
However, currently, critics argue that small states
received disproportionate power, which has led
to outcomes that reflect the preferences of a
minority, rather than the broader electorate.
Moreover, such demographic and economic imbalances
could lead to repeated situations where the popular
vote winner does not win the presidency, fueling
distrust in the electoral process and
political unrest.
The system has led to controversies in close elections
---- particularly, such as in 1824, 1876, and 2000. Each
time, the candidate with the popular vote advantage
was either narrowly elected by Congress, or lost
--- due to the Electoral College.
An additional issue lies with “faithless electors” ---- who
occasionally vote contrary to their state’s popular vote
since they are not required to follow their state voters.
This gives a huge amount of power to a tiny
handful of people — the opposite of the
general election’s purpose.
“For much of the nation’s history... the Electoral College
was an afterthought ---- and viewed as a unique quirk in
what otherwise was a democratic system of elections”
said Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political
science at UMass Amherst and director of
the poll published on Friday.
“In recent years --- with increasingly close presidential
elections ---- we have seen the Electoral College take
centre stage in selecting the nation’s next president
as winners of the popular vote in 2000 and 2016
failed to secure enough Electoral College votes
to become president,” he noted.
Historically, US citizens have supported eliminating the
Electoral College. In the 1960s, over half favored this
change, and that number increased to 75% in the
1980s. Reforming the system is challenging
because it would require a constitutional
amendment, or a novel approach
like the National Popular Vote
Interstate Compact (NPVIC).
The NPVIC, supported by 15 states and Washington
D.C., would require participating states to allocate
their electors to the national popular vote winner
if the compact reaches a majority threshold of
270 electoral votes. While this approach
bypasses some legislative hurdles - it
faces potential legal challenges and
relies on continued support
from states.
“Using a popular vote system is the only way we can
uphold our democratic values, reflect the people’s
will, and ensure fair representation in U.S.
presidential elections,” said Kevin K.,
a university economics major.
_________________________________
Uruguay: Leftist Candidate Calls on
Citizens for a Final Push Ahead of
Runoff Election
October 28th, 9:51am
‘Let’s go all out for that final effort over these next
27 days, more motivated than ever,’ Orsi said.
On Sunday, the Broad Front (FA) candidate
celebrated preliminary presidential
election results with thousands
of supporters.
With more than 90% of votes counted by the Electoral
Court, Partido Nacional candidate Álvaro Delgado
and Broad Front leftist candidate Yamandu Orsi
will face off in the second round of the
presidential election on
November 24.
Upon learning the preliminary results of the election
process, candidate Orsi asked his supporters for
“one last push” ahead of the second round.
“Let’s go all out for that final effort over these next 27
days, more motivated than ever, standing taller than
ever, comrades,” Orsi declared, voicing his support
for “healthy and respectful electoral competition.”
Orsi celebrated the preliminary results with thousands
of his supporters, affirming that his political group,
the Frente Amplio, was the most voted for party
in the elections.
Meanwhile, ruling party candidate Álvaro Delgado
asserted that the governing coalition... was the
most-voted for political project in the election,
highlighting that the coalition forces would
build towards another victory on
November 24.
Delgado addressed his supporters accompanied by the
candidates from the coalition’s other parties: Andrés
Ojeda (Colorado Party), Guido Manini Ríos (Cabildo
Abierto), Pablo Mieres (Partido Independiente), and
Eduardo Lust (Partido Constitucional Ambientalista).
“Look, the polls have spoken; Uruguay expressed itself
through democracy and freedom. Tonight Uruguay has
shown that the coalition is the most-voted for political
project in our country,” declared the Partido
Nacional candidate.
With 91.13 percent of votes counted, Broad Front has
accumulated 949,983 ballots of the 2,217,473 cast,
National Party has 592,677, and Colorado Party
has 353,422.
__________________________________
Imedi exit poll: The Georgian Dream party won
about 56.1% of the vote in the elections