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Shor: the Victory block will create
an analog of the Russian House
in Moldova
March 7th, 4:53pm
(RT.ru)
The opposition bloc "Victory" ..will create in Moldova
an analogue of the "Russian House", which is being prepared... to close in Chisinau, Ilan Shor said.
"It is no secret that I am the leader of the largest
opposition bloc in the country, which has more
than 1,300 primary cells. We will create a
"Russian House" based on each
primary cell," Shor said.
Pobeda would like Russian culture to continue
to "be among the masses," he added.
At the end of February, the Ministry of Culture of Moldova
launched the process of closing the Russian Centre for
Science and Culture ("Russian House") in Chisinau.
In Germany, Zelensky's main fear -is revealed
by Alexandra Sinitsyna
(Night Line Editor)
March 11th, 3:13am
(Lenta.ru)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is most afraid
of losing his power at the end of the conflict and after
signing a peace agreement with Russia. This main
fear of the Ukrainian leader, is revealed - with
reference to the expert on Eastern Europe,
Alexander Liebman, in the German
magazine Focus.
The expert believes... that Zelensky will face great
difficulties in the upcoming elections, as he still
has not fulfilled the promises made to the
people of Ukraine:and many of these goals have not been achieved.
Libman also believes that the current president
can remain in power only as long as the armed confrontation with the Russian Federation
continues.
"The war - is leading to an unprecedented concentration
of power in Zelensky's hands for Ukraine. We are also
talking about controlling the media. The end of the
war, will also mean the end of this concentration
of power," he concluded.
Earlier.... Pulitzer Prize winner, Seymour Hersh, said that US intelligence ....has long suspected Zelensky of involvement in a group of political and military leaders of the republic "siphoning off" millions of dollars of aid from Western
allies. Washington is demanding that the EU refrain
from further military assistance to Ukraine and
providing money for its restoration... while
Zelensky remains in power.
_______________________________
Bild: Ukraine recognized - a critical situation
for Ukraine's Armed Forces in Kursk region
by Fyodor Korneev
March 10th, 2:08pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
In Kiev -- they recognized a critical situation for the Armed
Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region. This is reported by
the German newspaper Bild, citing Ukrainian sources.
Russian troops started fighting in Sudzha, Kursk
region, making their way to the city's outskirts.
According to the interlocutors of the publication, now
Ukrainian troops are trying to avoid encirclement in
a number of areas "by quickly retreating."
Military registration and enlistment officers reported that a
group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region
to the north of the city of Sudzha, was surrounded.
According to Russkaya Vesna, Russian troops have taken
up positions on the Lebedevka - Kazachya Loknya -
Martynovka line, cutting off some AFU units
north of Sudzha, and south of Malaya
Lokna, which was liberated
the day before.
Military experts also pointed out ----- that Ukrainian troops
have been fleeing en masse from positions in the Kursk
region in recent days - in particular - in the area of
Sudzha. A video was released today.. showing
Ukrainian soldiers fleeing from the Kursk
region ----- through a multi-vehicle
checkpoint on the border.
_____________________________
Strikes start at German airports
by Anton Demidov
March 10th, 3:35am
(Gazeta.ru)
At 13 airports in Germany, warning one-day strikes of
employees were launched, which were previously
called for by the service workers' union, Ver.di.
This is reported by the DPA agency, referring
to a trade union representative.
The strikes began at 00: 00 (02:00 Moscow time)
on Monday, March 10. They are expected to
last until 23:59 (01: 59 Moscow time
on Tuesday).
Strikes are taking place in the airports of Berlin, Bremen,
Hamburg, Hanover, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, as well as Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne/
Bonn and Leipzig/Halle. This will lead to the
disruption of air traffic in a significant
part of the territory of Germany.
According to the preliminary assessment of the ADV
association --- which represents the interests of
various German airports.. more than 3,400
flights are expected to be canceled due
to strikes, and the plans of about
510 thousand passengers
will be disrupted.
On March 9, Hamburg airport canceled all flights due to
the start of a strike organized by the Ver.di trade union.
At the end of February 2025, Ver.di organized a strike -
which caused disruptions in the operation of airports
in the cities of Munich and Hamburg. In particular,
the management of the air harbour in the first
city had to cancel about 80% of flights
scheduled for February 27 and 28.
As the DPA news agency reported, the union called for an
8% increase in salaries for airport employees. Moreover,
he demanded that employers provide employees with
three additional days off.
Ver.di, also known as the United Service Workers' Union,
is a German trade union based in Berlin. It was created
in March 2021, as a result of the merger of 5 separate
trade unions.
Earlier, the passenger data verification system
stopped working at all German airports.
________________________________
"Germany's rearmament --- will come
at the expense of loans": Germans
will slide into debt ---- due to von der Leyen's decision
by Alina Kochneva
March 9th, 9:35pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
The German government --- will not be able to rearm the
country without running into huge debts. The plan of
the head of the EU Commission... Ursula von der
Leyen, is hardly appropriate. If the German
authorities go along with it, they will find
themselves in a debt hole because of
loans, says the British analyst,
Alexander Merkouris.
He specified that the conversion of automobile factories
to tank ones ------ is the last step of deindustrialization
in Germany. The Germans will simply give up their
positions.. and cease to be industrial leaders
in Europe.
"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not have
a majority in parliament… Therefore, the old
convocation of the Bundestag - which no
longer reflects the will of the people -
will vote. We keep talking about the
decline of democracy in Europe.
Here... is another example for
you," Alexander Merkouris
concluded.
The head of the EU Commission, considers it an excellent
solution to rearm the states of Europe. For this purpose,
she proposed... to allocate 800 billion euros - for the
defense union.
Paris ------ hosts rally against
military supplies to Ukraine
March 8th, 4:17pm
(RT.ru)
In Paris, the French staged a mass rally
against military supplies to Ukraine.
According to RIA Novosti, posters with the words
"Macron, we will not die for Ukraine!" and
French flags - can be seen everywhere.
Some demonstrators call for the resignation
of the current President of the republic.
Earlier, in Greece, workers blocked
trucks with explosives for Ukraine.
Russia expresses concern over
the situation in Afghanistan
by Danila Titorenko
March 10th, 8:59pm
(Gazeta.ru)
Russia expresses concern over the situation in
Afghanistan, where a cell of the international
terrorist organization --- "Islamic State",
banned in Russia, is present and
actively operating.
This was stated by Russia's Permanent Representative to
the UN Vasily Nebenzia at a meeting of the UN Security
Council on the situation in Afghanistan, reports TASS.
"We continue --- to be particularly concerned.... about the
security situation, given the continued presence of the
DAESH-Khorasan terrorist group in the country.
Despite the efforts made by the de facto
authorities, the problem of the final
eradication of terrorism remains
unresolved," Nebenzia said.
He added that IS terrorists --- continue to commit crimes
against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan,
while receiving financial and material support
from abroad.
Earlier, the United States arrested the organizer of the
explosion in Kabul, Mohammad Sharifullah, who also
confessed to involvement in the Crocus attack.
Earlier... the Taliban (an organization banned
in Russia) appealed to Russia with gratitude.
_______________________________________________
Vucic: Protesters will try to seize
Serbian state structures
on March 15
by Fyodor Korneev
March 10th, 7:44pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic --- said that the
protesters on March 15 will try to seize a number
of state structures to force the country's
leadership to create a transitional
government. His words -- are
quoted by the RIA Novosti
news agency.
"The main requirement --- after the seizure of state structures, as they intend, will be the formation
of a "transitional government," the head of
state warned.
According to him, the protesters will try to occupy the
Serbian Parliament building by force. At the same
time, Vucic indicated that participants in such
an action --- will be detained and receive
prison sentences.
"Anyone who tries to commit violence... will
immediately be behind bars," he stressed,
adding that he "is not joking."
Students have been holding anti-government protests since November after 15 people were killed when a
concrete canopy collapsed... at the Novi Sad
railway station.... on November 1, 2024.
The Serbian authorities pointed out that the goal of
the protesters is to overthrow the president, they
themselves - are funded by the West. According
to Vucic, over four years, about a billion euros
have been transferred from abroad... to the
opposition's accounts - for this purpose.
__________________________________________
Apple will monitor the environment
of users through the cameras
in the AirPods
by Roman Kildyushkin
March 10th, 3:55pm
(Gazeta.ru)
Apple is developing a new model of wireless headphones -
AirPods, equipped with built-in cameras that will be used
to analyze the user's environment. This, according to
GizmoChina, was reported by authoritative insider
Mark Gurman, from Bloomberg, in his new
newsletter, PowerOn.
According to Gurman's report, the development of AirPods
with cameras ----- is in an active stage. The information
confirms previous rumours that appeared in January,
and indicates.. that the release of innovative head-
phones may take place in the foreseeable future.
It is important to note that, according to available data,
the cameras in AirPods are not designed for photo and
video shooting in the traditional sense. Their main
function -------- is to collect data about the user's
environment. It is assumed that this data will
be processed using Apple Intelligence for
"Visual Search".
A similar technology is already used in iPhone cameras
to provide users with information about objects in the
frame of the front, or main camera.
At the moment, the exact timing of the release of AirPods
with cameras remains unknown. It is assumed.. that the
novelty may appear on the market after the release of AirPods Pro 3, which is expected to be released
this year.
____________________________________
Reuters: Starmer will host an online
meeting of ''world leaders'' on
Ukraine on March 15
by Maria Mamaeva
March 10th, 1:44pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to hold
an online meeting of world leaders - to support
Ukraine on Saturday, March 15th. This - is
reported by Reuters news agency.
This virtual meeting... will be a continuation of the summit
on Ukraine. held in London on March the 2nd, which was
''.....attended by the representatives of 18 states and associations.'' At the same time, the source does
not specify ..which of the world leaders will
take part....... in online discussions of
support for the Kiev regime.
In particular, representatives of states will be able to
discuss the issue of sending ''peacekeeping troops
of other countries'' --- to the territory of Ukraine.
Previously KP.RU reported on Keir Starmer's statement that Australia expressed its readiness for ''possible'' assistance, for the coalition of those who wish,
founded after the summit in London.
The British Prime Minister stressed ----------- that
he supports that country's ''desire'' to assist
in supporting the Kiev regime.
________________________________
In the US' ''Backyard''
Women in El Salvador
will march for rights
March 8th, 10:11am
(Prensa Latina)
Women in El Salvador will close the week today
with a march for their rights and against metal
mining in the country.
Called by the Ecofeminist Bloc, the women will meet
in the central Cuscatlán park, in this capital, to
demand rights that are postponed in an
eminently sexist country.
The day before, the Women’s Commission of the
Movement - for the Defense of the Rights of the
Working Class (MDCT) met representatives of
the Ministry of Labour ---- to present their
demands --- and demand compliance
with international agreements.. in
defense of women’s labour rights.
Idalia Zúniga, general secretary of the Salvadoran
Teachers’ Front (FMS), explained that prior to
International Women’s Day, they came to
the Ministry of Labour -- to expose the
large number of layoffs... in the
different public institutions,
in which the majority
are women.
Meanwhile, during the week, the Legislative Assembly
approved the thirty-sixth extension of the exceptional
regime, the measure that covers a Territorial Control
Plan (PCT) in force since 2019, and which is seen as
the government’s flagship policy, that allowed it to
reduce the murder rate to 1.9 per 100,000 people.
By making this new request for an extension, the
government’s security cabinet justified it by
explaining that the maras or gangs... now
adopt new forms to seek a resurgence.
On the other hand, Bitcoin and the government’s policy
with this cryptoactive remained in the attention of
the population: after an alleged challenge by the
government to the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) by not complying with what was agreed
to get a ''loan'' of nearly 1.5 billion dollars.
Among the conditions agreed with the financial entity, are
limiting government action in the use of the digital asset.
In a message this week, President Nayib Bukele stressed
that Salvadoran politics “is not stopping” now, with what
was agreed with the IMF and stated that “if it did not
stop when the world condemned us to ostracism
and most of the ‘bitcoiners’ abandoned us, it
will not stop now ---- and it will not stop in
the future.”
During the week... Salvadoran organizations exposed how
demands for justice for several massacres committed in
the country during the war are progressing, an event
that coincided with a judicial decision, to extradite
from the United States, one of the accused in the
murder of 4 Dutch journalists during the conflict.
The information was revealed, this Thursday, during the
celebration of a conference of the Roundtable against
Impunity in El Salvador (Mecies) that advocates for
truth and transitional justice in the country.
A statement by Mecies stressed that the response of all
the powers and institutions of the State, to the crimes
against humanity and war crimes that occurred
within the framework of the armed conflict,
is institutionalized impunity.
__________________________________
"Much in life rests on you": Putin
congratulated Russian women
on March the 8th.
by Roman Shimaev
March 8th, 7:43 am
(RT.ru)
Putin to women of the Russian Federation:
we always admire your beauty,
tenderness, charm.
Vladimir Putin congratulated the women of Russia on
the occasion of International Women's Day, noting
their importance - and versatility.
The President stressed that women play a key role in
society - combining strength and tenderness, caring
for the family and success in professional activities.
He also noted the importance of motherhood and
assured that the state will continue to support
families with children, especially those
with many children.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a
congratulatory speech on the occasion of
International Women's Day.
"Dear women, we know - that much of life depends on you,
on your talents, creative energy, love.... and the ultimate
responsibility with which you take on any task. I repeat,
we always admire your beauty, tenderness.. and charm.
I would like to wish you success, health and prosperity,
and all the best to you and your loved ones. Be happy,
together with those who are dear to you. Happy
International Women's Day," Putin said.
The Head of State noted that Russia traditionally
has a special, very warm and sincere attitude
to this wonderful holiday.
"Words of love, appreciation and respect are heard
everywhere today. Men rush to tell their mothers,
wives, their grandmothers, daughters, sisters,
girlfriends, and colleagues - how much they
value them ---- how much they appreciate
everything you do ----- both at home for
your family and friends, and, at work,
sometimes performing very difficult
professional tasks," the head of
state said.
Addressing the women, Putin stressed that they have time to do everything: surround their children with care, and achieve amazing success in various fields of activity --- combine strength and fragility, with courage and tenderness.... always conquer, with their beauty
and charm, as well as inspire men to do great things, to strive to achieve more... become better -- and be more successful. True
defenders --- of your family, home, and homeland.
"You can control the most important thing ------ the miracle of
the birth of a new life. And the sensitivity and generosity
of a mother's heart ....the warmth of a mother's love,
transform and adorn... the world around us. Being
a mother is a great happiness and, at the same
time, difficult, strenuous work. We --- are well
aware of this --- and will definitely continue
to do everything possible, to ensure that
mothers and families with children ------
especially those with many children,
feel the support they need and see
that their interests, are always in
the centre of state attention,"
the President added.
The Russian leader noted women who "are now where
it is especially difficult." According to him.. we are
talking about participants of a special military
operation who are both in front-line hospitals
and on the front line.
"I would also like to address, separately, the women whose
loved ones -- husbands, fathers, brothers, and loved ones --
are now protecting the future of our country. Your sincere
concern, unwavering care and your love and loyalty, give
strength to our fighters, strengthen their spirit, and the
unyielding belief that the truth - and therefore victory
- is on our side," Putin concluded.
It should be noted that on March 6, the President of Russia
visited the Unified Centre for Support of Foreign Military
Service Participants and Their Families — the Moscow
branch of the Defenders of the Fatherland State Fund.
There he held a meeting with employees and wards of
the foundation, mothers and wives of its members.
At the end of the conversation, which lasted just over two
hours, the head of state said that Russian women have
always been and are, "gentle and beautiful, but at the
same time --- courageous and strong, knowing their
own value", as well as the value of what everyone
serves — the Fatherland.
__________________________________
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council
Medvedev --- warns Russians against
"collective relaxation"
by Nikita Abramov (Editor
of the "Russia" section)
March 7th, 6:51pm
(Lenta.ru)
Lack of solidarity, as well as "collective relaxation"
can lead to disunity, war, and the collapse of
the state.
This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Russian
Security Council, Medvedev, his words are quoted
by TASS.
He expressed this opinion during a meeting with
women members of the United Russia party...
on the eve of March the 8th - Women's Day.
"The nation comes together -- only during the period
of trials, and when they are not present ---- such a
"collective relaxation" can begin -- such a feeling
that "everything is just fine" and everyone is for themselves --- and we have nothing to thank
anyone for. And so on, and so forth,"
he said.
Earlier, Medvedev said that the collapse of the USSR
was an event that ultimately led to the start of a
special operation in Ukraine. The politician
called the events of 34 years ago --- the
lesson that "we have received".
___________________________________
Date of start of serial production of
Atom electric vehicles announced
by Mikhail Sizov
March 7th, 3:37pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The launch of full-scale production of Russian Atom electric vehicles ---- is scheduled for July 2025.
According to TASS, with reference to the press service of
the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Tatarstan, at the
moment taxi companies, rental companies and
individuals have booked over 105,000 cars.
So far, 13 functional prototypes of electric vehicles have
been released. It is already known - that the standard
Atom will receive a 199-horsepower electric motor
and a battery with a capacity of 77 kWh.
Versions for taxi and car sharing will be less powerful
- 149 hp. The maximum speed will also differ: 170
and 130 km/h. The price of the Atom taxi will be
3.1 and 3.3 million rubles, the car-sharing car
is estimated at 3.2 million, and the civilian
version - at 3.3 million.
Earlier, "RG" reported that pre-production cars
"Atom" - were seen on the streets of Moscow.
___________________________________
"Ukraine was discussed --- for fifteen minutes":
what EU countries did at emergency summit
by Alena Fomina
March 17th, 12:08pm
(Gazeta.ru)
The EU countries -- once again -- gathered to discuss the
situation in Ukraine but in the end they spent almost all
their time ..discussing how to strengthen their defense
capabilities. Asked if they could single-handedly
replace the United States, and especially its intelligence service, to help Kiev,
European leaders...... remained
dead silent, Politico reports.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the EU
has no money, so he refused to sign a statement on
continuing to finance Ukraine.
European countries were unable to agree on any new
commitments to strengthen Ukraine's position in the
near future, the newspaper Politico found out.
According to the publication, EU leaders offered Ukrainian
President Vladimir Zelensky only "hugs, photo shoots and
a promise to continue arming Ukraine" during the summit
on March 6.
"Of course, they have developed plans.. to strengthen the
EU's defense sector, but --- and this is perhaps the most important thing in the short term -- they have not been
able to agree on any new commitments to strengthen
Ukraine's position ---- in the near future," it is said, in the article.
Politico writes that now the administration of US President
Donald Trump ------ is increasing pressure on Zelensky to
quickly conclude a settlement agreement with Russia.
Ukraine, in turn, is trying to solve the problems
associated with a stopping of the transfer of
military aid and intelligence from the US.
"Now we must support Ukraine more than ever,"
Kaya Kallas, the head of European Diplomacy,
said before the summit.
Ten hours later, however, it became clear --- that EU
leaders were focused on discussing strengthening
their defense sector.
Hungary is against it again
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor has once again spoken
out - against continuing the transfer of military aid to
Ukraine. He did not sign the final statement.
As a result, a conflict arose between the leaders of the
EU countries, during which --- someone suggested
issuing a statement without Orban's signature,
and at the same time supporting Ukraine's
entry into the union, Kommersant writes.
As a result, the document did not pass
verification and was not released.
The next day, on Kossuth radio, Orban explained
that the EU simply does not have the money
to support Ukraine.
"If the war has been going on for three years and Russia is
winning it, and the United States is stepping aside, then
what are the chances of the remaining countries? The
26 countries did not have any grounds for accepting
this statement. If they decide to continue the war,
then all our last money will be spent on it,"
Orban said (quoted by TASS).
He added that, at the summit it became clear --- that
European countries want to sponsor the Ukrainian
army. According to Orban, Ukraine does not work
as a state, so they will have to finance this....
as well.
"Our armies are weak, our weapons are insufficient,
and Europe must become stronger," Orban said.
The Hungarian Prime Minister said that many
EU members also raise the question of the
expediency of accepting Ukraine into the
union, as this will mean additional costs.
He warned that... "in Europe, perhaps
even in America.. there is no money"
to continue military support for Kiev.
Zelensky's List
Zelensky announced a list of Ukraine's urgent needs to his
allies. He called on European countries, to speed up work
on financial instruments designed to help the Ukrainian
military. He also demanded - to adopt a new package
of anti-Russian sanctions and consider Ukraine's
accession to the EU... by 2030.
A Politico source said that there is a certain coalition of
willing people - EU members and non-EU members - who are working on future arms packages for Kiev.
According to him, before the summit, Callas tried to unite
European countries to find at least €20 billion, but this
plan ..did not receive unanimous support. However,
Zelensky still managed to achieve an increase in
military assistance.... of €8 billion from Norway.
The EU is in ''difficulties'' without the US
During the summit, the most important thing was to decide
whether the EU could somehow, replace UIS military aid
and intelligence. The publication Politico reported that
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal asked a direct
question during closed-door discussions.:
"Can we go it alone?" he was met with a deathly silence.
In 2025, EU countries plan to transfer another €30 billion
in loans to Kiev, but the US refusal "leaves a gaping
hole in the ability of allies to provide support to
Ukraine," especially in terms of intelligence.
Without this, it will be difficult for Ukraine to intercept
missiles and drones, and EU countries are focused
on internal problems ....and do not have much
strategic intelligence potential.
Moreover, the United States has, repeatedly, wanted to
review its obligations to NATO, so European countries
are more focused on their security, which was
reflected in the results of the summit.
A Politico source claims that most of the time
European leaders -- argued about defense
spending, and "negotiations on Ukraine
were completed and wiped out.... in
about 15 minutes."
____________________________________
Orban declares ---- isolation of the EU
March 7th, 12:43am
by Artem Vereykin
(Night Line Editor)
(Lenta.ru)
Orban: The EU has distanced itself: from Russia,
China and the United States - and is in isolation.
Hungary, which is the only country that did not
support the statement of the EU summit on
Ukraine, is not isolated -- the EU itself, is
isolated. This was stated by Hungarian
Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
"In fact, it is the EU that has isolated itself from the United
States and from China because of the trade war, and from
Russia because of sanctions. I think that -- if someone is
really isolated, it's the EU, Hungary, isn't isolated at all,"
he said.
Previously, Orban called the EU countries losers, but at the
negotiating table, "big guys". Commenting on the meeting
of European leaders in Paris ..and their desire to become
part of the negotiation process on Ukraine, he said that
representatives of Europe will be able to attend there..
only as lackeys.
_________________________________
SpaceX lost contact with the Starship
spacecraft ...during a test launch
March 7th, 12:42am
(RT.ru)
SpaceX ..announced the loss of communication with
the Starship spacecraft during the (8th) test launch.
"At the moment, we are no longer receiving
telemetry data," CNN quoted company
spokesman Dan Huot, as saying.
At the same time, the Super Heavy rocket booster
successfully returned to the launch pad.
Later, SpaceX said that during the launch
of the ship into orbit, it collapsed.
According to CNN, residents of islands in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean saw, presumably, the falling wreckage of Starship.
On January 17, SpaceX announced the loss
of a Starship prototype during a test launch.
Earlier, the US entrepreneur and politician Elon Musk
said that individual incidents that occur during
the tests of Starship.. will not affect plans for the colonisation of Mars.
_____________________________________________
The EU ''postponed'' the adoption of a
statement on support for Ukraine
due to Hungary
March 6th, 10:23pm
(RT)
An emergency EU defense summit postponed the
adoption of a statement on support for Ukraine
due to the position of Hungary.
This is stated on the website of the EU Council.
It is noted that the text set out in the EUCO 10/25
document was supported by 26 EU leaders
out of 27.
"The Council will return to this issue, at its next meeting," the document says.
Earlier, the head of EU Diplomacy Kaya Kallas said
that Hungary's blocking of decisions on providing
assistance to Ukraine is becoming increasingly
''difficult'' ---- for the EU.
______________________________
In the new logo of the EU's
re-armament;saw ananus
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
March 6th, 9:41pm
(Lenta.ru)
In the new logo of the EU's rearmament, presented
by the EU Commission, (EC), they saw an unusual interpretation. This was pointed out by the chair
of the commission of the Public Chamber of
Russia on sovereignty, co-chairman of the
Coordination Council for the integration
of new regions, Vladimir Rogov, in
the Telegram channel.
"The most common interpretation of this logo, is hands pulling the anus apart," he said. At the same time,
Rogov recalled.... that the President of the EU
Commission --- Ursula von der Leyen --- once
received........ a medical education. "Given
Ursula von der Leyen's main profession,
there should have been a different
bodypart," he added.
Ursula von der Leyen worked as an assistant physician
at the gynecological clinic of the Hanover Medical
Institute, from 1988-1992.
Earlier, the leaders of the EU states agreed on the
EU's proposed plan for militarization of Europe in
the amount of 800 billion euros during a summit
in Brussels.
________________________________
Belarus, Myanmar reach
record trade volume
Text by Yuri Sizov
March 6th, 6:48pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Relations between Belarus and Myanmar, based on
friendship, mutual understanding and partnership,
have reached a record volume of trade turnover
in recent years. These data were referred to by
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of
Belarus Yuri Shuleyko on the eve of the
official visit to Minsk of the Chairman
of the State Administrative Council,
Prime Minister of the Republic of
the Union of Myanmar,
Min Aung Hlaina.
Within the framework of this visit, a bilateral
business forum also started on Thursday,
according to news portals.
Opening the event, the Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister
referred to the results of a visit in January to Yangog,
where a similar bilateral project was held -- with the
participation of Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim
Ryzhenkov. Explaining the nature of bilateral ties,
Shuleyko confirmed that they are based on
similar views: "on the main issues of the
world agenda & striving to strengthen
the independence of their countries."
First, according to him, Minsk is proud of the level of
development of industry, the agricultural sector of
the economy and science, while Myanmar, as you
know ----- is developing the mining sector at an
accelerated pace, and energy and industrial
capacities, are being increased.
However, despite the fact that the two countries have already reached a record volume of trade
turnover in recent years, the Deputy Prime Minister is convinced, "this level of economic cooperation, does not meet the existing potential."
Therefore, additional efforts are needed to "identify and
put into practice all the opportunities for establishing
strong and long-term ties between Belarusian and
Myanmar businesses." He hopes that the
accumulated experience and
"business acumen will
help to do this."
The Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister ----- is also convinced
that the joint committee on trade & economic cooperation
needs to quickly identify new growth points --- and build systematic work. That is why "the second meeting of
the committee, which will be held this year, will
logically continue the business conversation
that has been started... and, undoubtedly,
will allow for integrating new ideas, and
consolidating the dynamics of contacts."
In other words, Shuleyko concluded, "there are all the opportunities and tools, as well as a mutual desire to give the Belarusian- Myanmar cooperation a new impetus."
___________________________
YouGov: Only 27% of Britons have
a positive opinion of Starmer
March 5th, 9:42pm
(RT.ru)
Only 27% of Britons have a positive opinion
of the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This is evidenced by the results of
a study by YouGov.
It is noted - that 52% of respondents expressed
a negative attitude towards the prime Minister.
Another 18% ...is neutral.
_________________________________________________
Participants of the Eurovision Song Contest ......run away from Ukraine
by Alexey Komolov
March 5th, 4:57pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Participants of the national Ukrainian selection for the
Eurovision Song Contest - have left the country, music
commentator, Roman Buturlakin said, in his
social networks.
We are talking about the group, MBreeze (Alexander and
Ilya Belyakovs) and singer Vasily Demchuk (DEMCHUK).
MBreeze participated in the national selection in 2018,
and Demchuk - in 2023.
Buturlakin noted that in the social networks of musicians
for a long time, there were no photos taken in Ukraine,
and all the posts were published in such a way.. that
it was impossible to understand in which country
the artists are located.
Earlier, it became known that the Ministry of Culture of
Ukraine from March 3 stopped issuing documents for
traveling abroad to journalists and artists... due to
frequent escapes.
A martial law regime has been introduced in Ukraine, and
a general mobilization is taking place. The country's
borders are closed to men between the ages of
18 and 60.
At the same time, the security forces regularly detain
those who, by hook or crook, are trying to get out of
Ukraine to neighbouring countries.
In addition --- it is not uncommon for Ukrainians who find
themselves abroad to refuse to return to their homeland.
So, it was reported that one of the top managers of the
football club "Karpaty" from Lviv --- did not return to
Ukraine, after the winter training camps of the
team in Turkey.
_______________________________________________
Putin vows to continue dual
citizenship program
with Abkhazia
March 5th, 4:51pm
(RT.ru)
Russian Leader Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the
elected President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba said
that he would give instructions --- to finalize the
issues on dual Russian-Abkhazian citizenship.
"We will continue it," Putin said.
The Russian President held a meeting with Gunba in the
Kremlin and congratulated him on his election victory.
Badra Gunba has already assumed his duties as head of
state before the inauguration. He noted that thanks
to Russia's assistance, Abkhazia now has the
opportunity to develop and build
economic ties.
Putin said that Moscow will help Abkhazia
with humanitarian supplies of electricity.
__________________________________________
Rosstat recorded a slowdown
in weekly inflation to 0.15%
in early March
by Sergey Bolotov
March 5th, 4pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The growth rate of consumer prices in the week of
February 25 to March 3 decreased to 0.15% after
the indicator of 0.23% recorded a week earlier.
The average daily price increase since the beginning
frozen fish, vodka, beef, milk, cottage cheese and
cheese continued to rise in price. Again, as last
week, cucumbers fell significantly in price,
and prices for chicken eggs and meat..
continued to decline.
Among non-food products, corvalol.. is still getting more
expensive, & electric vacuum cleaners and televisions
are getting cheaper. Prices for women's tights fell
slightly, while those for adult sneakers, men's
T-shirts, T-shirts and socks, as well as
children's jeans, increased.
Gasoline prices rose by 0.2%, diesel fuel - by 0.1%.
Among the services, the cost of living in hotels, boarding
houses and sanatoriums has increased in price. Metro,
city bus, and trolleybus fares, as well as housing fees
in state and municipal housing funds, continued to
rise... slowly.
_______________________________________________
Trump’s Historic Congressional
Address:From Egg Prices
to Flag on Mars
March 5th, 9:07am
(al Manar)
In a lengthy Congressional address, US President Donald
Trump declared, “America is back,” setting the tone for
a speech that touched on a multitude of hot-button
issues including soaring egg prices, the fight
against “wokeness,” and even aspirations
for a flag on Mars.
This unprecedented address drew significant attention
not only for its length but also for the charged political
atmosphere as Democrats disrupted the proceedings,
leading Speaker Mike Johnson to denounce these
interruptions as a “breach of decorum” ...and
ultimately remove Congressman Al Green
from Texas.
Trump outlined sweeping policy reversals ------- including a freeze on federal hiring, regulations - and foreign aid. He
highlighted his decision to terminate what he called the
“ridiculous Green New Scam,” boasting of withdrawing
from international agreements that he deemed
detrimental to US interests, including the
Paris Climate Accord and the World
Health Organization.
Turning to domestic economic issues... Trump placed the
blame for skyrocketing egg prices squarely on President
Biden, vowing to combat inflation as a key priority of his
administration. He proclaimed - “We’re working hard to
get it back down” ...while promising a national energy
emergency to tap into the US’ vast energy resources.
“It’s called drill, baby, drill,” he enthused, pledging
to enhance production of critical minerals and
rare earths.
The former president also outlined a bold trade policy,
announcing a 25% tariff on foreign aluminum, copper,
lumber, and steel, stating that this would not only
protect US jobs but also safeguard “the soul of
our country.” He expressed a commitment to
reshaping U.S. foreign trade dynamics,
pledging to address what he called
long-standing injustices suffered
at the hands of trade partners
like Canada and Mexico.
As the address wrapped up, Trump even touched on
ambitions that reached beyond Earth, hinting at
plans for a US flag on Mars — a symbolic nod
to the nation’s goals in space exploration.
As the speech unfolded, the partisan divide in Congress
was palpable, yet Trump’s message resonated with
many supporters keen on his vision of a resurgent
US, free from what he describes as the shackles
of bureaucracy --- and social issues.
The implications of this address will likely continue
to dominate discussions throughout the political
landscape, as the nation moves forward.
Source: Agencies (edited by
Al-Manar English Website)
______________________________
Lukashenko predicts
Zelensky's election
defeat
by Evgeny Silaev
(Night Line Editor)
March 5th, 1:07am
(Lenta.ru)
The current Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky will lose
the presidential election, he has a low rating. This was
stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko
in an interview with Mario Naufal, a recording of the
conversation was published on the blogger's page
in the social network X.
"Zelensky has never had four percent, he has 14-17%
now, not 57%, as he says. This is his rating, he will
lose this election," Lukashenka predicted.
_____________________________________________
Ushakov: Putin will visit India in 2025
by Maria Pavlova
(March 4th, 9:04pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in 2025.
This was reported by the assistant to the Russian
leader, Yuri Ushakov.
According to Ushakov, the Indian side has sent an
official invitation to the Russian president, but
the timing of Putin's visit to this country
has not yet been discussed.
"But it will definitely be a visit this
year," Ushakov told RIA Novosti.
Recall that Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi .....visited Moscow, in July 2024.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the State Administrative Council,
Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,
Min Aung Hlaing, is on a visit to Russia. During talks
with Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, Khline
suggested that, in one of their past lives,
they may have already met.
In response, the Russian president noted -
that he respects the concept of Buddhism.
____________________________________________
"Shame on you. Are you proud?"
Why deputies in Serbia fought
and threw smoke bombs
by Alena Fomina
March 4th, 4:57pm
(Gazeta.ru)
In Serbia, opposition lawmakers tried to disrupt a
parliamentary session by throwing pyrotechnics
at their colleagues. As a result - three female
deputies were injured. Doctors are fighting
for the life of one of them, as well as for
the life of the unborn child of the other.
After the riots, deputies did not stop the meeting on
amendments to the law on education amid student
protests after the tragedy in Novi Sad. Moreover,
the Speaker of the Parliament Brnabic refused
to let the people's deputies go to lunch, and
after the meeting forced them to clean the
parliament hall themselves.
During a meeting of the Serbian parliament, opposition
deputies threw smoke bombs and lit flares into the
hall, which caused three women to receive
injuries of varying severity, Tanjug
agency writes.
On March 4, the session opened and approved an agenda
of about 50 items, including the introduction of sensitive
amendments to the law on Higher education... in
connection with the Novi Sad tragedy, and the
issue of a vote of confidence in the Speaker
of the People's Assembly (unicameral
Parliament) of the Republic
of Serbia.
Speaker Ana Brnabic herself spoke in the hall. At one
point, opposition deputies rose from their seats and
went straight to her, demanding that the issue of
amendments to the law on higher education be
left as the only one on the agenda. Security
guards prevented them from reaching
Brnabic, after which a scuffle
broke out.
Smoke bombs and eggs, were suddenly thrown at
the speaker, and she was also doused with water.
Then, the opposition deputies started throwing other
things, as well as shouting loudly and actively using
whistles, pipes and rattles. They unfurled a banner
reading "Serbia rises to overthrow the regime"
and held up national flags. There were also
calls for the resignation of Serbia's
President, Aleksandar Vucic.
Brnabic continued her speech, panting.
Parliamentarian from the Green Left Front party,
opposition leader, Radomir Lazovic, used a fire
extinguisher, but made it even worse, as the
hall was completely covered with powder.
Despite the incident, the deputies decided to continue
working. Moreover, Brnabic indicated --- that the
parliamentarians will not have lunch, as they
need to finish discussing the law on higher
education and adopt its amended version
--- as soon as possible, "so that students
know and see that this request --- has
been implemented and fulfilled, and
that we are close to them."
First Deputy Prime Minister Sinisha Mali made a speech
on amendments to the law on higher education. He
voiced proposals that involve an increase in
funding for universities, teachers' salaries
and partial compensation for the cost
of training students.
A pregnant woman MP was injured
According to Brnabic, one of the oppositionists threw a
stun gun into the hall. The device hit MP Sonja Ilic, who
is eight months pregnant. She was also injured --- after
the use of a stun grenade and tear gas. Now... doctors
are trying to save the life of the deputy's unborn child.
Brnabic added that unknown persons threw a stun
grenade directly at the head of deputy Yasmina
Obradovic, after which she suffered a stroke.
The ambulance crew urgently took the
woman to the hospital.
"What is one human life to you? Nothing! One human life
is nothing to you ---- and this is the human life of your
colleague, a colleague who represents thousands
and thousands of citizens of the Republic of
Serbia. Shame on you," Brnabic said.
In total, three female deputies were injured. According
to the speaker, all the wounded "dared to have their
own opinion", which differs from the opinion of
the opposition.
"Once again, respect for what you did. Are you proud?"
- Brnabic addressed the opposition, adding that they
threw missiles at all Serbian citizens, and not just
at the deputies.
Deputies launder eggs
Brnabic called on her colleagues to stay in Parliament
after the end of the working day at 18:00 to clean the
premises. According to her -- ordinary employees are
not to blame for the chaos created by the opposition,
so they are not obliged to "clean up your eggs, tear
gas and smoke bombs."
"We'll clear it out. We've already been cleaning up
after you for 12 years, so we'll continue today!"
said Brnabic.
Tanjug noted, that at first the oppositionists tried to get
to Brnabic, but the security guards did not let them in.
Then they decided to show their protest by rioting.
Milenko Yovanov, chairman of the Aleksandar
Vucic — Serbia must not Stop parliamentary
group, said that the opposition is blocking
the work of the parliament, because.. if
the students' demands were met,
they would be nothing."
Immunity does not work
The Serbian prosecutor's office -- condemned the trick of
opposition deputies in parliament. The statement of the
prosecutor's Office states, that the people's deputies
have immunity, but in this situation it will not protect
them from criminal prosecution. The Prosecutor's
Office noted that deputies can avoid problems
with the law only if they are prosecuted for
expressing an opinion.
"The Supreme Prosecutor's Office calls for an immediate
resolution of the situation in the National Assembly by
refusing to take any actions that may endanger the
safety, body or life --- of anyone who works in the
premises of the National Assembly, especially
People's Deputies," the report says.
Law enforcement officers find out which deputies carried
and used pyrotechnics. They also determine whether
the incident can be classified as a serious crime
against public safety.
For six months now, protests have been raging in Serbia,
which began after the death of 15 people as a result of
the collapse of the train station canopy in Novi Sad,
hundreds of thousands of people are taking to
the streets. Shortly before the tragedy, the
building was renovated for €16 million.
The protesters believe that the collapse was due to
corruption, which led to the implementation of
poor-quality construction of the canopy.
Citizens demand - a fair investigation.
Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic
has already resigned, amid
widespread outrage.
There are also students among the protesters. They demand, that the Government increase funding for educational institutions. It is these changes in the legislation that parliamentarians are considering.
_____________________________________
Myanmar PM: thanks to Russia,
the world is moving towards
multipolarity
March 4th, 2:29pm
(Vesti.ru)
The world is moving towards multipolarity, thanks to
Russia, and the conflict in Ukraine arose because
of the opposition of Western countries to this
process. This was stated by Prime Minister
of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,
Min Aung Hlaing.... at the talks with
Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The negotiations were broadcast in a narrow
format by the Rossiya 24 TV channel.
The Prime Minister of Myanmar is currently
in Moscow on an official visit.
"Thanks to Russia's efforts --- the world is moving towards
multipolarity,but the Western countries have started to
resist -----so the situation in Ukraine has emerged,"
Min Aung Hlaing said.
Russia has a great history, said the head of the Myanmar
government: it resisted its enemies during World War II,
and it has always been opposed by Western countries.
They tried to break up the Soviet Union, put pressure
on Russia during the Cold War. Western countries
are interested in Russia, as it is rich in
resources, the Prime Minister of the
republic noted.
"I believe that every country must defend itself, its
sovereignty, its people - and its interests," said Min Aung Hlaing. ''So.. I want to say that we
understand the situation in Russia and
therefore we fully support it in the
special operation in Ukraine.
And --- I am sure I can say:
soon the victory is yours."
Earlier, Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, met
with the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. In a speech Russia's Prime Minister
stressed.. that Russia and Myanmar, will
continue to cooperate together in
many areas of the economy.
______________________________________
Peruvian Supreme Court Begins Prison Trial
---- Against Former PresidentPedro Castillo
March 4th, 1:23pm
(teleSUR)
On Tuesday, Jose Neyra, the president of the Supreme
Court’s Special Criminal Chamber, opened the trial
against former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo
for the attempted coup that, allegedly, took
place on December the 7th, in 2022.
Castillo arrived at the courtroom specially set up in the
Barbadillo prison, where he has been held since 2022.
Previously, however, he had announced that he was
refusing to attend the trial, calling it a “farce.”
At the start of the hearing, the former Peruvian president
stated that he did not have a lawyer ...and asked the
presiding judge, Norma Carbajal, to publicly
disclose his seven-page letter.
“As the constitutional president, I do not accept and will
not submit to being tried in this ‘trial’ by this Special
Criminal Chamber,” Castillo stated in the letter,
adding that he is “being held hostage.”
A text reads, “Former President Pedro Castillo describes
the start of the trial for rebellion against him as a
‘pantomime. He appeared without a lawyer ---
saying that ‘everything is under lockdown’.”
When given the floor, Castillo told the judges that there
was no reason for him to be represented by a lawyer
because he could not submit to “a trial that is
a charade.” He added, that he does not
accept the appointment of a public
defense attorney and that he had
dismissed the four lawyers he
had previously accredited.
Also present at the hearing as co-defendants were former
Prime Minister Anibal Torres, former Prime Minister Betsy
Chavez, former Interior Minister Willy Huerta, and three
former police officers—Manuel Lozada, Justo Venero,
and Eder Infanzon—who are accused of being
co-authors of the crime of rebellion.
“In patriotic protest, I inform this court, all participants,
the country, and the world that, from this day forward,
with just cause, I refuse to participate in this political
trial .....disguised as a legal trial,” said Castillo, who
faces up to 34 years in prison.
The Prosecutor’s Office accuses him of rebellion,
abuse of authority, and serious disturbance of
public order. It also seeks civil damages of
approximately US$17 million.
A text reads, “The illegal trial against Pedro Castillo,
Anibal Torres and Bettsy Chavez begins. The
people gathered in Barbadillo demand the
freedom of the three popular leaders.”
Castillo claimed that his 2022 televised speech was
not an official address to the nation because it was
neither considered nor approved by the Council of
Ministers, as required by the Constitution, and
therefore, he has not committed the crimes
the Prosecutor’s Office accuses him of.
“I am the only one responsible for what was said and done
in that political speech on December 7, 2022. I did what
the people asked me to do… None of my co-defendants,
no one, had any direct or indirect involvement before,
during, or after the events,” he said.
Castillo also asserted that there was no armed uprising
because he did not ask anyone to carry one out, nor
did he coordinate for it to happen.
__________________________________________
SVR: The EU.... is behind the
charges against Giorgescu
by Ivan Sysoev
March 4th, 12:14pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR)
reported that it has information that the EU
leadership is behind the charges against
Romanian presidential candidate
Calin Giorgescu.
The ministry stressed: that the President of
the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen,
"demanded that the current authorities in
Bucharest not allow Giorgescu to stand
again in May."
"She -- threatened to restrict Romania's access to EU
funds if the representative of "non-systemic forces"
continues to participate in the election campaign,"
the Service added.
The SVR also stressed that the attack on Giorgescu -
shows that "the European totalitarian-liberal elite is
not shy about funds", when it is trying to prevent "a conservative turn of Europe".
"We can confidently predict -- new attempts to suppress
dissent in the EU," the Service added. "Their primary
goal will be Hungary as a 'bastion of European
conservatism' --- and the upcoming
parliamentary elections in the
country next year -- will be
a convenient occasion."
_________________________
The Serbian government saidthe EU
is trying to "get involved" ...in the
negotiations on Ukraine
by Marfa Mamaeva
March 3rd, 11:41pm
(Gazeta.ru)
Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin,
in a comment to TASS doubted -- that European
countries will be able to join the negotiations
on a settlement in Ukraine.
The politician drew attention to the fact that negotiations
on this issue between Moscow and Washington indicate
that the Russian Federation has a conflict, not with
Ukraine, but with the "collective West". At the
same time, the US has assumed the role of
the main negotiator, and the EU is not
involved in this process at all.
"I understand that they are trying to impose themselves
and get involved in the negotiation process, but they
are still not part of it," said Vulin.
He added that the "stupid policy" of the EU has led
to the weakening of its economy - and the loss of
political influence.
On March 2, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed
that London and Paris would develop their own plan to
resolve the Ukrainian conflict. According to him, one
or two more countries.. may be involved in working
on the plan, after which the document is planned
to be discussed with the US leadership.
The British Prime Minister identified three mandatory
conditions for peace, including a "strong Ukraine".
Earlier, the White House did not see Zelensky's
readiness --- to take steps towards a truce.
_____________________________________________
Sacha Oil Field Concession - is a Theft
From the Ecuadorian People: CONAIE
March 3rd, 2:54pm
(teleSUR)
While the country faces hunger, President Noboa hands
Ecuador's natural resources, to foreign firms, the
Indigenous Confederation said.
On Monday, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities
of Ecuador (CONAIE) accused President Daniel Noboa
of plundering the country’s heritage by granting a
concession for the Sacha oil field — which
produces 77,000 barrels per day — to a
subsidiary of the Canadian company
New Stratus Energy and Amodaimi
Oil Company S.L.
“Daniel Noboa’s administration has committed a robbery
against the country: it handed over the Sacha oil field,
Ecuador’s most productive one, to foreign hands. In a
murky, non-transparent process, the administration
ceded the exploitation of this strategic resource
to the Sinopetrol consortium, giving it absolute
control over our oil wealth,” the Indigenous
Confederation stated in a communiqué.
“Sacha no longer belongs to the people. Now --- 87.5% of its
profits will go to private hands, while Ecuador will receive
only 12.5%, leaving it with mere scraps of its own oil.
This privatization ----- means a loss of more than
US$8 billion for the country. This plundering
-------- is no coincidence. Daniel Noboa -- is
desperate for resources to use the State
for electoral purposes, and intends to
mortgage the country’s future --- to
remain in power,” it added.
“While the country faces hunger, crisis, and
unemployment, the government, instead of
defending our resources, hands them over
to foreign interests. We reject this looting
- and will not allow them to keep selling
off the country - while the people bear
the consequences,” CONAIE pledged.
A text reads, “The Natural Resources Ministry awarded the
Sacha oil field to the Sinopetrol consortium, made up of
Petrolia Ecuador and Amodaimi Oil Company S. L.,
subsidiaries of the Canadian New Stratus Energy
and the Chinese state-owned company Sinopec,
respectively. The award was made on the night
of Friday, February the 28, 2025. It will be a
''participation contract'' for the additional
exploitation and exploration of the field,
also known as Block 60. This award
was questioned by several social
organizations, which pointed out
that it had been made ‘by hand’,
having been given directly and
without a competition.”
Meanwhile, the former presidential candidate and historic
leader of CONAIE, Leonidas Iza, called the concession
illegitimate, pointing out that it is being awarded just
three months before Noboa’s term ends. He stated
that “Ecuador is a sovereign country that must
be respected ---- and is not for sale.”
Iza announced that his organization will take
“all necessary actions” to prevent Noboa's
administration.... from finalizing the
concession of the Sacha
oil field.
This controversy arises just weeks before the
presidential runoff election, scheduled for
April 13.. between incumbent President
Daniel Noboa, who seeks re-election,
and Luisa Gonzalez, the candidate
from the Citizen Revolution party.
________________________________
U.S. Justice --- To Investigate
President Milei’s Cryptogate:
Claver-Carone
March 3rd, 2:12pm
(teleSUR)
There were hundreds, if not thousands, of people who
lost millions of dollars, Trump’s Special Envoy for
Latin America said.
This weekend, Mauricio Claver-Carone, U.S. President
Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Latin America,
anticipated that U.S. justice will investigate
the cryptocurrency scam..... in which
Argentine President Javier Milei
is involved.
“It’s complicated --- because there were victims and
defrauded Americans. There were hundreds, if not
thousands, of people who lost millions of dollars.
And some of his advisors are also Americans,”
Claver-Carone said, during an interview
with CNN.
“Beyond the ideological affinity between the White House
and the Casa Rosada, the former advisor to Trump’s
National Security Council clarified --- that the
scandal will not fade away in U.S. courts,”
the Argentine newspaper
Pagina 12 reported.
“To soften the blow, Claver-Carone—using a diplomatic
tone — sought to minimize the responsibility of the
Argentine president and pointed to his inner
circle,” it commented.
“All the fireworks and distraction maneuvers that the
government is launching to overshadow the multi-
million-dollar scam promoted by Milei inevitably
fall on deaf ears. The scandal over $LIBRA not
only persists in the international press, but
investigations against the Argentine
president continue to pile up,”
Pagina 12 stressed.
Meanwhile, the Milei administration seeks to downplay
the situation through fluctuating narratives that fail to
maintain a coherent, consistent argumentative line.
“Claver-Carone’s stance..... is a sensitive issue for the Pink
House. The State Department official is one of the most
critical Republicans of Milei,” Pagina 12 pointed out,
noting that Claver-Carone could have more
influence on Latin American issues......
than Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
_______________________________________________
Venezuelans Enjoy Carnival ... in an
Atmosphere of Peace and Security
March 3rd, 1:31pm
(teleSUR)
Over the weekend, millions of Venezuelans enjoyed the
traditional Carnival celebrations, which included
beach visits and float parades.
In the state of La Guaira, people gathered to watch
29 floats representing parishes from Caracas and
La Guaira, decorated with themes related to this
South American country’s flora and fauna.
The floats, which belonged to both public and private
institutions, left behind confetti and candy, as they
passed by, during an east-to-west coastal route
that attracted around 300,000 people.
Meanwhile, on one of the coastal beaches, Luzmarys
Tejada, an assistant at the National Institute of
Aquatic Spaces --- stated that a land and
maritime operation has been in place
to ensure the safety of visitors.
Additionally, across the country, more than 2,300
recreation workers have been deployed in 150
high-impact areas, where sports activities
such as beach soccer and beach
volleyball, are being held.
On Sunday in Caracas, a five-kilometre race was held
with 2,000 athletes participating. On Monday and
Tuesday, nighttime events will take place at Los
Proceres boulevard ---- a traditional gathering
spot during Caracas’ Carnival celebrations.
“People are enjoying music, colour and costumes on
beaches, rivers and mountains during the Carnival
2025 season,” Venezuelan President Nicolas
Maduro said, highlighting that the Carnival
festivities take place in an atmosphere
of peace and security.
“It is a profound, cultural and joyful Venezuela, that the
world must see, recognize and respect. Carnival is a
great national celebration --- that reaffirms peace.
Families are protected by our security devices
so that joy, unity and peace prevail. Long live
the carnival!,” he added.
Since Feb. 27, nearly 190,500 military personnel and
police officers have been mobilized as part of a
security plan for the Carnival festivities,
confirmed the Interior Minister,
Diosdado Cabello.
_______________________________________________
Tripartite Government ---
Takes Office in Austria
March 3rd, 8:17am
(teleSUR)
The new government replaces the conservative-Green
coalition that had governed the country since 2019.
On Monday, the coalition between the Austrian People’s
Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the
New Austria Party (NEOS) assumed office.
This comes 154 days after the legislative elections on
September 29, in which the ultranationalist Freedom
Party of Austria (FPÖ) emerged as the most voted
for political force nationwide, with 28.8%.
Led by conservative Christian Stocker, the 21 members
of the new cabinet were sworn in before the country’s
president, ecologist Alexander Van der Bellen, in a
live televised ceremony from the Hofburg Palace,
the seat of the presidency.
Out of the 183 seats in Parliament, the governing coalition
holds 110 seats (51 from the ÖVP, 41 from the SPÖ, and
18 from NEOS), while the opposition consists of the
far-right FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, with 57
deputies, and the Greens (ecologists),
with 16.
“Good things come to those who wait,” said Van der
Bellen --- referring to the arduous negotiations
required to reach a government agreement.
With two failed attempts, they were the
longest negotiations on record.
The head of state expressed satisfaction that the three
parties were able to overcome their differences, “put
the country’s interests ahead of party interests,
and reach compromises.”
Now, “there is much to be done: first and foremost,”
added the president, emphasizing the urgent need
to “ensure peace in Europe,” as well as
“strengthen liberal democracy,”
achieve economic stability,
and guarantee ---- social
cohesion and security.
The new government replaces the conservative-Green
coalition that had governed the country since 2019.
ÖVP leader Stocker is the new Federal Chancellor, while
SPÖ leader Andreas Babler serves as Vice Chancellor
and Minister of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and
Sports. Meanwhile, the NEOS president is the
new Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The conservatives will oversee six ministries, including
Interior, Defense, and Agriculture, while the SPÖ will
manage another six, including Finance and Justice.
NEOS will lead the ministries of Education and
Foreign Affairs. The team is completed by
seven state secretaries.
Negotiations for a three-party coalition began, after the
far-right’s victory but collapsed in early January when
NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger announced that
her party was withdrawing from talks with the ÖVP
and SPÖ due to a lack of reforms.
Following NEOS’ withdrawal, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl was
tasked by Van der Bellen with forming a government --- an
attempt he pursued with the ÖVP, the only parliamentary
force willing to work with the far-right. However, those
negotiations also collapsed... due to a lack of
agreements, particularly on foreign and
European policy.... as well as the
distribution of ministerial
portfolios.
After this second failure, the ÖVP resumed talks with the
SPÖ and NEOS, which this time successfully reached a
government agreement, marking the first three-party
coalition since 1949.
The new government aims to govern for the next five
years, with the objectives of pulling the country out
of recession, reducing illegal immigration, and
curbing the rise of far-right populism
in Austria.
Austria’s new chancellor, Christian Stocker (ÖVP), is sworn
in after a centrist coalition deal. The government — ÖVP,
SPÖ, and Neos — forms without the far-right FPÖ,
despite its electoral win. First order of business?
Boosting defense spending. Good luck,
@_CStocker!
____________________________________________
Mexico Demands Respect
From the US in the Face
of Tariff Threats
March 3rd, 7:32am
(teleSUR)
Previously, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce confirmed that
tariffs on Mexican products would take effect on March 4.
On Sunday, two days before U.S. President Donald Trump
imposes tariffs on Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum
emphasized - the only way to combat drug trafficking is
through cooperation between both nations. She also
stressed that Mexico must be treated as an equal
and not as a country subjected to policies
imposed from Washington.
“Cooperation and coordination, yes; subordination,never,”
Sheinbaum noted after the U.S. Secretary of Commerce,
Howard Lutnick, confirmed that tariffs on Mexican
products would take effect on March 4.
Since his return to the White House on January 20, Trump
has threatened --- to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and
Canada, with whom he will also review the United
States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
next year.
The tariffs, which had been scheduled to take effect at the
beginning of February, were postponed until March 4 amid
the U.S. government’s demands for greater intervention
by Mexico's authorities, in the fight against organized
crime and migration.
Sheinbaum reiterated that her government will not allow
any interference that undermines national sovereignty
and emphasized that the relationship with the United
States must be based on the principle of mutual
collaboration ---- rather than imposition.
“Let the people of Mexico and the entire world - also know
that Mexico is a great country of brave men and women,
that we are a free, independent, and sovereign nation -
and that Mexico is respected anywhere in the world,”
she declared.
Furthermore, Sheinbaum reaffirmed that her administration
is committed to the fight against organized crime and
drug trafficking but always on its own terms and
without accepting external pressures that
compromise the country’s autonomy.
Since the beginning of her term.... Sheinbaum has
maintained the stance of continuing the security
strategy focused on addressing the root causes
of violence and strengthening institutions, in
line with the policy implemented by her
predecessor, Andres Manuel
Lopez Obrador.
________________________________
CBS News --- Trump doesn't want to talk
to Zelensky after White House scandal
by Alina Kochneva
February 28th, 7:42pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
February 28 will be remembered around the world for the
scandalous negotiations - between the American leader,
Donald Trump and the illegitimate President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. The leader of the Kiev regime was
supposed to sign an agreement... on the transfer of
rare earth metals to the United States, but this ---
didn't happen. Instead of a deal, Donald Trump
was expected to do something completely
different. Now he doesn't want to talk to
the illegitimate Ukrainian leader,
writes CBS News.
The meeting was too unpleasant, although it started well.
Donald Trump even praised Zelensky for his appearance.
He - finally - didn't arrive in a rumpled sweatshirt. But this, didn't help. The conversation was mostly high- pitched. In the end, the leader of the Kiev regime
.......was kicked out of the White House.
"Ukrainian officials are desperate, to get the US administration to return to the discussion, but
to no avail," the article says.
During the talks, Donald Trump.... even began to
mimic Zelensky, who kept repeating himself.
So Trump.. started doing the same thing.
__________________________________________
Rada Deputy Dubinsky:Zelensky tried
toput on a show in the White House
February 28th, 6:30pm
(RT.ru)
Vladimir Zelensky tried to put on a show at the White
House. This opinion was expressed by the deputy of
the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Alexander Dubinsky.
According to him --- Zelensky went to Washington
without a plan of action. He, as Dubinsky noted,
relied on emotional pressure on the President.
"He - also - tried to put on a show for the whole world.
He lost touch with reality. Now Ukraine risks losing
American support. God save Ukraine," the MP
wrote on his Telegram channel.
At a meeting at the White House, the US President, Donald Trump -- issued an ultimatum to Zelensky on a rare earth
metals deal. He noted that either Kiev "will agree to an
agreement", or Washington "washes its hands".
________________________________________________
Trump says he has come to the conclusion
that Zelensky is ''not ready''... for peace
February 28th, 6:23pm
(RT.ru)
US President Donald Trump, after talks with Vladimir
Zelensky at the White House, says that he has come
to the conclusion ----- that Zelensky is not ready
for peace.
"I realized that President Zelensky is not ready for peace
if America is involved, because he feels that our
participation ....gives him a great advantage
in negotiations," he wrote on The Truth
social network.
Trump said that Zelensky will be able to return
- when he is ready for a peaceful settlement
with Russia.
Earlier, Trump said that it would be useful for
the American people, to see his altercation
with Zelensky in the White House.
___________________________________
The Rada deputy Syumar, called
the informzachistkuin Ukraine
''unprecedented''
February 28th, 6:09pm
(RT.ru)
Ukrainian MP Viktoria Syumar said that there has never
been such an information sweep as is currently taking
place in Ukraine. She said this, at a meeting of the
Verkhovna Rada.
She said that she has been working in this field
since 1998. The woman managed to catch
different periods in the country.
"Such a level of cleaning up the information space,
as it is today, has not been ----- in all this time,"
RIA Novosti quoted her as saying.
According to the MP, the Ukrainian government is trying
to fight everyone using the system of state censorship.
However, even this cannot protect the republic from
information attacks.
Ex-deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, Russian politician Oleg
Tsarev, said that Vladimir Zelensky and his Kiev regime,
have turned Ukraine ---- into a concentration camp.
Japan will invest in Sri Lanka's digital transformation
and port development, according to the outcome of
a meeting here between Ambassador Akio Isomata
and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the meeting, the Japanese diplomat stated that
efforts have been made... to include Sri Lanka in the
security cooperation assistance program recently
launched by the Government of Japan, the
Communication Division of the
presidency confirmed.
Akio Isomata further reaffirmed his country’s commitment
-- to support Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation Program,
and highlighted Tokyo’s intention, to invest in port and
aviation related projects and digitalization initiatives.
At the meeting... the current and future initiatives of the
joint Japan-Switzerland-South Africa program aimed at
fostering national reconciliation among communities
in the north affected by the 30-year conflict --- were
discussed at length, the official source said.
The current status of Japanese investments
in Sri Lanka... was also reviewed.
The Japanese ambassador took the opportunity to
officially invite the Sri Lankan president to visit
Japan and expressed his appreciation for the
new government’s policy framework.
_________________________________________
China... stresses strength of ties
with Russiaafter US comments
February 27th, 9:15am
(Prensa Latina)
The United States' attempts to sow discord between
China & Russia - are doomed to failure, the Foreign
Ministry stressed.
Spokesman Lin Jian responded in this way to statements
by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who said
that Moscow depends too much on Beijing and
suggested that both countries could join
forces to confront Washington.
According to the spokesman, ties between China and
Russia have a solid internal dynamic and are not
affected by third countries.
“The relationship between China and Russia is stable
and strategic, with long-term development and
diplomatic policies,” he said, and added that
regardless of changes in the international
situation, bilateral ties will advance with confidence and stability.
Rubio’s statements reflect Washington’s concerns
about cooperation between Moscow and Beijing,
at a time of renewed trade and diplomatic
tensions - between the US and China.
China upholds the principles of non-interference in
internal affairs, mutual respect, and win-win
cooperation in international relations.
Regarding its ties with Russia, the Foreign
Ministry has repeatedly pointed out the
legitimacy and right of both countries
to trade and have other exchanges.
Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping recently
held a telephone conversation in which they
exchanged views on the development of
bilateral relations. Both reaffirmed that
Russian-Chinese ties, are not directed
against anyone and play a stabilizing
role in world affairs.
______________________________________
Trump Jr.'s press Secretary:
Record of Russian aid
was created by AI
February 26th, 9:49pm
(RT.ru)
Press secretary of Donald Trump Jr., Andrew Surabian,
called a recording of the podcast Triggered With Don
Jr., where allegedly the son of the US president
says...... that Washington should have sent
weapons to Russia, not Ukraine... ''fake''.
"This is a 100% fake audio recording
created by artificial intelligence,"
he wrote on social network X.
Nevertheless, Surabian noted, this will not prevent
Trump's opponents.... from continuing to spread it.
Earlier, a fragment of the 219th episode of the Triggered
With Don Jr. podcast was distributed in social networks,
in which Donald Trump Jr. allegedly expressed the
opinion that the United States government should
have supplied weapons to Moscow, not Kiev, in
the context of the Ukrainian conflict. At the
same time, it is ''clarified'' that the record
has ''not yet'' appeared on the official
pages of Trump Jr.
[Rhondda Records adds:
Pope Francis warned in early January of the dangers
of misinformation and its spread via social media
and artificial intelligence (AI), cautioning that it can be “misused to manipulate minds”.
In his traditional New Year’s address to diplomats at the
Vatican, Francis lamented the increasing polarisation
of society, “aggravated by the continuous creation
and spread of fake news, which not only distorts
facts... but also perceptions”.
“This phenomenon.. generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people’s sense of security and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations,”
the 88-year-old pontiff said.
In remarks directed at all of us, the pope said:
“In our time, the denial of self-evident truths, seems to have gained the upper hand.”
“These tendencies can be amplified ------ by the modern
communications media and by artificial intelligence;
they can be misused to manipulate minds --- for
economic, political and ideological ends.”
Francis, who has been head of the Catholic Church
since 2013, emphasised the need for more media
literacy education, to promote critical thinking.
Francis also cautioned that multilateral institutions
risk becoming “like-minded clubs that only let in
those who think in the same way” and as such,
they “no longer seem capable of ensuring
peace and stability”.]
____________________________________
Five agreements signed between
Russia & Iraq at a joint meeting
by Lyubov Kapustina
February 26th, 6:53pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Five agreements were signed by Russia and Iraq
during the 10th meeting of the Russian-Iraqi
commission on trade, economic, scientific
and technical cooperation, the Russian
Energy Ministry said in Telegram.
Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, as Chairman
of the Russian part of the commission... discussed
the results of joint work with the Prime Minister
of the Republic of Iraq, Mohammed
Shia Al-Sudani.
"Today we have signed five agreements, and more
than 11 ..are in various stages of development.
We agreed to complete the signing of these
documents, as soon as possible,"
Tsivilev said.
In turn, the Prime Minister stressed Iraq's desire to
expand cooperation with the Russian side... in a
number of areas, including partnership and
expertise in the field of A.I.
As reported... on the website of the Russian Ministry of
Energy, the countries continue to develop cooperation
in the fuel and energy sector -- in particular, in the oil
and gas sector. The prospect of Russian companies participating in hydropower projects in Iraq.... is also being considered.
Joint work continues in the transport, logistics
and education sectors, and industrial
cooperation... is developing.
In addition, the Iraqi side positively accepted the
invitation to take part in the celebration of the
80th anniversary of Victory in the
Great Patriotic War.
Earlier, RG wrote.. that the volume of trade between
Russia & Iraq, increased by 30% by the end of 2024.
the cancellation of the license that allowed the U.S.
oil company Chevron.. to operate in Venezuela. In
response, Venezuela’s Executive Vice President,
Delcy Rodríguez, issued a statement,
describing it as “harmful and
inexplicable.”
Rodríguez stated that “by announcing sanctions against
the U.S. company Chevron, and intending to harm the
Venezuelan people ---- they are actually inflicting
damage on the United States, its population,
and its companies.”
Rodríguez also stressed the Venezuelan government’s
stance against these actions, asserting that “the
constitutional government of Venezuela and
its people - in great national unity -
categorically reject this type of
action, publicly requested by
the extremist -- and failed --
opposition of the country.”
Furthermore, she highlighted that such measures have
had severe consequences in the past, noting that
“these types of failed actions drove migration
from 2017 to 2021, with the widely known
consequences.”
Despite the adversity, Rodríguez assured that “Venezuela
will continue on its path.. of comprehensive economic
recovery, ensuring it through the creative efforts of
all and in absolute adherence to its sovereignty
and national independence.”
Quoting the liberator José Gervasio Artigas,
she concluded: “Let us expect nothing
but from ourselves.”
The decision could have a significant impact
on Chevron’s operations and reduce the oil
revenues of President Nicolás Maduro’s
government, in a shameful attempt
to exert economic pressure on
his administration.
_____________________________
presidential candidate Giorgescu
is detained..... in Romania
Charges are brought on six counts:
by Anastasia Stepanova February 26th, 5:32pm
(RT.ru)
Romanian presidential candidate Calin Giorgescu, was
detained and taken to the Prosecutor General's Office
--- for questioning, his team said. The winner of the
annulled first round of elections is charged with
six counts, including the creation of a fascist
organization.... calls to undermine the
constitutional order .........and illegal
financing of the election campaign.
The politician was placed under judicial control, for two
months. Supporters of Giorgescu gathered outside the
Prosecutor General's Office, demanding his release
----- and condemning the actions of the law
enforcement officers.
The winner of the annulled first round of the Romanian
presidential election, Calin Giorgescu, was detained
and taken to the prosecutor's office. This was
announced on Wednesday, February 26, by
the politician's public relations team on
his official page in social networks.
"Calin Giorgescu... was going to put forward his candidacy
for the post of president again... He was stopped on the
road and taken to the Prosecutor General's Office for questioning! Where is democracy, where are the
partners who should protect democracy?"
the publication says.
As the Mediafax newspaper reported, citing judicial
sources, Giorgescu was questioned.. as a suspect.
According to them, the presidential candidate, "is
suspected of creating a fascist organization with
the aim of undermining the constitutional order
and illegal financing of the election campaign."
Sources close to the case said that investigators
allegedly found "incriminating" conversations
and recordings with the politician.
Later, the Agerpres news agency reported that the
Prosecutor General's Office of Romania officially
filed charges against Giorgescu for committing
six offenses, including...... actions against the
constitutional order, creating an organization
of a fascist, racist or misanthropic nature,
and publicly promoting the cult of
personalities guilty of genocide
and war crimes. The charges
also include creating an anti
-Semitic organization.... and
providing false information.
It is noted that the politician is placed
under judicial control for two months.
According to the Adevarul newspaper, after the arrest of
Giorgescu, a crowd of his supporters gathered around
the Prosecutor General's Office building. People
chant - "Unity!", "Freedom!", "Thieves!", and
"Shame on you!" ---- as well as the slogan
"The last decision is another revolution!".
US entrepreneur and head of the US Government's
Efficiency Department, Elon Musk, also reacted
to the detention of the politician.
"The person who won the most votes in the Romanian
presidential election has just been detained.
This is lawlessness," the billionaire
wrote on the social network.
The first round of the presidential election in Romania
was held on November 24, 2024. Independent
candidate, Calin Giorgescu, won with
22.94% of the vote.
The second round of elections was scheduled for
December 8, but two days before that, the
Constitutional Court of the Republic
annulled the entire electoral
process ...and decided to
hold it again -- including
the election campaign.
Bucharest explained this decision, by the ''fact'' that
Giorgescu allegedly illegally financed his election
campaign. In addition, according to the special
services, hacking attacks were carried out on
the digital infrastructure used in the electoral
process, and Russia, allegedly, interfered in
the elections.
The Government took note of the Constitutional
Court's decision, and set dates for re-holding
the presidential election on May 4 and 18,
in 2025.
[Rhondda Records adds - all joking aside, judging from his speeches describing the authorities as ''Bolshevik''..... he might be a crypto-fascist!]
___________________________________________
Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik
----- sentenced to one year in prison
by Ivan Sysoev
February 26th, 1:15pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
A court in Bosnia and Herzegovina has sentenced Republika Srpska President, Milorad Dodik, to a year in prison. He is also banned from
conducting political activities and
holding public office, for 6 years.
According to the publication, Dnevni avaz, the verdict on Dodik was issued, because of his
''insubordination'' - to the decisions of the
High Representative of the international
community in BiH, Christian Schmidt.
Earlier, Dodik repeatedly pointed
out the illegitimacy of Schmidt.
The court's decision may be appealed, and Dodik's
party may appeal. The final decision can be made before the end of the year.
Commenting on the court's decision, Dodik said that
the verdict made him laugh. He spoke obscenely
about justice - and indicated that he was not
afraid of anything. "I have learned to cope
with more difficult things," the President
of Republika Srpska said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Bosnia
and Herzegovina, and the Balkans as a whole, will
face "disastrous consequences, if a trumped-up
guilty verdict is passed" against Dodik.
The charges brought against the legitimately elected
president - and, in fact, against the entire Serbian
people - are based on the provisions of a pseudo
-law imposed on BiH, by the self-styled "high
representative" - Christian Schmidt.
"From the very beginning, the trial was nothing more
than a parody of justice ---- and an undisguised
mockery of the foundations of the rule
of law," the Foreign Ministry said.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is effectively governed through
a High Representative of the international community,
in accordance with the 1995 Dayton Agreement.
In May 2021, the ambassadors of the steering committee
countries decided to appoint Christian Schmidt to this
position ---- without the approval procedure in the UN Security Council. The Republika Srpska
leadership, therefore ------- does not
recognize Schmidt's legitimacy.
_________________________________
Argentine JudgeSuspends
Privatization of Argentine
National Bank
February 25th, 1:14pm
(teleSUR)
On Tuesday, La Plata Federal Judge, Alejo Ramos,
suspended President Javier Milei’s decree aimed
at transforming the state-owned Bank of the
Argentine Nation (BNA) into a corporation,
considering that his decree “constitutes
a covert and improper privatization
maneuver” ....of the largest
financial institution.
The “Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom
of Argentines” Law, which came into effect in
August 2024 -- establishes that strategic
public companies, such as Bank of the
Argentine Nation, Argentine Airlines,
and Fiscal Oilfields (YPF) cannot
be subject to privatization.
Faced with the impossibility of directly privatizing
these companies, Milei signed a decree on
February 20th, to convert BNA into a
corporation, in which the state
would hold 99.9% of shares,
while the BNA Foundation
would own the remaining
0.1%.
“This decree reaffirms and deepens the threat of
privatization that has been denounced, as it
constitutes a decisive step in converting
BNA into a corporation, which implies
the loss of its status as an
autonomous entity of the
national state, with the
legal, economic... and
social consequences
that this..... entails,”
Ramos explained.
The federal judge.. ruled that Milei’s decree exceeded
the powers delegated to the Executive by the Bases
Law and “constitutes a covert and improper
privatization maneuver of Banco de
la Nación Argentina.”
Ramos based his decision on a lawsuit filed on June 11th,
2024, by the Banking Association, the union representing
employees of Argentina’s financial system, which sought
the “nullification and unconstitutionality” of a proposal
made by BNA itself, against its potential privatization.
The La Plata magistrate gave the Milei administration..... a
five-day deadline to submit a report detailing “the public
interest at stake.. in response to the request for the
precautionary measure.” He also emphasized
that any change in the legal structure of the
financial institution must be approved by
Parliament --- and warned that its
transformation ----- would be
contrary to the provisions
of the Bases Law.
Milei’s decree stipulated that the state would exercise
its rights in the new banking corporation through the
Ministry ofthe Economy, with a share capital of
approximately US$1.5 billion.
“Such delegation has an insurmountable limit: the
maintenance of these entities within the public
sphere. It does not authorize the conversion
of BNA into a corporation, as this would
remove it from the public law regime
and place it under the regulations
of the General Companies Law,”
Judge Padilla argued.
_____________________________
Colombians Demand Speedy Trial
Against Former President Uribe
February 25th, 12:36pm
(teleSUR)
There is physical evidence and sufficient proof
of his crimes, said Prosecutor Villarreal.
On Tuesday, the victims of the illegal actions committed
by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe demanded
that the trial against this far-right politician proceed -- without further delays.
Previously..... the Bogota Superior Court temporarily
suspended the trial against Uribe after his defense
attorneys alleged --- that Sandra Heredia, the
presiding judge in the case, had not been
impartial— a move that allowed him to
portray himself as a victim of
judicial persecution.
The far-right politician had mobilized his staunchest
supporters to protest against this alleged injustice.
However, this symbolic display closely resembles
“the tactics used by one of the leaders he
admires the most: the President of the
United States, Donald Trump,” the Spanish newspaper El Pais, recalled.
“Uribe.. has outlined a similar scenario throughout the
judicial process, alleging that there is a witch hunt
led by his ‘political enemies’ and that judges and
prosecutors are not impartial,” it added.
The trial of Uribe, has acquired historical significance,
as it marks the first time Colombia's authorities have
conducted a regular criminal trial against a former
Colombian president. In this case, he is accused
of witness tampering and procedural fraud.
This ongoing trial began seven years ago and has yet to
be resolved. This delay occurred because the far-right
politician had legal alliances... that allowed him to
prolong..... the investigative and prosecutorial
processes against him.
On Monday, the oral trial against Uribe resumed, after
the former president made defamatory statements
against the victims and claimed that the process
against him was a “political trial.”
The Colombian Prosecutor’s Office resumed the testimony
of one of the victims in this case, Senator Ivan Cepeda,
who testified about statements made by far-right
paramilitaries... from prison.
The criminal proceedings against Uribe began in
September 2014 during a congressional debate
when Senator Cepeda, a member of the left-
wing party Polo Democratico Alternativo,
accused Uribe - of having ties to
paramilitary groups.. and drug
traffickers. To support these
accusations, he presented
several testimonies from
former paramilitaries.
Uribe was accused of having founded the Metro Bloc, a
faction of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia
(AUC), a far-right armed group that killed thousands
of innocent civilians during its war against
leftist guerrillas.
In response to the accusations against him, Uribe filed
a lawsuit against Cepeda before the Supreme Court,
accusing him of seeking out former paramilitaries
to serve as false witnesses against him.
After investigating the case for several years, the
Supreme Court dismissed the accusations
against Cepeda in 2018 and opened an
investigation against Uribe for crimes
such as..... witness manipulation,
bribery, and procedural fraud.
Two years later, Uribe resigned from his position as a
senator, and his case was transferred to the ordinary
justice system. At that time, though, the Prosecutor’s
Office lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute him.
The situation changed this year. On January the 16th,
Prosecutor Gilberto Villarreal took over the case and
argued that Uribe could indeed be prosecuted, as
there was physical evidence and sufficient proof
of his crimes.
___________________________________________
"I'll freeze my ears to spite my mother"
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
February 25th, 3:37am
(Lenta.ru)
State Duma deputy Leonid Barbashov, in an interview
with RIA Novosti, evaluated the new, 16th package
of sanctions of the EU against Russia.
"The EU continues to act on the principle of 'I will
freeze my ears to spite my mother', acting
negligently, in relation to Russia,"
the parliamentarian said.
According to him, sanctions worsen the development
of economic relations, but make Russia more
independent - and become an impetus
for import substitution.
Earlier, the foreign ministers of the EU countries
approved the 16th package of sanctions
against Russia. We are talking about
a ban on the import of primary
aluminum.. the sale of game
consoles and the inclusion
in the list of 73 ships of a
so-called shadow fleet.
__________________________
"Let them think.... about how
they came to live like this."
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
February 25th, 2:06am
(Lenta.ru)
European countries cannot demand a thing from
Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
''They... have been demanding anything from their vassals,
for thousands of years, and now - they are already being
asked --- themselves. Let them sit at home with their demands - and think about..... how they came to live like this!''
According to him, Europe should set conditions -- for
someone else. The politician rejected the demands
of European states to Moscow.
Putin - praised Europe's participation in the negotiations
on a settlement in Ukraine, noting, that it is in demand.
However, he said that the European leaders ---- are
biased towards Kiev.
''The fact is that, unlike the new president of the United
States, the political leaders of European states are connected with the current regime, and biased.''
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, called
the participation of the EU in the negotiations between
Russia and Ukraine - ''a condition for peace''. He noted
that Kiev...... is committed to a peaceful resolution of
the conflict.
The politician also said, that he hopes to end the armed
conflict this year. At the same time, he is sure, that for
a guaranteed peace, if joining NATO does not happen
in the foreseeable future, Kiev should create some
kind of analogue of the alliance ------- providing
comparable funding, miltary contingents
and defense production.
Putin assesses Trump's plans for Ukraine
Putin assessed the plans of his US counterpart Donald
Trump, for Ukraine, stressing that he wants to create
a healthy political environment in the republic.
''He wants to do something — in my opinion, he wants to
improve the political situation in Ukraine, consolidate
society, and create conditions for the survival of the
Ukrainian state.''
Putin also commented on the capabilities of the US
leader, in Ukraine. He said that Trump has more
influence on the settlement of the conflict ---
than the leaders of Europe.
''Unlike them, the current president of the United
States, the new president, the newly elected
president, his hands are free.''
Earlier, Trump said that the conflict in Ukraine could
end in the near future. The US president believes
that this can happen.. within a few weeks.
''Among other things, the current president announced
that he wants to achieve peace ---- by the way, so do
we, and as soon as possible.''
The Russian leader accused Zelensky of avoiding
negotiations on a peaceful settlement.
"Because... if these negotiations start, sooner or later,
and most likely quite quickly, it will lead to the need
to lift martial law" .....the head of state explained,
adding that after that - there will be no reason
not to hold elections. He recalled that today,
the cancellation of elections in Ukraine, is
explained by martial law being imposed
in the country.
Putin also stressed that Moscow has nothing against
preserving Ukrainian statehood, but the republic
should not be used as a hostile springboard.
According to the president, in the end,
Moscow would like Ukraine
to become... a friendly
neighbouring state.
___________________________________
The United States plans to find out
what Russia is ready to do
to resolve the conflict
by Anna Petrova
February 25th, 1:14am
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
At the next talks on Ukraine, the United States plans
to discuss with Russia what Moscow is willing to do
to end the Ukrainian conflict. This was stated by
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for the
Breitbart News portal.
"The next step is to meet with them [Russia] again... at
a certain stage, gather the right people, and begin to
determine what is required of Russia to end the
conflict," the US Secretary of State said.
According to Rubio, a similar question will be asked
to representatives of the Ukrainian side.
At the same time, the representative of the US State
Department stressed that, after the recent talks
between the American and Russian sides on
Ukraine in Riyadh, Moscow made it clear
that it has an interest in resolving the
conflict in Ukraine.
On the eve, Rubio caught the leader of the Kiev regime,
Vladimir Zelensky, in a lie about the draft deal
between the United States and Kiev
on minerals in Ukraine.
"We said -we want to be partners and create a joint
venture with you.Zelensky replied:'fine, I want to
conclude this deal, but I need to pass it through
the parliament, get approval.'''
''And then, two days later, Zelensky suddenly says: 'I did
not accept their conditions, I rejected them.'But this
is not what it really was! With such an attitude --
how can you not get angry and upset?...When
we hear Zelensky say that our president lives
in a world of Russian disinformation, it is
simply counterproductive."
_______________________________________
Putin said that Moscow is ready to
cooperate with the United States
...on rare metals and aluminum.
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
February 24th, 10:49pm
(Lenta.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested thinking
about joint work between Moscow and the US on
aluminum production, for example, in one of
the country's regions.
''For example, in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, back in Soviet
times, there were plans to build a new hydroelectric
power station --- and create additional aluminum
production facilities. After all, aluminum is
primarily energy and - preferably -
cheap energy.''
The politician also stressed that Russia is ready to
resume aluminum supplies to the United States,
selling two million tons, this would have a
restraining effect on price stabilization.
Earlier, Putin said that the Far East has the potential
to search for and extract titanium, lithium, niobium,
rare earth metals and other resources necessary
for the economy of the future.
The President noted that Moscow would be ready to
offer the United States the possibility of joint work
in the field of rare earth metals.
''By the way, we would be ready to offer our American
partners, when I speak about partners, I mean not
only administrative and government structures,
but also companies, if they show an interest
in working together.''
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said --- before talks at
the White House with his French counterpart Emmanuel
Macron, that Russia has a lot of goods... that are of
interest to Washington. He expressed ''interest''
in Russia's reserves of rare earth metals.
On the evening of February 24, Putin held a meeting on
the development of the rare earth metals industry.
The Head of State stressed -- that the volume of
production of rare earth metals in the Russian
Federation by 2030 should increase by many
times. According to him, the development of
the industry is necessary --- for successful
competition in world markets.
The Russian leader called for setting up a full cycle
of processing rare earth metals, in five years. For
successful competition in the global markets, by
Russia it is necessary to increase the potential
of the domestic industry in this area ------- and ensure long-term sustainable development.
In November.. Putin announced the strategic importance
of mining rare earth metals. He instructed First Deputy
Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, to resolve the issue
of organizing the extraction of these resources.
The Head of State --- compared the reserves of rare earth
resources in Russia and Ukraine. He stressed that there
are an order of magnitude more such resources on the
territory of the Russian Federation ---- than in the
neighbouring republic. The resources of rare
earth metals in Ukraine, still need to be
evaluated, the President added.
''We need to evaluate these resources, how real they are, how many of these resources are there, how much they cost, and so on. But this, I repeat, is not our business.''
He added that rare and rare earth metals are very
important. He called on Russian experts --- to
"do more" in studying these resources.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that rare earth
resources of Ukraine could become a condition for
continuing US assistance to Ukraine. According
to him, Washington would like to conclude a
deal with Kiev that involves such an
exchange. After these words were
uttered, Ukraine reminded the
White House, that many of
the mineral deposits are
now.. located in places
controlled by Russia.
In this regard, some experts have noticed that
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky simply
will not be able to fulfill Trump's demand for
rare earth metals.
The Ukrainian leader refused to sign the original plan
of the deal, which was brought for approval, by US
Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent. A new version
of the agreement on the use of minerals, which
is also not final, may be signed on Monday.
___________________________________
Trump announces plans.. to meet
with Zelenskiyfor minerals Deal
February 24th, 6:52pm
(Izvestia.ru)
US President Donald Trump has said that he may meet
with his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky this
week or next to sign an agreement on the extraction
of minerals. This was announced... on Monday,
February 24, by the UK TV channel SkyNews.
"Trump says a meeting could take place this week
or next ''to sign the minerals agreement,"
the publication says.
In addition, the US leader in his social network
Truth Social noted --- that the United States
hopes for an early conclusion of the deal.
"Everyone expressed their goal to achieve an end[to
the conflict],and I stressed the importance of the
agreement on vital minerals and rare earths
between the United States and Ukraine,
which we hope will be signed very
soon," he wrote.
In addition, Trump said that he expects to meet
with Russian President Vladimir Putin, soon.
On February 23rd, the British newspaper, Financial Times,
reported that the Ukrainian leader at a meeting with US
Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, when discussing a
deal on rare earth metals "was very angry", conflict then occurred between the parties. It is specified that Zelensky rejected Bessent's claim that a partnership with the United States in
the field of mining.. will strengthen
Ukraine's security.
On the same day, Trump said that he was going to demand
from Ukraine not only rare earth minerals, but also oil, as
well as "everything that he can get." He said that the
EU has the opportunity to get the money back,
while the US, does not.
_______________________________________
In the presence of EU officials:
The Verkhovna Rada failed
to vote for the extension
of Zelensky's powers
by Anastasia Stepanova
February 24th, 3:57pm
(RT.ru)
The Verkhovna Rada failed to vote for the extension
of the powers of Volodymyr Zelensky until the new
president of Ukraine takes office, according to
Ukrainian people's deputies.
218 deputies voted for the resolution,
while 226 were required.
The meeting of the parliament was attended by EU commissioners and high-ranking representatives
of EU countries - who witnessed the failed vote.
The resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on extending
the powers of Volodymyr Zelensky until the new
president of Ukraine takes office failed in the
voting. This was announced by the deputy
of the Ukrainian ''Parliament'' Yaroslav
Zheleznyak, publishing the text of
the resolution.
"The Parliament of Ukraine emphasizes the need ------ to
comply with the principle of institutional continuity of
power provided for by the laws of Ukraine especially
in the context of the legal regime of martial law, and notes that Volodymyr Zelensky must fulfill his powers until he takes office as the newly
elected President of Ukraine in
accordance with Part 1 of
Article 108 of the
Constitution of
Ukraine,"
The corresponding document in support of Zelensky
was supported by 218 deputies. 226 votes were
needed for its approval.
This morning, EU Commission President Ursula von der
Leyen, EU Council President Antonio Costa, Finnish
President Alexander Stubb, the Prime Ministers of
Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and other
high-ranking EU representatives arrived in
Kyiv. The visiting EU commissioners and
politicians... attended today's meeting
in the Parliament --- and witnessed
the results of the vote.
____________________________
Szijjarto announced the EU's plans
to transfer €20 - 40 billion and
a lot of weapons to Ukraine
February 24th, 3:01pm
(Izvestia.ru)
EU countries want to provide Kiev with a military aid
package consisting of 20-40 billion euros, and an
"unimaginable" amount of weapons. This was
stated on February the 24th, by the Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic
Relations, of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto.
"There are sums ....ranging from €20 billion to €40 billion
that the European Union allegedly has to send Ukraine
in addition, and an unimaginable amount of weapons
is also planned," --- Szijjarto said, his speech was
broadcast by the Hungarian M1 TV channel.
The Minister pointed out, that Budapest does not agree
with the announced new set of EU measures to ''help''
Ukraine. The Foreign Minister stressed that Hungary
does not support the idea of the EU spending
billions of euros belonging to Europeans, to
continue the conflict, while citizens have
hopes.... for a peaceful settlement.
The Minister pointed out that Hungary always votes
against such measures and does not agree with
any steps that could hinder the development
of negotiations between Russia and the US.
Szijjarto added that the EU countries are trying to
preserve the prospect of joining NATO, for Kiev,
but it is quite obvious that Ukraine will not be
able to be integrated into the alliance - this
requires the unanimous support of all
members - and now it is "clearer
than clear" --- that there is no
such universal aspiration
in the bloc.
Earlier in the day, the head of the EU Commission (EC),
Ursula von der Leyen, announced financial assistance
to Ukraine in the amount of €3.5 billion. The politician
promised that, on March 7, at the EU summit, she will
reveal a plan to strengthen the association's defense
capability and expand arms production.
In addition, on February the 21st, the German newspaper
Berliner Zeitung -- reported that German Foreign Minister
Annalena Burbok "let slip" the amount of the upcoming
EU aid package to Ukraine, hinting at its volume of
700 billion euros.
Commenting on this, Szijjarto recalled the minister's
reservation... about turning Moscow's course "360
degrees" - and indicated that Budapest will not
support any EU decisions --- prolonging the
Ukrainian conflict.
_________________________________
Zelensky... calls European politicians
for the second day in a row: 4 more
became victims of his discussions
by Sofia Goncharova
February 22nd, 11:21pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
The head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, calls
European politicians for the second day in a row. By
such actions, he shows his reaction to criticism
from the United States.
On Saturday, February 23, the Ukrainian politician held
talks with the representatives of four countries. We
are talking about negotiations with the prime
ministers of the Netherlands, Albania,
Great Britain and Greece, according
to a post on his Telegram channel.
"We continue our international work, and negotiations
with our partners ... there will be more support in
Europe, more interaction," Zelensky said,
in a video from his post.
The victims of Zelensky's discussions were the Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schof, and the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, as well as the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama and the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
A day earlier, it became known that Zelensky called six EU
leaders in a day. He posted a number of messages on his
Telegram channel about telephone conversations with
European heads of state. According to Zelensky -- he
called the politicians..... to express gratitude for the
support provided to Ukraine, as well as to discuss
work on "joint security guarantees" and discuss
future deliveries.
___________________________________________
China urges US ----to stop
weaponizing trade issues
— embassy
February 22nd, 5:38am
(TASS)
Beijing calls on Washington to stop politicizing
and weaponizing trade and economic
cooperation issues --- the Chinese
Embassy to the US spokesman
Liu Pengyu, told TASS.
"China urges the US side ----- to stop politicizing and
weaponizing economic and trade issues and foster
the necessary conditions, for economic and trade
cooperation between the 2 countries," he said,
commenting on Washington's new measures
aimed at restricting China's investments
in US' strategic industries.
"To overstretch the concept of national security and
deliberately obstruct normal economic and trade
exchanges for a political agenda contravenes
the principles of the market economy, fair
competition and free trade -- which the
US claims to champion," Liu Pengyu
pointed out.
He noted that "such moves also destabilize global
industrial and supply chains --- and do not serve
any party’s interests."
According to the embassy spokesman, China-US trade
and economic cooperation benefits both sides and
the peoples of the two countries. The diplomat
added that Beijing will closely follow the
developments... and firmly uphold
its rights and interests.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed a national
security memorandum. According to a White House
statement, it aims to attract foreign investment
and protect US national security interests,
including against threats from China.
________________________________________
In the US, for the first time in 15 years,
a prisoner will be executed by
firing squad
February 21st, 10:46pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Convicted South Carolina inmate, Brad Sigmon,
decided to be shot --- a method of execution
not used in the US for 15 years. This was
reported on February 21st, by The
Associated Press (AP).
Sigmon's death is scheduled for March 7. On February
21, he became the first inmate in South Carolina to
choose the state's firing squad ....over lethal
injection, or the electric chair.
Only three prisoners in the United States
have been shot since 1976, the last of them was executed in 2010.
According to the agency, 67-year-old Sigmon, will be
tied to a chair, a hood will be placed over his head,
and a target will be placed on his heart, in the
death chamber. Three volunteers will shoot
at it, at a distance of about 4.6 m.
Sigmon was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend's
parents with a baseball bat, in 2001, in Greenville
County. He then abducted his ex-girlfriend at
gunpoint, but she escaped from his car.
According to prosecutors, he shot
at her as she ran, but missed.
Sigmon will be the oldest of the 46 South Carolina
prisoners who have been executed since the
death penalty was reintroduced in the US -
in 1976.
Earlier, on January 21, US President Donald Trump signed
a decree on the return of the death penalty at the federal
level. It is specified that the country's Prosecutor
General ---- should seek the death penalty for
particularly serious crimes, including the
murder of a law enforcement officer.
_____________________________________
MP Dubinsky announced his candidacy
for the post of President of Ukraine
February 21st, 10:31pm
(RT.ru)
Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexander Dubinsky has
announced that he is putting forward his
candidacy for the post of President
of Ukraine.
"I, Alexander Dubinsky, born in 1981, a native of Kiev,
declare: I am putting forward my candidacy for the
post of President of Ukraine," he wrote in the
Telegram channel.
At the same time, the MP added that if elected, he will
hold a national referendum in the country, which will
include all issues that "divide" the country. Among
them, he listed --- the path of Ukraine in foreign
policy, the economic model of development
and the "elimination" ------ of the post
of president.
According to the New York Post, the entourage of
US President Donald Trump believes that Vladimir
Zelensky .....urgently needs to leave Ukraine.
Former deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Oleg Tsarev, earlier, expressed the opinion
that Zelensky will not leave the country
...voluntarily.
___________________________________
The EU will ban 8 more Russian media outlets
as a part.. of the 16th package ofsanctions
by Yulia Miskevich (Night Line Editor)
February 20th, 11:47pm
(Lenta.ru)
The EU will ban 8 more Russian media outlets based in
the Organization of American States, as part of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia.
This is reported by EUobserver.
It is noted that the restrictions will include the TASS news
agency, the Zvezda TV channel of the Russian Defense
Ministry, plus the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper of the
military Department, and the Lenta news portals,
EADaily & NewsFront. The sanctions will also
apply to a Baltic news portal RuBaltic, the
SouthFront website, and the Strategic
Culture Foundation publication.
Earlier, it was reported that Hungary's Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations,
Peter Szijjarto, will discuss with US Treasury
Secretary, Scott Bessent, the lifting of
certain sanctions against Russia.
[Rhondda Records adds... this is EU democracy?]
_____________________________________
Venezuela - Responds to U.S.
Designation of Defunct Tren
de Aragua - and Announces
Repatriation of Nationals
from Guantánamo
February 20th, 7:15pm
(teleSUR)
The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
has issued a statement - in response to the decision by
the United States authorities ------ to designate various organizations, including the defunct Tren de Aragua,
as “terrorist.” Tren de Aragua... was a criminal
structure dismantled in Venezuela, thanks
to the firm and sustained actions of the
country’s security forces and
justice system.
In the statement, Venezuela asserts that Tren de Aragua
was, at one point, instrumentalized by foreign agencies,
such as the FBI and DEA, for terrorist and destabilizing
purposes -- against the institutions of the Venezuelan
state. Additionally, the criminal group was allegedly
used by sectors of the Venezuelan far-right ---- to
generate chaos, destabilization, and violence
in the country.
“These actors, in their eagerness to attack peace ------ and
democratic institutions - resorted to manipulating these
criminal structures for political purposes, exposing the population to criminal actions, that were confronted
and eradicated by the Venezuelan state,” the
statement highlights.
The Venezuelan government, also took the opportunity to
announce the repatriation of a group of compatriots who
had been unjustly taken to the Guantánamo naval base.
As part of the Plan Vuelta a la Patria (Return to
the Homeland Plan), Venezuela requested the
repatriation of these citizens, & the request
was accepted.
The Venezuelans were transferred to Honduras, from
where they will be retrieved by Conviasa aircraft and
brought back to the country ------- to reunite with
their families.
“Venezuela expresses its gratitude to President Xiomara
Castro, and former President, Manuel Zelaya, for all
the collaboration provided in the rescue of these
compatriots,” the statement notes.
Finally - the Venezuelan government reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and criminal organizations of any kind, while denouncing the manipulation of these elements ---- for political
purposes. “Venezuela rejects any attempt to
criminalize the nation - and reaffirms its
commitment to peace, justice, and
national sovereignty,” the
statement concludes.
This communiqué reflects the Venezuelan government’s
stance against international accusations --- and its efforts to ensure the well-being of its citizens, while reaffirming its rejection of any form of external interference in its
internal affairs.
_______________________________________
Venezuela and ALBA-TCP ---Promote
Food Sovereignty Through AgroAlba
February 20th, 6:05pm
(teleSUR)
In a recent meeting, Jorge Arreaza, the Executive Secretary
of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America
--- Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), and Julio León
Heredia, Venezuela’s Minister of Productive
Agriculture and Lands, discussed various
strategies to boost food production in
the country ----- through the
AgroAlba project.
The meeting focused on promoting organic foods, with
the goal of increasing non-oil exports & strengthening
collaboration between the public and private sectors.
This effort is part of a broader commitment to ensuring
food sovereignty in Latin America, the Caribbean,
Africa, and other regions.
AgroAlba aims to transform the agricultural,
livestock, and poultry sectors ------ by
encouraging productive investment
and prioritizing organic products.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the agri-food sector
of ALBA-TCP member nations, promoting sustainable
development, that benefits their citizens.
In a broader context, Venezuela’s National Assembly has
approved the first discussion of the Draft Law --- for the
Approval of the Framework Agreement on Agricultural
Cooperation, which was adopted during the XXIV
Summit of the Heads of State and Government
of ALBA-TCP. This agreement -- reinforces
Venezuela’s position -- as an attractive
destination for economic investment.
With initiatives like AgroAlba, Venezuela not only seeks
to diversify its economy but also to lead projects that
strengthen food sovereignty and promote the
well-being of its population.
Collaboration among ALBA-TCP member countries
emerges as a key strategy, to address food and
economic challenges in the region.
__________________________________________
Milei Privatizes Argentina’s Largest Bank
February 20th, 2:17pm
(teleSUR)
On Thursday, the Banking Association, the main banking
workers’ union in Argentina -- rejected President Javier
Milei’s decree to transform the state-owned Argentine
National Bank ---- into a joint-stock company.
“We express --- our absolute rejection of the recent decree
signed by President Milei, which seeks to transform the
Argentine National Bank into a joint-stock company,”
the union stated.
“We declare ourselves on alert --- and in a state of mobilization. Today, there will be a meeting of
union organizations to determine the course
of action to follow --- in defense of Banco
Nacion - and public banking,” it added.
Milei’s decree establishes that the shareholders of the
new joint-stock company are the Argentine state,
holding a 99.9% stake --- and the Argentine
National Bank Foundation --- which owns
the remaining 0.1% of the share capital.
The Argentine state will exercise its rights in the new
company through the Economy Ministry. The share
capital of the joint-stock company, has been set
at approximately US$1.5 billion at the current
exchange rate.
In 2024, Milei had already included the Argentine National
Bank in the list of companies he intended to privatize but
had to remove it from that group -------- due to strong
opposition in Parliament.
His strategy then shifted toward converting Argentina’s
largest bank into a joint-stock company, arguing that
this was necessary for the bank to continue
“increasing loans for small and medium-
sized enterprises and families.”
“Milei does not have a government plan - but a business
plan. We will not allow them -- to destroy the national
heritage belonging to all Argentines,” the Banking
Association warned.
According to Central Bank figures - the Argentine National
Bank ranks first among financial institutions operating in
the South American country, in terms of equity, assets,
loans, and deposits.
As of early 2025, it had assets of approximately US$48
billion, deposits and other liabilities of US$33 billion,
net equity of US$15 billion, and a loan portfolio of
US$15 billion. It has also 17,403 employees, 721
local branches, and four branches abroad: New
York, Madrid, Montevideo, and Santa Cruz de
la Sierra.
____________________________________
Lavrov and Wang.. Hold Talks at
G20 Summit in Johannesburg
February 20th, 11:05am
(teleSUR)
On Thursday, Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov (Russia)
and Wang Yi (China) discussed their countries’
relations with the United States - during a
dialogue.. on the margins of the Group
of Twenty (G20) ministerial summit
in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lavrov and Wang had “a deep exchange of views on
global and regional issues --- including Eurasian
security, the situation in the Middle East and
the Asia-Pacific region, relations with the
U.S. ---- and the Ukrainian crisis,”
according to the Russian
diplomatic service.
“They discussed the interaction between the 2 countries
within the framework of the UN, other international organizations, and various multilateral formats,”
the TASS agency reported.
The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasized, that “while
promoting initiatives for a peaceful resolution of the
Ukrainian crisis, Beijing considers it necessary to
address its root causes - based on the relevant
principles of the UN Charter, first and
foremost --- the requirements for
unconditional respect for
human rights.”
Lavrov and Wang, praised the practical cooperation
between Russia and China - “as a stabilizing factor
amid the ongoing turbulence of the global system.”
They highlighted the G20’s efforts to build “an equal
dialogue between representatives of the global
majority, and the West, in financial and
economic areas, based on the
fulfillment of the G20’s
mandate, by all.”
The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting is taking place amid
geopolitical turmoil triggered by U.S. President Donald
Trump’s measures, such as his tariff threats, which
hint at an impending trade war.
The discussions will take place over two days and
are expected to address issues related to the
wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, both of
which, are also in Trump’s sights.
Opening the Johannesburg meeting, South African
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who assumed the
G20’s rotating presidency, warned that the
growing “geopolitical tension” in the
world ----- poses a threat to
“global coexistence.”
____________________________
AP announced the intention of the Russian
Federation and the United States to
restore diplomatic missions in
Moscow and Washington
February 19th, 1:53am
(Izvestia.ru)
Russia and the United States agreed to work to end the
conflict in Ukraine, as well as improve diplomatic and
economic ties. This was reported on February 18
by the Associated Press (AP).
According to Secretary of State Mark Rubio, the parties
agreed that it is necessary to restore the staff of the
embassies in Washington and Moscow, create a
high-level group - to support peace talks on
Ukraine, and explore opportunities for
closer relations, and economic
cooperation.
The US diplomat also noted that the talks were the beginning of a dialogue between the two countries, but a lot of work remains to be done.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also told
reporters that the meeting was.... productive.
A meeting of the Russian and US delegations was held in
one of the royal family's palaces in Riyadh, earlier in the
day. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the
talks very useful. According to him..... the parties "not only listened, but also heard each other."
________________________________
Trump ordered the firing of all
Biden-appointed prosecutors
February 18th, 1:44am
(RT.ru)
US President Donald Trump has ordered the country's
Justice Department to reshuffle its staff & dismiss
all the federal prosecutors appointed under the administration of former US leader
Joseph Biden.
He wrote about this in the social network Truth Social,
emphasizing that over the past 4 years, the agency
has been politicized "as never before."
"Therefore, I have ordered the dismissal of all remaining
Biden-era US attorneys. We must immediately restore
order ---- and restore trust," the politician said.
Earlier, White House press Secretary Caroline Levitt
said that Biden did not make any efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, said
that the Biden administration initiated a tax
audit against him - before leaving.
____________________________________
Moskalkova sent to the UN more
than 400 appealsabout crimes
of Ukraine's Armed Forces
February 19th, 1:27am
(RT.ru)
Commissioner for Human Rights in Russia, Tatyana
Moskalkova, said that last year, she sent over 400
appeals to the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights - about the facts of crimes committed by
Ukrainian neo-Nazis ------ against the civilian
population of Russia.
"In total, more than 400 appeals were
sent," RIA Novosti quoted her saying.
At the same time, the Ombudsman stressed, that in
most cases, international bodies showed... to put
it mildly, a restrained, but in fact formal reaction.
Earlier, Moskalkova announced a rise in appeals,
from the families of members of the SVO in 2024.
Also, according to her, representatives of Moscow, Kiev
and the International Committee of the Red Cross are
working on opening a humanitarian corridor for
residents of the Kursk region.
______________________________________________
British minister warns of rising
electricity bills --- without gas
from Russia
February 18th, 5pm
(Izvestia.ru)
In the UK, electricity bills will once again rise, due to the
increase in wholesale gas prices, after the cessation of
transit of this fuel from the Russian Federation through
Ukraine to Europe. This was announced on February
18 by the British Minister of Energy Security and
Carbon Neutrality, Ed Miliband.
"Energy bills will rise again --- due to a jump in global gas
markets, while wholesale gas prices, have increased by
15% since the last electricity price cap was announced"
--- the minister wrote on his social network page X
(ex. Twitter).
He noted that London depends on global markets for fossil
fuels, which are controlled by the states that produce
these resources. At the same time, the Labour
government intends to take the UK out of
this dependence with a clean energy
transition strategy... which is
''necessary...... to protect
families & create jobs.''
The Minister specified that it is planned to use
renewable sources ...and nuclear energy.
Miliband has attached a letter to the head of the energy
regulator Ofgem, Jonathan Brierley, in which he called
on this supervisory body to support consumers in
the kingdom ...as much as possible.
Earlier, on February 16, The Economist newspaper
reported that Europe is considering the idea of
resuming gas purchases from Russia against
the background of increased talk about an
early settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
Later, on February 17, it was reported that the filling of
underground gas storage facilities in Europe fell to
44.61%. In addition, on February 7th, exchange
prices for gas in Europe, exceeded $600 per
1,000 cubic metres for the first time since
October 13, 2023. According to the data
provided, since the start of the day...
the growth was more than 2.5%.
On January 1, 2025, Gazprom announced the suspension
of Russian gas supplies to the EU... via Ukraine. At the
end of August 2024, President of Ukraine Volodymyr
Zelensky (term of office expired on May 20, 2024)
said that the country -- would not renew the gas
transit agreement with the Russian Federation
--- which was valid until the end of 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin later indicated
that Moscow had not refused to transit gas
through Ukrainian territory.
____________________________________
Ecuadorian Candidate Luisa Gonzalez
Gets Support ---------From the
Indigenous Confederation
February 18th, 2:49pm
(teleSUR)
On Tuesday, the Confederation of Indigenous and Peasant
Peoples and Organizations of Ecuador (FEI) expressed its
support for Luisa Gonzalez, the presidential candidate of
the Citizen Revolution (RC), ahead of the runoff election
scheduled for April 13.
“The Citizen Revolution emerged as a political and
social response -- to the collapse of an obsolete
oligarchic system, that historically neglected
the needs of the population --- and used the
state apparatus for its own benefit --- and
that of powerful groups,” the FEI stated
--- recalling the political process that
began with the administration of
President Rafael Correa
(2007-2017).
“This decade of profound political and social
transformations marked a before and after
in Ecuador’s history --- consolidating the
constitutional principle, of prioritizing
human beings over capital ---- as the
guide of all public administration,”
it added.
FEI President William Sarango then recalled the
disastrous consequences that right-wing
governments have brought upon the
Ecuadorians since 2017, ushering
in a period of deep social and
economic crisis.
Luisa Gonzalez’s text reads, “I grew up in rural areas
and I know what it means to have no opportunities
and a public health system that does not respond
to the needs of the people. But I also know - that
we can get ahead when the State fulfills its role
and provides real support. Ecuadorian talent
only needs opportunities to flourish. It is
time... to give people back, what they
should never have lost -- their right
to a dignified future. Let’s revive
Ecuador together!”
“In the face of these challenges, our struggle is a long-
term one. The first electoral victory, with 50% of the
votes for the Citizen Revolution with Luisa Gonzalez
and Pachakutik with Leonidas Iza, represents the
reaffirmation of the will for change ------ and the
urgent need to resume the path of progress,”
the FEI emphasized, calling on the popular
forces to unite ---- in order to defeat the
candidacy of President Daniel Noboa,
the businessman seeking re-election.
“We are going to wage the great electoral battle to put
an end to and bury neoliberalism and its disastrous
economic and social policies --- which have led
millions of Ecuadorians to ruin - and forced
tens of thousands into exile - breaking
apart families. Unity, is not just a
slogan; it is the tool that will
lead us to victory.”
“In this runoff election, we call on the entire Ecuadorian
people to continue along the path ---- of our second and
definitive independence, making our slogan a reality:
‘For a free, just, and sovereign Ecuador, the united
people will defeat the oligarchy.’ Ecuador for
Ecuadorians! Let’s globalize the struggle!
Let’s globalize hope!” the Indigenous
federation stated, in concluding its
declaration of support ---- for the
Citizen Revolution candidate.
The text reads, “Their memories will be captured on
the murals! Muralists have been responsible for
capturing on several walls the faces of the
children who have died under the
Noboa regime.”
In response to this endorsement --- Luisa Gonzalez
expressed her gratitude, highlighting the historic
struggle of Indigenous peoples --- in defense of
Ecuadorian territory - and dignity.
“You are the living memory -- of a struggle that has
defended the land, water, and the dignity of our
people, and has worked toward building a
state ----- that prioritizes its people.
I gratefully accept your support
in this shared struggle,”
she said.
“To govern will mean walking alongside you, with our feet
on the ground and our eyes set on a free, sovereign, and
fair Ecuador. They are the ones who fear - while hope
is ours,” the leftist leader stressed - contrasting the
feeling that exists between the forces of the right
and what the popular organizations represent.
_____________________________________
Nebenzia - named the conditions
for settling the Ukraine conflict
February 17th, 4:15pm
(Izvestia.ru)
There are chances that the hot phase of the Ukrainian
conflict may end soon. During a meeting of the UN Security Council, Russia's Permanent
Representative --- Vassily Nebenzia,
outlined the conditions that must
be met to reach an agreement.
The footage was broadcast by
the Rossiya 24 TV channel.
Nebenzia said that the countries of the EU and UK
should not participate in negotiations on the
Ukrainian issue, as they have proven
their inability to negotiate.
"Today, we understand - that the guarantors of Minsk,
and in general, the countries of the EU and UK, are
absolutely not negotiable - and cannot be a party
to any future agreements - on the settlement of
the Ukrainian crisis. They are blinded by their
cave-man like Russophobia, a maniacal
desire to defeat our country on the
battlefield --- with the hands of
the remaining Ukrainians,"
the Russian permanent
representative said.
Nebenzia also stressed, that a cease-fire in itself, will not
guarantee the settlement of the conflict. In addition, he
drew attention to the fact - that Russia is in favour of
eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.
And these issues should be dealt with by an
interested government, which will be
chosen by the people.
"It is necessary --- that the implementation of the new
agreements should be carried out by the authorities
that will be genuinely interested in this - and that
will appear - after the results of democratic
elections," Nebenzia explained.
As a final condition for resolving the conflict - the
permanent representative pointed out that the
future Ukraine should be a demilitarized
neutral state, that is not part of any
blocs and alliances.
Earlier, it became known that Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov will
meet with the US Secretary of State, Mark Rubio, in
Riyadh --- as part of the Russian delegation.
The topics of discussion will include: organizing a meeting
between Putin and US President Donald Trump; resolving
the Ukrainian conflict; restoring Russia-US relations;
and the situation in the Middle East.
______________________________________
Compensation ordered for former
Chilean trade unionist tortured
February 17th, 2:31pm
(Prensa Latina)
The sixth civil court of Santiago ordered the Chilean
State to compensate former trade union leader
Leoncio Flandez ---- arrested and tortured on
several occasions during the dictatorship
of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990).
Flandez, who worked in a company in the capital’s Puente
Alto district, was arrested on September 12th, 1973, and
taken first to the Chile Stadium and then to the National
Stadium, where he was subjected to long periods of
torture --- and kept there until December 21.
In March 1974 he was arrested again and interned in
the Cerro Chena military compound -- where he
suffered permanent physical sequelae from
the beatings, including a hernia.
His home was also raided by the military -- who stole
property and money and expelled his pregnant wife
and children into the street.
Flandez had to flee to Argentina and later moved
his family there, where his wife died in 1978.
After establishing that the former union leader, was
the victim of a crime against humanity, the court
ordered the Treasury to pay him 80 million
pesos (US$84,000) in compensation,
for moral damages.
________________________________________________
Thailand drafts first law
on artificial intelligence
February 17th, 2:29pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Thai Government is drafting the country's first law
on artificial intelligence (AI), an inevitable issue for all
nations in the world, Prime Minister Paetongtarn
Shinawatra said.
Shinawatra pointed out --- that the government aims
to adopt and regulate AI technology to strengthen
businesses and especially the Thai economy.
The law should ensure, that users can enjoy all
AI benefits, but requires that the technology be used responsibly, she underscored.
In her view --- AI will become a key tool, to
boost businesses and develop industries.
The draft should be ready for consultation soon,
and Shinawatra showed special interest in the
regulation that supports the use of AI in
manufacturing and trade, as there is
great interest in boosting the
economic sector.
_______________________________________
China’s humanoid robot...... improves
movement in complex environments
February 17th, 2:24pm
(Prensa Latina)
The full-size, electrically propelled humanoid robot
"Tiangong", known for being the first to achieve
a career with anthropomorphic movement,
improved its ability to move in complex
environments.
According to the National Innovation Centre, the
advances... focus on the capabilities of the
“embedded cerebellum,” which enables
the robot to perform movements
based on visual perception.
It can now climb continuous stairs with multiple levels,
overcome steps, up to 35 centimetres high, without
stumbling or hesitating, and reach a running
speed of 12 km/h.
In addition, the robot demonstrated its ability to run
at high speed in snowy terrain.... and maintain its
balance in the face of strong external impacts.
The “Tiangong” robot was already recognized for
its ability to move in complex terrain and adapt
to various conditions.
This new upgrade marks a significant advance
towards its practical application in real-world
tasks, such as rescues in mountains, snowy
areas or areas devastated by disasters.
In tests conducted in Hai Zi Qiang Park, Tongzhou
District, Beijing, “Tiangong” managed to climb
a continuous series of stairs.. to reach the highest point.
____________________________________
Argentine Workers --------Support
Impeachment of President Milei
February 17th, 2:12 pm
(teleSUR)
His impeachment is the only way to prevent the
degradation and corruption of democratic
institutions in Argentina, CTAs stated.
On Saturday, the Argentine Workers’ Central (CTA-T) and
the Autonomous Argentine Workers’ Central (CTA-A)
expressed their support for the impeachment
process against President Javier Milei, due
to his involvement in a cryptocurrency
pyramid scam.
“From the CTAs --- we express our absolute condemnation
of the inadmissible and unprecedented conduct -- of the
Argentine president. It is an event of unprecedented gravity: the participation of a head of state, in his institutional role and with the support of official
communications, promoting a cryptocurrency
scam that harmed hundreds of thousands of
people to benefit a tiny group of criminals,”
CTA-T Secretary Hugo Yasky and CTA-A
Secretary Hugo Godoy stated, in a
joint communique.
“We express our support for the decision of lawmakers
--- from the Union por la Patria bloc and the socialist
lawmakers from Santa Fe to push for impeachment
proceedings against President Milei ---- for his
participation in a pyramid scheme linked
to the promotion of a baseless crypto-
currency. We also support ------ other
impeachment requests previously
submitted by various public
figures,” they added.
“We urge the rest of the legislative blocs.. to enable
this procedure, as it is the only way to prevent the
degradation and corruption of democratic
institutions in Argentina,” the union
leaders pointed out.
“It is shameful -- and extremely serious, -- that the highest
authority of our country, has become a global trending
topic --- as the main promoter of a scam --- that has
harmed not only Argentine citizens, but also ,
people from other countries around the
world,” they concluded.
On Friday, using social media, Milei promoted a digital
currency called $LIBRA, claiming that this financial
asset aimed to “incentivize the growth of the
Argentine economy by funding small
businesses and startups.”
Five hours after the launch of this currency -- its value
plummeted to almost zero, causing significant losses
for investors. At the time of the price drop,
approximately US$4.5 billion had been invested in $LIBRA.
Following the massive collapse, Milei deleted the tweets
related to the matter, distanced himself from the scam,
and ordered the intervention of the Anti-Corruption
Office (OA) and the creation of an investigative
unit ...to clarify what had happened.
Nevertheless, financial experts have confirmed that
the actions of the Argentine president were indeed
aimed at ------- encouraging the acquisition of a
cryptocurrency, that had no real backing.
____________________________________________
NYT: The US and Belarus are
preparing a deal... to ease
sanctions
February 15th, 11:14pm
(RT.ru)
The United States and Belarus are preparing a
"big deal" - on the release of prisoners and
easing sanctions. This.. is reported by
The New York Times, citing sources.
According to the newspaper, the US Deputy Assistant
Secretary of State, Christopher Smith, visited Minsk
---- after a conversation between Russia's leader,
Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
It is assumed that as part of the deal, Belarusian
President Alexander Lukashenko will release
"many political prisoners", and the US
will ease sanctions, in return.
In return, the US will ease sanctions on Belarusian
banks and exports of potash --- a key ingredient in
fertilizers, of which, Belarus is the main producer.
It is noted that Washington has already
handed over one US, and two
Belarusian prisoners.
Earlier it was reported that the Belarusian
authorities, released an American and
two of their own citizens.
_____________________________________
The BRICS 2025 Summit will be held
on July 6th & 7th in Rio de Janeiro
February 15th, 10:05pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The BRICS 2025 Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro on
July 6 and 7. This was announced on February 15 on the
website of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
"The date and venue of the BRICS summit in 2025 have
been confirmed. It will be held in Rio de Janeiro on
July 6 and 7," the report says.
Also, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in the
social network X (ex. Twitter) shared the topics
that the upcoming summit will be dedicated to.
It will discuss: strengthening trade and economic ties
between the BRICS countries, developing alternative
payment systems to promote trade without
dependence on the US dollar ----- and
reforming multilateral institutions
to ensure more equitable
global governance.
"We will make very important decisions for the
development of all these countries --- for
cooperation - for improving the living
conditions of all their inhabitants,"
Vieira said.
On January 6, Brazil's government, which serves
as the BRICS chair in 2025, officially announced
Indonesia's accession to the association.
The Republic's membership was approved in
accordance with the BRICS enlargement
guidelines, criteria and procedures.
BRICS is an interstate association of countries. On
the eve of the summit in Kazan, which took place
from October 22 to 24, 2024, 35 applications
were received for connection to the
association's work.
Since January 1, 2025, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan,
Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan
have joined the project, as partners.
____________________________________________
The Russian fighter with the call sign
Abkhaznoted the importance of the
union with the Russian Federation
for Abkhazia
February 15th, 4:35pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The union of Russia and Abkhazia gives the republic
prosperity and helps preserve its sovereignty.
On February 15, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of
the Russian Federation with the call sign Abhaz from
the special operation zone, told Izvestia about this.
The fighter admitted that he did not choose his call sign:
it was fixed as a result of the fact that he was the only
Abkhazian in his unit.
"I... was born and raised in Rostov-on-Don. My whole family
lives in Abkhazia, but I read the news, communicate with
my relatives who are there. Everyone is committed to
our great friend, everyone understands that this
union will give Abkhazia prosperity, it is the
only union that will help preserve the
sovereignty of this country,"
he shared.
The soldier added that Russia supplies Abkhazia with
electricity and sends subsidies, which is highly
appreciated by the residents of the republic.
On February 15, polling stations opened in Abkhazia for
the presidential election. The candidates - are former
Vice-President of the Republic Badra Gunba, former
Economy Minister Adgur Ardzinba, former Trade
Representative of Abkhazia in Russia Oleg
Bartsits, former Chairman of the Control
Chamber of the Republic, Robert
Arshba and Chairman of the
Board of the Black Sea
Development Bank...
Adgur Khurkhumal.
The head of the Central Election Commission
of Abkhazia Dmitry Marchand recognized the
presidential election as held and said that
the turnout as of 18:00 exceeded 55%.
_______________________________________
RMF24: Hungary blocked the opening
of the first block of negotiations
on Ukraine --- in the EU
February 15th, 4:25pm
(RT.ru)
Hungary has blocked the opening of
the first cluster of negotiations on
Ukraine's EU membership.
This is reported by RMF24 with
reference to an EU diplomat.
On February 14, Poland submitted a draft letter
outlining the conditions for opening the
"Fundamentals" negotiation block,
while Hungary vetoed sending
the letter.
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
said that Europe did not deserve a place at
the negotiating table on Ukraine.
_____________________________________
The US Army has stopped facilitating
gender reassignment procedures
for the military
February 14th, 11:54pm
(RT.ru)
The U.S. Army has stopped recruiting transgender
people*, as well as conducting or facilitating
gender reassignment procedures* for
military personnel.
This is stated in a statement published in the
official account of the US Armed Forces
in the social network X.
"The US Army... will no longer allow transgender
people to join the armed forces - and will stop
performing or facilitating procedures related
to changing military personnel's gender,"
the publication says.
Earlier, Donald Trump ordered that
transgender women be held in
male prisons.
* An LGBT organization is recognized as extremist
and its activities are banned on the territory of
Russia by a decision of the Supreme Court
of 30.11.2023.
_______________________________________________
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban:
Western capitalists are taking
revengeon Putin
by Marina Sovina (Editor of the
Operational Information Dept)
February 14th, 11:44pm
(Lenta.ru)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor said in an interview
with US journalist Tucker Carlson that Western
capitalists are taking revenge on Russian
President Vladimir Putin. The interview
is published on Carlson's website.
The politician stressed - that when Putin first came to
power in the late 1990s, he did not allow the West to
integrate Russia into the world economy.. in a way
that did not meet the country's national interests.
According to Orban, Western capitalists ----- feel a "deep
resentment that Putin has not allowed foreign business interests to dominate his country."
"Whether we like it or not, this is
their country. They make their
own choices," he said.
Earlier, Orban said - that Russia will not return to its
former relations with the West, as it will not forgive
him because of hostility over the Ukraine conflict.
The politician explained - that Western states are
trying to achieve the political isolation of Russia
and to "kill it - economically."
_____________________________________
EU Commission head
.... kissed Zelensky
by Semyon Alexandrov
(editor, Lenta.ru)
February 14th, 5:30pm
The head of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
kissed Vladimir Zelensky at the meeting ...and
introduced him to the head of the EU Council,
Antonio Costa. The video was posted on
the page of the Ukrainian leader in
the social network X.
The footage shows how the head of the EU Commission greets Zelensky at a meeting on the sidelines of the
Munich Security Conference - and kisses him on
both cheeks, after which she introduces him
to "his friend Antonio".
During the meeting, von der Leyen and Costa discussed
with Zelensky Ukraine's membership in the EU. During
the talks, the politicians promised the Ukrainian
leader to support the country until peace is
achieved, and stressed their readiness to
step up work: to accelerate the process of membership in the EU.
__________________________
Minister of Oil of Puri: India will become
a developed country by 2047
February 14th, 4:12pm
(RT.ru)
India's Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, said
the country will be developed by 2047.
He stated this in an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to Puri, India is "determined" --- to implement
the stated goal, despite the doubts of other countries.
He recalled that this is in line with the plans of Prime
The South Korean concern, Hyundai Motor Group (the
alliance includes Hyundai and Kia) is considering the
possibility of returning to the Russian market and
does not exclude the possibility of buying out
the plant in St. Petersburg. This is reported
by the local news agency News1,
citing a source.
The company associates its return to the Russian car
market with the development of the geopolitical
situation in the world.
In the event of a favourable combination of
circumstances (including the end of
hostilities in Ukraine), the South
Korean giant can use a 2-year
option to buy back the plant
in St. Petersburg, where
cars are, currently,
assembled under
the Solaris brand.
The sale was closed in January 2024.
That leaves Hyundai with just under
a year, to buy out.
Now... Hyundai Motor Group "is closely
monitoring the market situation," the
source said. "We know this,"
he stressed.
As noted in the article, as "the likelihood of a
cease-fire increases," Korea's automotive
industry is growing more interested in
the Russian market. The alliance
does not rule out.. returning to
Russia, if Western economic
sanctions are lifted, the
article says.
At the same time, the authors of the article are
skeptical about the prospects for Korean auto
giants in the event of their return to the
Russian market. They note that it will
be difficult for Hyundai and Kia to
compete with the dominant
Chinese manufacturers.
Over the past few years, Haval, Geely, Chery and other brands from China, have taken leading positions, in terms of sales in Russia.
Ulf Schneider, the head of the Schneider Group
consulting company - has previously warned
Western manufacturers about this risk. If
Mercedes and BMW.... do not return to
Russia in 2025, they risk losing the
Russian market for many years
due to the expansion of
Chinese brands.
___________________________
Farmers disrupted the visit
of British Prime Minister
Keir Starmer
February 13th, 5:27pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Farmers forced British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
to cut short a visit to Buckinghamshire in the
south-east of England. They arrived in
tractors to protest against changes
in the inheritance tax. This was
reported on February 13 by
Sky News.
Starmer arrived in Milton Keynes on Thursday morning
to deliver a speech on the UK's largest post-war
house-building programme. As noted by Sky
News, while the prime minister spoke with
workers of a residential complex in Milton
Keynes, dozens of farmers on tractors
gathered at the performance site and
disrupted the event with car horns.
As a result, the head of government was forced to cancel
the planned communication with the press at the facility
and shorten his visit.
Farmers ' protests in the UK began after the country's Finance
Ministry announced in October last year that it would raise a
number of taxes and fees to close a hole in the budget.
As mentioned in the article, farmers accused the government
of unwillingness to listen to them and said that because of
the tax, some will have to sell land or entire farms to pay
for it, which may affect food production.
It is emphasized that the protesters, dissatisfied with
the increase in the tax burden, shouted at Starmer:
"Just talk to us!"
"He's not going to talk to us, so we'll come
to him," farmer Phillip Weston said.
Representatives of the local police said
that no arrests were made during
the protest.
On February 10, anti-farm inheritance tax protesters drove
tractors and four tanks into the government quarter of
London. The vehicles were lined up along Whitehall
Street all the way to Trafalgar Square.
The protesters raised British flags and
banners ------- in support of agriculture.
_________________________________________
The EU Parliament* has adopted a
resolution calling for sanctions
against Georgia's authorities
February 13th, 5:02pm
(RT.ru)
Members of the EU Parliament have adopted a resolution
calling on EU member states to impose large-scale
sanctions against the Georgian authorities, as
well as judges and journalists in the country.
Information about this is contained in a message
published on their official website.
"Members of the European Parliament want
the Council and the EU member states...
to impose personal sanctions against
officials and political elections
in Georgia..." ---- the
publication says.
In addition, the European Parliament* announced
the recognition of Salome Zurabishvili, as the
legitimate president of Georgia.
*toothless
______________________________________
US aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman
collided with a ship in the
Mediterranean Sea
February 13th, 4:57pm
(RT.ru)
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with
a merchant ship in the Mediterranean Sea. There is
no information about the victims yet.
This was reported in the United States Navy.
The press release says that the aircraft carrier collided
with the Besiktas-M vessel on the evening of February
12, when it was near Egypt's Port Said in the
Mediterranean Sea.
"The propulsion systems were not damaged and are in
a safe and stable condition. The incident is being
investigated," RIA Novosti quoted the military
as saying.
In December, a cruiser belonging to the USS Harry S. Truman
carrier strike Group mistakenly opened fire and shot down
an F/A-18 fighter jet - that was taking off from the deck
of an aircraft carrier... in the Red Sea.
________________________________________
Negotiations on agreement on EAEU
free trade zone with UAEcompleted
February 13th, 9:26am
(TASS)
Negotiations on an agreement on creation of a free trade
zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been completed,
Trade Minister of the Eurasian Economic Commission
Andrey Slepnev said at an international forum held
within the framework of the Russian Business
Week, organized by the Russian Union of
Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
"As for the agreement with the United Arab Emirates, we have
it ready, the negotiations have been completed, our internal
procedures are underway, and, of course, we aim to sign
the agreement this year," he said.
The minister also noted that the interest of international
partners in trade cooperation is very high. "Today we
are implementing the agreement with Iran on free
trade, an unprecedented agreement for Iran with
the highest level of liberalization. We hope that
the agreement will come into force literally in
the coming months --- after Iran completes
its technical procedures," Slepnev said.
According to him, this agreement is also assessed within
the context of filling the North-South transport corridor
with economic content. "We see here --- that we are
reaching a new level of cooperation,"
he concluded.
____________________________________
Naryshkin ------ called Poland's
claims to Lviv not unfounded
February 13th, 8:53am
(Izvestia.ru)
Poland is, not unreasonably, eyeing the Ukrainian
city of Lviv. This was announced on February 13
by the Director of the Foreign Intelligence
Service of the Russian Federation.. and
head of the Russian Historical Society
(RIO), Sergey Naryshkin.
"Poland, which in the last century was dubbed the "hyena of Europe", has always claimed its so-called eastern cresys
most consistently. The authorship of this term, belongs
to the British Prime Minister, Churchill. Now, Poland
is looking at Lviv, and in general, it is not without
reason," he said, during a round table on the
topic "From Kharkiv to Uzhgorod: a history
of conflicts and territorial compromises"
at the RIO House in Moscow.
Naryshkin recalled that Poland was actively developing its
territory before the city joined the Ukrainian SSR in 1939.
"Tens of thousands of retired Polish soldiers, the so-called
osadniki - who received vast land plots - were resettled
there. This, in particular, explains the fierce hostility
to Poles --- on the part of the then and current
Ukrainian nationalists," the SVR
director recalled.
At the same time, he said that Ukrainian statehood is waiting for an inevitable collapse. According to him, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the
Ukrainian authorities -- focused on "personal enrichment at the expense of the people"
---- instead of starting to build their own statehood.
In addition, he recalled that the Ukrainian SSR was formed
only in the Soviet period and, before that, it did not exist as a single administrative entity.
Earlier, on February 3, the infoBRICS publication wrote that
tensions in Ukraine's relations with Poland, Hungary and
Romania ---- are growing, which may lead to serious
geopolitical changes.
It was specified that the above listed countries will claim
Ukrainian lands. In November --- the Russian Foreign
Intelligence Service announced NATO's plans to
occupy the territory of Ukraine.
It was specified - that the UK, Romania, Poland and
Germany will take part in the division of territories.
_____________________________________
Orbancompares EU leaders
to cowardly rabbits
February 12th, 8:34pm
(RT.ru)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has compared
EU leaders to cowardly rabbits who are afraid to
discuss import tariffs with US President
Donald Trump.
"The leaders of the EU are sitting like cowardly rabbits
on the arable land ...and when they see the plow
approaching, they are waiting for their fate,"
TASS quoted him as saying.
Orban called on the EU authorities: to "show confidence
in their abilities, and make proposals to the Americans."
Earlier, the head of the European Commission, Ursula
von der Leyen, promised a firm response if the US
imposes duties on goods from the EU.
Also, French President, Emmanuel Macron, speaking
about the threats of the US leader to impose duties
on EU goods..... said that Trump should solve
US priority problems.... and not try to harm the economy of the EU.
_____________________________________________
Peskov ------------ reveals details of
Putin's conversation with Trump
by Maxim Gabrielyan (editor
of the Mir department)
February 12th 5:02pm
(Lenta.ru)
Russian Leader Vladimir Putin held a telephone
conversation with US President Trump, which
lasted an hour and a half. This was stated by
the press secretary of the President of
Russia, Dmitry Peskov, reports TASS.
In particular, during the conversation, Putin agreed with
Trump that a peaceful settlement of the conflict in
Ukraine can be achieved through negotiations.
In addition, the parties agreed that Russia is ready to
host US officials.... to discuss the end of hostilities.
"Putin supported Trump's thesis that the time has come
to work together," the Kremlin spokesman concluded.
Peskov also pointed out that Putin stressed in a conversation
with Trump on the need to eliminate the root causes of the
conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to Ukraine, the parties discussed the settlement
in the Middle East, as well as the exchange of prisoners
between Russia and the United States.
According to the press secretary of the Russian leader,
Trump confirmed the US commitment to return the
detained Russian citizen.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported --- that the
administration of US President Donald Trump may
release the co-founder of the BTC-e bitcoin
exchange - Russian Alexander Vinnik - as part of a prisoner exchange with
Russia, under which, the US side previously received its citizen ....Mark Fogel.
At the same time, the lawyer of the Russian citizen Alexander
Bukh said that shortly before the extradition of Fogel to
Trump's special envoy Stephen Whitkoff, the Federal
Court of Florida, which considered the Vinnik case,
announced a closed session of hearings.
However, Vinik is still in the US.
________________________
Georgia declareslack
of sovereignty in the
Baltic states
by Gleb Palekhov (Editor
of the BSSR department)
February 12th, 4:51pm
(Lenta.ru)
By imposing sanctions against high-ranking Georgian officials,
Estonia and Lithuania have proved -- that they do not have
independence. Georgian Prime Minister, Kobakhidze,
said that the Baltic states have no sovereignty,
the tabula.ge. portal reports.
"Estonia and Lithuania have imposed sanctions against high-
ranking officials of our country. This is completely frivolous
and only proves that these countries are not governed
by sovereignty. These states do not have sovereign
governments, and they act on orders," the head
of the Georgian government said.
He added that for the sake of friendship with the Estonian
people, Tbilisi will remain, in a unilateral regime, of
positive relations with Tallinn.
Earlier, Kobakhidze said that Georgia plans to build relations
with Kuwait based on close friendship. According to him,
Tbilisi will deepen relations with Kuwait City,
in various fields.
_________________________________________
Aluminum & Steel From Mexico & Canada
--------- To Enter the U.S. With a 50% Tariff
February 12th, 3pm
(teleSUR)
On Wednesday, the White House announced that tariffs on
aluminum and steel imported from Mexico and Canada
will effectively be 50 percent.
That will happen because the 25% tariff established by
President Donald Trump will be added to other taxes
on Canadian and Mexican goods that will go into
effect on March 4.
In this way, Mexico and Canada will face higher tariffs
than other countries that export aluminum and steel
to the US, which will only be subject to the 25%
tax announced by Trump.
These 25% US tariffs applicable to all countries that export
aluminum and steel will go into effect on March 12,
according to the text of the executive orders
that Trump signed on Monday.
Previously, the Trump claimed that the move would make
the US rich again and bring businesses and jobs back
to the country. But how will the steel and aluminum
tariffs actually impact the U.S. economy?
“What this means is that U.S. steel and aluminum prices will
be substantially higher than world prices for the foreseeable
future. That spells harm - for a large number of downstream
industries that use steel and aluminum. Those downstream
industries employ about 10 times as many workers, as the
steel and aluminum industries,” said Gary Clyde Hufbauer,
a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for
International Economics.
The veteran trade expert said that some steel and aluminum
firms could benefit, but a great many more will lose out,
including auto firms (such as GM, Ford, Toyota),
electrical machinery firms (such as General
Electric, Schneider Electric), as well as
aircraft manufacturers (such
as Boeing).
Some economists caution that the new U.S. tariffs may
increase inflation, adding to the financial strain
already faced by many U.S. businesses and
ordinary US citizens.
“In the short-term we will be paying more for steel and
aluminum and everything made with them, most
importantly cars,” said Dean Baker, a senior
economist at the Center for Economic and
Policy Research.
In the long term, manufacturers will be reluctant to spend
too much money since they do not know if the tariffs will
remain in place for a long time, he added.
During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on
steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports in 2018, citing
national security concerns. He later allowed certain
trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and
Brazil, to receive duty-free quotas.
Under former President Joe Biden, the United States continued
some tariff exemptions introduced under Trump and extended
new quotas for the EU, Britain and Japan. But - in the latest
statement on Tuesday, Trump said that there will be “no
exceptions” for steel and aluminum tariffs.
A 2019 study published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York showed that Trump’s 2018 widespread tariffs on steel
and aluminum, as well as tariffs on Chinese goods, along
with the countermeasures they triggered, led to a loss
of manufacturing jobs in the United States.
“I expect the same outcome, but worse, this time,”
said Hufbauer of the Peterson Institute for
International Economics.
Since the beginning of his second term, Trump has quickly
rolled out trade protectionist measures, which have been
widely opposed, both domestically and internationally.
“The tariffs Trump imposed during his first term were more
targeted. This time around, more Americans will feel the
impact. Among the imports affected are a whole slew
of consumer goods, including footwear, toys, video
game consoles and electronics,” according to a
report by National Public Radio.
“So iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops — all of that from Apple
would now be hit, which is kind of a big escalation
compared to how consumer goods were shielded
from most of the first trade war tariffs,” says
Erica York, vice president of federal tax
policy at the Tax Foundation.
When signing proclamations on Monday, Trump also said that
his administration was weighing so-called “reciprocal tariffs”
on products such as chips, cars and pharmaceuticals,
signaling more moves in the tariff arena.
Despite his pledge to reduce inflation during his campaign,
Trump’s tariffs are expected to drive up inflation and
complicate the Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting path
going forward. The FED has slowed its pace of
interest rate cuts as it braces for uncertainty
caused by the Trump administration’s
policies.
When asked about the Trump administration’s new policies,
Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, said, after the Jan.
28-29 meeting that the Federal Open Market Committee
is “very much in the mode of waiting to see” what
policies are enacted.
“We don’t know what will happen with tariffs, with immigration,
with fiscal policy, and with regulatory policy,” Powell said.
_______________________________________
The Citizen Revolution ---Consolidates
67 Seats in the Ecuadorian Assembly
February 12th, 2:26pm
(teleSUR)
The leftist party supporting presidential candidate Luisa
Gonzalez ------- becomes the first parliamentary force.
As of Wednesday morning, the National Electoral Council
(CNE) had managed to count nearly all the votes cast in
the general elections held on Sunday.
Luisa Gonzalez, the leftist leader of the Citizen Revolution (RC),
& Daniel Noboa, the incumbent president seeking re-election,
will face off in a second-round presidential election, in April.
Meanwhile the Citizen Revolution secured 67 seats,
establishing itself as the leading political force in
the National Assembly.
National Democratic Action (ADN), a right-wing organization
controlled by Noboa, won 66 seats. Neither of these parties
managed to reach 77 seats, the threshold for an absolute
majority.. that would allow them to pass laws without
forming alliances.
“We will support any legislative initiative that helps the country
overcome this energy, political, social, and economic crisis,”
said RC Assembly member-elect, Priscila Schettini.
The third-largest political force is the Indigenous movement
party, Pachakutik, which won nine seats. It is followed by
the Social Christian Party (PSC), which secured 4 seats.
Other organizations, such as Construye and Unidad
Popular, obtained a smaller number of legislators.
The newly elected Ecuadorian legislators will serve for four
years, beginning on May 14. The National Assembly will be
composed of 151 legislators, including 15 national
legislators, 130 provincial legislators, and six
legislators representing Ecuadorians
living abroad.
These legislators represent citizens residing in Europe,
Asia, and Oceania (2), the United States and Canada
(2), and Latin America, Africa, and Oceania (2).
The CNE --- will officially announce the results of the 2025
elections once the electoral authorities have completed
reviewing and processing challenges to the polling
as a result of a medical error. This is reported by
the Daily Mirror.
According to the newspaper, Chad Gerlo went into
surgery to remove kidney stones, and was
discharged from the hospital without
arms and legs.
It is specified - that the operation was successful,
but later it became known that the man received
an infection — the patient's blood pressure rose
and organs began to fail.
Because of the strong antibiotics that were prescribed
to the man, his hands and feet turned black. As a
result, he was amputated. The patient sued the
medical institution for an improper provision
of services.
Earlier, 40-year-old Max Armstrong, burned his finger
while cooking on a hike ...and ''lost'' both of his legs.
_____________________________________
In Lithuania, the reasons for the rise
in electricity prices.... were named
by Yulia Miskevich (Night Line Editor)
February 11th, 7:34pm
(Lenta.ru)
Electricity prices have risen in Lithuania, due to freezing
weather, problems with imports from Scandinavia, and
the disconnected connection between Estonia and
Finland, EstLink2. This was stated by the Chair
of the State Council of Lithuania, for Energy
Regulation, Renatas Potius, on the air of
the LRT radio station.
According to the official, synchronization with the EU
''almost did not affect the cost of the resource: the difference was... about.... 1%.''
On February 8, the Baltic states withdrew from the BRELL
unified energy system. A day after that, the republics
were fed with electricity independently. After that,
on February 9, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
joined the EU electricity system.
_____________________________________
FMLN leader predicts party’s
revival in El Salvador
February 11th, 1:21pm
(Prensa Latina)
The general secretary of the Farabundo Marti
National Liberation Front (FMLN) party,
Manuel 'Chino' Flores, anticipated
today the revival of this group
despite the campaign
against it.
During his participation in the interview space Frente
a Frente of Telecorporación Salvadoreña (TCS),
Flores highlighted the work carried out by the
political institute in the territories, to rescue
‘our bases’ and pointed out that recovering
the confidence of the people, takes time.
When expressing his vision on the situation in the country,
the leader said that the people are worried about the
issues of the reestablishment of metallic mining
and the economic situation, which is affected
by the increase in the price of the basic
food basket in the last months.
Regarding the plans to establish metallic mining as
approved by the Assembly and signed by the
government, the people, he stressed, are
ready to defend ‘life and water’.
Last night, the Medical College of El Salvador (Colmed)
assured in a communiqué... that the exploration and
exploitation of metallic mining in the country will
cause ‘serious damage to health’ -- and will
impact the environment and the health
of Salvadorans.
Flores pointed out that in the coming months the country
will have to import more than 40 percent of the food
consumed by the population, which gives an idea of the crisis.
In another part of his statements, he said that today
the people have lost their fear, they are protesting
and demanding more.
The government knows, he affirmed, that President
Bukele is losing popularity and support, despite
the fact that a Gallup poll gave the president
a high percentage for his performance...
among the rest of the region.
Regarding US foreign policy, Flores stated that President
Donald Trump believes he is ‘the king of the world’ and
is poorly advised by his entourage.
He pointed out that during the visit of Secretary of State
Marco Rubio, ‘no president talked about defending the
rights of immigrants’, which he said, speaks of the
priority given to the issue by the authorities.
______________________________________
Colombian President asserts --- that
many ministers will keep their post
February 11th, 1:19pm
(Prensa Latina)
Colombian President Gustavo Petro assured today
that many of the ministers who resigned from
their posts after his request, will keep their
current positions.
In statements released in the capital, offered from
the United Arab Emirates capital... where the
president is on an official visit, he affirmed
that the idea is to remove people with
electoral pretensions.
''It is not healthy to combine electoral aspirations and,
at the same time, public administration, neither one
nor the other is done'', said the head of state. He
also asserted that from now on, all ministerial
councils ...will be broadcast.
''The Colombian people have the right to see how their goods
are administered, their money, how the public policy that is
built between governments is in reality, if it benefits the
people or not, how we are willing that, to the extent
that there is not any twisted process, the people
can see how the State is inside'', he declared.
When asked if he would include in his cabinet people
of ideologies different from his own, he answered
that he was elected as governor in 2022 ‘by a
kind of broad front’.
He also said that he hopes that the 2026 political project
will mark.... ‘a deepening or a greater program than the
current government, in search of a more egalitarian,
more democratic Colombia’.
The resignations of Petro’s ministers continue today
in Colombia, after the president asked his entire
team to resign, last Sunday.
The most recent is that of the Defense Minister,
Ivan Velasquez, who asked to leave his post
irrevocably.
Velasquez was the last of the ministers remaining in
the government team since August 2022, when the
president took office.
Besides him, the Minister of Labour, Gloria Ines Ramirez;
that of the Environment, Susana Muhamad and that of
the Interior, Juan Fernando Cristo, also abdicated
irrevocably.
In a protocol manner, that is to say that those who aspire
to keep their appointment, were the Foreign Minister,
Laura Sarabia; the Minister of Mines and Energy,
Andres Camacho; the Minister of Justice,
Angela Maria Buitrago; the Minister of
Agriculture, Martha Carvajalino; the
Minister of Education, Daniel
Rojas; and the Minister of
Finance, Diego Guevara.
Petro is on an official visit to Dubai, United Arab
Emirates, from today until tomorrow... to
participate in the World Government
Summit 2025, according to
the Presidency.
______________________________
Benedetti’s Presence in the
Colombian Governmentis
a Risk: Minister Muhamad
February 11th, 1pm
(teleSUR)
His political career began in the ‘Party of the U’ that
collaborated with both far-right President Uribe
and President Santos.
In the past week, Colombia has been experiencing a
crisis within President Gustavo Petro’s cabinet, as
several ministers have resigned in protest against
the appointment of former ambassador Armando
Benedetti as Chief of Staff.
Susana Muhamad, who announced her resignation as
Minister of Environment, argues that Benedetti’s
presence in the cabinet undermines Colombia’s
institutional integrity, given that he is currently
facing multiple corruption investigations.
“The arrival of Armando Benedetti is a political empowerment
process that poses many risks, both to the defense of public
interests and to the integrity of the government. It also
represents political positioning in relation to gender-
based violence,” she said, referring to Benedetti,
who previously served as Colombia’s
ambassador to Venezuela, and as
ambassador to the FAO in Rome.
Armando Benedetti, 57, has been a key figure in Colombian
politics for the past two decades. His career began in the
Party of the U, a political group, that collaborated with
far-right former President Alvaro Uribe and the right- wing President, Juan Manuel Santos.
Environmental Minister Susana Muhamad’s text reads, “At this
Council of Ministers, I expressed to President Gustavo Petro
that we remain firm, facing parallel agendas and deadlocks
with transparency. I was also clear in pointing out that, as
a feminist and as a woman, I cannot sit in a Cabinet with
Armando Benedetti. For almost 20 years, I have been a
progressive activist with conviction, principles, and
the certainty that this path builds more dignity
for our country.”
During that time, Benedetti supported Uribe’s security
policies and later took part in the peace negotiations
promoted by Santos with the guerrilla group.... the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Benedetti’s shift in political stance and his alignment with
progressive organizations have raised suspicions among
some left-wing sectors, which view him as a political
operator with fluctuating loyalties.
His ties with Petro strengthened during the 2022
presidential campaign, in which.... Benedetti
played a key role in the electoral strategy.
He was later appointed ambassador to Venezuela.
However, his tenure was not without controversy.
In 2023, leaked audio recordings revealed threats directed
at Colombian government officials, in which Benedetti
hinted that he possessed compromising information
about the financing of Petro’s campaign. This
incident weakened his relationship with
Petro and led to his removal...
as ambassador.
In addition to being investigated for alleged irregularities in
Petro’s campaign financing, Benedetti has been accused
of gender-based violence and has publicly admitted to
struggling with cocaine addiction.
________________________________
Colombian Social Organizations ----
Start Indefinite Strike in La Guajira
February 11th, 10:51am
(teleSUR)
On Monday, over 15 social organizations called for an
indefinite strike on the main roads of the department
of La Guajira due to the lack of responses from the
Colombian government to the problems affecting
the region.
Among other demands, farmer organizations are calling
for comprehensive rural reform, the protection of water
springs, and the suspension of coal mining in the
territory of Cañaverales, said former guerrilla
fighter Benedicto Gonzalez, one of the
organizers of a protest that has
managed to paralyze regular
economic activities in
the region.
“Commerce, transport, and tourism are key sectors
in La Guajira. We understand the communities’
discontent, but the protests should not
paralyze the department, or affect
thousands of workers.. who rely
on commercial mobility,” -- the
government of La Guajira said.
The strike organizers clarified, that the protests are not
aimed at attacking President Gustavo Petro but rather
at demanding respect for rights that have been
violated for years.
A text reads, “La Guajira Peasant, Ethnic, and Popular
Coordinator, together with other social organizations,
are promoting an indefinite departmental strike -- to
demand a prompt solution ------ to various problems
that have plagued the region for several decades.”
“La Guajira is unsafe. Every day, there are
robberies and deaths. Besides that, we
need to be taken into account more.
Our communities, towns, and rural
areas have many needs. We have
no water, and the tertiary roads
are in poor condition,” said
Eleiner Gomez, who is
participating in
the protests.
Amid growing unrest, the Interior Ministry called for a
working group with regional and national authorities
to find solutions and restore public order in
the region.
The working group will include representatives from
the Ministries of Defense, Environment, and Mines
and Energy, as well as oversight agencies, the
Government of La Guajira -- and the mayors’
offices of the most affected municipalities:
Manaure, Uribia, Maicao, and Riohacha.
This gentleman picks holes in the intellectual ''mistakes'' of the West and points to the best solution for the world's people.
Britain's enemy is not Russia but its own ruling class, UN report confirms by John Wight November 19th, at 2:48pm
John Wight has written for a variety of newspapers and websites, including the Independent, Morning Star, Huffington Post, Counter- punch, London Progressive Journal, and Foreign Policy Journal.
As the UK political establishment rips itself to pieces over Brexit, a far greater crisis continues to afflict millions of victims of Tory austerity.
A devastating UN report into poverty in the UK provides incontrovertible evidence, that the enemy of the British people, is the very ruling class that has gone out of its way these past few years to convince them it is Russia.
Professor Philip Alston, in his capacity as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, spent two weeks touring the United Kingdom. He did so, investigating the impact of 8 years of one of the most extreme austerity programs among advanced G20 economies in response to the 2008 financial crash and subsequent global recession.
What he found was evidence of a systematic, wilful, concerted and brutal economic war, unleashed by the country's right-wing Tory establishment, against the poorest and most vulnerable section of British society – upending the lives of millions of people who were not responsible for the aforementioned financial crash and recession, but who have been forced to pay the price.
From the report's introduction:
"It…seems patently unjust and contrary to British values that so many people are living in poverty. This is obvious to anyone who opens their eyes: to see the immense growth in foodbanks, and the queues waiting outside them, the people sleeping rough in the streets, the growth of homelessness, the sense of deep despair - that leads even the Government to appoint a Minister for Suicide Prevention - and civil society to report in depth, on unheard of levels of loneliness and isolation."
Though as a citizen of the UK, I respectfully beg to differ with the professor's claim, that such social & economic carnage, seems "contrary to British values,"(on the contrary - it is entirely in keeping with the values of the country's Tory establishment, an establishment for whom, the dehumanization of the poor and working class, is central to its ideology), the point he makes about it being "obvious to anyone who opens their eyes," is well made.
For it is now the case that in every town and city centre in Britain, it is impossible to walk in any direction for more than a minute, before coming across homeless people begging in the street. And the fact that some 13,000 of them, are former soldiers, casualties of the country's various military adventures in recent years, undertaken in service to Washington, exposes the pious platitudes peddled by politicians & the government as reverence for the troops & their 'sacrifice,' as insincere garbage.
As inequality increases, the wealthy and powerful become more desperate to cling onto their gains and distract us - with imagined threats and political sideshows - such as Jingoism, Russophobia and red-baiting...
Overall, 14 million people in the UK are now living in poverty, a figure which translates into an entire fifth of the population. Four million of them are children, while, according to Professor Alston, 1.5 million people are destitute – that is, unable to afford the basic necessities of life.
And this is what the ruling class of the fifth largest economy in the world, a country that parades itself on the world stage, as a pillar of democracy and human rights, considers progress.
The values responsible for creating such a grim social landscape, are compatible with the 18th, not the 21st century. They are proof positive, that the network of elite private schools – Eton, Harrow, Fettes College et al. – where those responsible for this human carnage are inculcated with the sense of entitlement and born to rule ethos that defines them, are Britain's hotbeds of extremism.
Professor Alston:"British compassion for those who are suffering, has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach, apparently designed to instill discipline where it is least useful, to impose a rigid order on the lives of those least capable of coping with today's world, and elevating the goal of enforcing blind compliance, over a genuine concern to improve the well- being of those at the lowest levels of British society."
Here, set out above in bold relief, is the barbarism that walks - hand in hand - with free market capitalism. It is the same barbarism that was responsible for pushing post-Soviet Russia into a decade-long economic and social abyss, in the 1990s, and the values that have pushed 14 million people in the UK into the same economic and social abyss, in our time.
Austerity, it bears emphasizing, is not and never has been, a viable economic response to recession, in a given economy.
Instead, it is an ideological club, wielded on behalf of the rich and big business, to ensure that the price paid for the said economic recession, is borne exclusively by those least able to bear it - namely the poor and working people. It is class war by any other name, packaged and presented, as legitimate government policy.
However in Britain's case in 2018, this is a war like no other, because, as Professor Philip Alston's report lays bare, one side in this war has been throwing all the punches and one side has been taking them.
As the saying goes, wars take place when the government tells you who the enemy is; revolutions take place when you work it out for yourself.
(Source - RT)
_______________________________________________
Keiser Report: Reality of Creditor Jubilees
- fantastic - asks ''why don't we act like Jesus preached - and forgive debt?''
When what we do now, is what led to the slavery of feudalism: by refunding the creditors, instead!
Neocons have taken over Committee: UK's FCO Committee Report 'Through the Looking Glass' by Neil Clark
''The decision not to intervene in Syria has had very real consequences for Syrians, their neighbours, the UK and our allies. We believe the Government needs to under- stand the role the UK's inaction has had, and learn the lessons from it, for the future.''
Between December 2015 and June 2016 there were a total of 51 British air strikes in Syria. This year, there has been further bombing, including the targeting of military bases near Damascus and Homs in April.
"We believe that the consequences of inaction can be every bit as serious as intervening," the Foreign Affairs committee report states.
How can we explain this extraordinary attempt to portray Britain's extensive and well-documented operations in Syria as 'not intervening'? After all so much is on the public record, including, on the Ministry of Defence website, details of RAF air strikes.
A look at the membership of the Foreign Affairs Committee is illuminating. Its chair, Tom Tugendhat, Tory MP for Tonbridge and Malling, is a hard- core neocon and a former member of the Intelligence Corps. Peter Oborne, the highly respected political commentator, wrote about the 'neocon coup' that took place on the committee last year and warned us of its consequences. But how many were paying attention?
Other members of Tugendhat's committee include Ian Austin, the Labour MP who likened Russia's holding of the World Cup to Nazi Germany's hosting of the 1936 Olympic Games, and who told Jeremy Corbyn to "sit down and shut up" when he was criticizing the Iraq war.
Then we've Chris Bryant, a signatory to the statement of principles of the uber neocon, Henry Jackson Society, and Priti Patel, who stepped down from the Cabinet, in 2017, when it was revealed she had undisclosed, unofficial meetings with Israeli ministers.
In fact, if we look at the composition of the committee and compare it to the far more balanced one under the chairmanship of Crispin Blunt, (which produced a critical report on the UK government's intervention in Libya in 2016) it's no surprise we've got the document we have.
Neocons know that after the disasters of Iraq and Libya, 'interventionist' foreign policies have been utterly discredited. So, the only way out is to portray Syria, however ludicrously, as an example of UK 'non-intervention', in the hope that some people might fall for it and support 'rectifying' the 'inaction' at some point in the near future. Perhaps in response to a non- independently verified chemical weapons attack in Idlib, later this month?
The Foreign Affairs Committee report, which makes George Orwell's 1984 look quite understated, is perfectly timed for that.
(Source - taken from longer article on RT, Beyond Orwellianism') :
Rail’s funding for enhancements during 2019-24 will be
£9.4bn followingthe government’s spending review.
This is down almost 10% on the £10.4bn which rail regulator
the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had previously calculated.
The reduction was omitted from Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s
announcement last week when he told the Commons the
government would deliver on “record investment plans
in infrastructure.”
Industry experts have said the decision is likely to affect a
number of forthcoming projects, which they say calls into
question Britain’s ability to rebuild following the corona-
virus pandemic.
The government defended its decision,saying it continues
to“invest significant sums in modernising our railway” but
admitted it was“closely examining”spending to“strive for
a better deal for taxpayers”given the scale ofsupport
for railways.
A Department for Transport spokesman added: “We must
ensure that, where necessary, projects are reviewed to
reflect the changing demand for rail services as a
result of the pandemic.”
Rail unions have warned the decision threatens jobs when
Britain should be investing and building its way out of the
Covid and climate crisis — also hitting out at the govern-
ment also over its latest environmental targets, which
were announced today.
Transport Salaried Staffs’ Associationgeneral secretary
Manuel Cortes said: “On the day when the government
has committed itself to increased binding targets to cut emissions, it is foolhardy to cut investment to the green transport offered by our railways.
“The fact that this spending cut didn’t feature in the Chancellor’s
speech, in which he lauded record investment in rail, but was
instead snuck out, says it all. The Tories are duplicitous -
and their commitment to levelling up and investing in
our futures, is paper thin.
“Without doubt cutting investment in our railways is both short-
sighted and reckless, particularly when borrowing costs are at
a historic low.
“You can’t trust Boris Johnson and this lot as far as you can
throw them.”
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said itwas timefor the
government to “come clean” on what it plans to cut.
He added: “How is Britain to be rebuilt after Brexit, and after
the pandemic, which has ravaged this country’s economy?
And what has happened to this government’s promises?
“This revelation puts a question mark over not only some long-
planned, and much-needed, improvements to our transport
infrastructure, but to the whole question of rebuilding this
country after the pandemic.”
Environmental campaigners hit out at the government’s continued
spending on road building while snatching back cash to improve
rail infrastructure.
Greenpeace UK’s Sam Chetan-Welsh: “The Chancellor is happy
to waste £27bn on road building schemes that will tear up our
countryside --- adding to harmful air pollution and climate-
wrecking emissions that we desperately need to reduce.
“But when it comes to the little money that was available
for upgrading our railways, he’s snatched it back at the
first opportunity.
“This is completely indefensible, as is his attempt to bury this
bad news, by leaving it out of last month’s spending review.
“Rishi Sunak either doesn’t get that we’re in a climate
emergency or he simply doesn’t care.”
RMT representatives demanded thegovernment reverse the
cuts and instead invest and build its way out of the corona-
virus and climate crises.
The union said the spending cut could jeopardise planned
works to electrify parts of the rail network, threatening both the creation of new skilled jobs and Britain’s carbon reduction promises.
General secretary Mick Cash said: “These massive cuts to
rail infrastructure budgets are a shameful indictment of the
government’s understanding of the importance of our rail
network and fly in the face of their stated objective of
building and investing our way out of the
Covid-19 crisis.
“At a time when our economy and transport links need a
once in a generation investment in rail to create skilled
jobs and shift passengers and freight off the roads
and on to rail, this Tory austerity by stealth, will
only serve to do the opposite.”
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Unison says Welsh Labour must democratise leadership contest by Peter Lazenby Friday, July 27, 2018
Labour’s biggest trade union affiliate in Wales is demanding that the party democratise the process of electing its Welsh leader.
At present, there are three blocks of voters in leadership elections – party members, affiliated trade union members and elected members of legislative bodies (the Westminster Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, and the European Parliament).
Each block of votes carries the same weight.
The Labour Party in Wales has around 25,000 individual members and 76,400 affiliated union members.
It has 58 legislators - 29 Welsh Assembly members, 28 MPs and one MEP - whose combined voice counts for one-third in leadership elections.
Unison says the voice of MPs, AMs and MEPs in a leadership election “is completely out of proportion,” compared with party and trade union members.
The union wants a 50-50 split between party members and union members, with legislators simply have one vote each.
Unison Cymru/Wales Labour Link chair, Dan Beard, said:
“We cannot support the disproportionate voting bloc of elected members continuing in its present form.
“The Labour Party is the fastest-growing political party in western Europe, and it’s time we agreed a more democratic method of electing our leaders.
“It’s vital unions retain a significant voice, when electing the leader and deputy leader of Welsh Labour.
“Unions helped establish the Labour Party at the beginning of the last century and we have supported it through some very difficult times.
"Our members help to keep the Labour Party’s feet on the ground, and in touch with its natural supporters.
“Reforming the electoral college will mean that, whoever becomes the new leader of Welsh Labour, will have a firm mandate from the members and trade unions --- to work together, to deliver the policies contained in the manifesto.”
A pioneering new report argues that thousands more engineering jobs could be created, by stopping the renewal of the Trident missiles system.
The report, Defence Diversification: International Learning for Trident Jobs, was published today by the Nuclear Education Trust. It examines various government and Civil Service initiatives in Britain, western Europe and the United States.
It argues that an internationally led programme to diversify the work of Trident’s workers, would cost far less than it would to renew the cold-war-era nuclear weapons system — estimated to be between £180 billion and £205bn over the next several decades.
The authors claim that further jobs — particularly in the skilled engineering sector — may be created by ditching Trident, and point to the decline in British arms industry employment, in which 263,000 jobs have vanished since 1980.
CND general secretary Kate Hudson said that the report demonstrates, from real-world examples, how the scrapping of unpopular projects such as Trident doesn’t have to mean the loss of high-skill employment.
“Far from it, in fact — if there is the political will to fully engage with defence diversification, far more high- skilled jobs can be created in the engineering sector,” she said.
Shadow minister for peace & disarmament Fabian Hamilton commented that while it is not Labour’s policy to get rid of Trident, “a defence diversification strategy would go hand in hand with Labour’s plan to invest in our economy.
“We do not lack the talent, we simply lack the funding.
“There is no denying that Trident is a major employer in some parts of the country, so proper funding must be made available so those in high-skilled work stay in high-skilled work.
“High-skilled jobs are good for our economy and, if we decide to transition away from Trident, defence diversification is the only way to ensure that the vital skills used in the development of Britain’s nuclear weapons, are not lost.”
The study argues that workers and local communities must be lead decision makers in diversification decisions related to nuclear weapons, and that serious government intervention - at every level - must be taken in their support.
Vatican calls for more regulation of markets, financial systems, condemns ‘economic cannibalism’ May 17th, at 10:52am
The Vatican called on Thursday for more regulation of markets and financial systems.
A major document says economic crises showed they were not able to govern themselves, and needed a strong injection of morality and ethics.
‘Considerations for an Ethical Discernment Regarding Some Aspects of the Present Economic-Financial System,’ jointly prepared by the doctrinal office and the department on human development, appeared to take aim at the plans to further de-regulate markets in some countries, such as the US, Reuters said.
The document attacked the “economic cannibalism” of some financial practices, saying profit for the sake of profit and not for the greater good, was “illegitimate.”
The Vatican condemned an “amoral culture of waste” that has created oligarchies in some countries, while leaving great masses of impoverished people “without any means of escape.”
The pronouncement is considered official teachings of the Catholic Church and could affect the attitude of the church’s 1.2 billion members.
Marx's theory still shines with truth: Xi May 4th, at 10:53am
Xinhua - Two centuries on, despite huge and profound changes in human society, the name of Karl Marx is still respected all over the world and his theory still shines with the brilliant light of truth, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand gathering in Beijing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth.
Xi said Marx is the "teacher of revolution for the proletariat and working people all over the world, the main founder of Marxism, creator of Marxist parties, a pathfinder for international communism and the greatest thinker of modern times."
"Today, we hold this grand gathering with great veneration to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth, to remember his great character and historic deeds and to review his noble spirit and brilliant thoughts," Xi said at the event.
''With noble ideals and no fear of difficulty or adversity, throughout his life, Marx devoted himself to perseveringly striving for the liberation of humanity, scaling the peak of thought in his pursuit of truth, and the unremitting fight to overturn the old world and establish a new one'', according to Xi.
''Marx is not only a great figure who bore the weight of the world, but also an ordinary person with a passion for life, who was sincere and true to his friends'', Xi said.
''The most valuable and influential spiritual asset that Marx left us is the scientific theory named after him -- Marxism. Like a spectacular sunrise, the theory illuminated the path of humanity's exploration of the law of history, and humanity's search for their own liberation'', Xi said.
"The thought and theory of Marx are of his times and go beyond his times," Xi said. "They are the essence of the spirit of that times and the essence of the spirit of all humanity."
Xi said Marxism is a scientific theory that reveals the rules of human society's development, in a creative manner.
Having developed the materialist conception of history and surplus value theory, Marx showed how humanity would leap from the realm of necessity, to the realm of freedom, and also showed the road for people to realize freedom and liberation, Xi said.
Marxism, the first ideology for the liberation of the people themselves, is a theory of the people.
"Marxism, for the first time, explored the path for humanity's freedom and liberation from the stance of the people, and pointed out the direction, with scientific theory, toward an ideal society with no oppression or exploitation, where every person would enjoy equality and freedom," Xi said.
Stressing that practicality is a prominent characteristic of Marxism that makes it different from other theories, Xi said Marxism is a theory of practices that directs the people to change the world.
It is an open theory that is constantly developing and always stands at the frontier of the times, Xi said.
"That is why it is always able to keep young, explore the new issues in the development of the times and respond to the new challenges for human society."
The general secretary said that over the 170 years since publication of The Communist Manifesto, Marxism had been spread around the world, unrivaled in the history of human ideology in terms of the breadth and depth of its influence.
After the end of World War II, a large number of socialist countries were established, Xi said, stressing that the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially, has greatly increased the socialist strength in the world.
"There might be setbacks in the development of socialism in the world, but the overall trend for human society's development has never changed, and it will never change," Xi said.
"Marxism has not only profoundly changed the world, but also China," Xi said.
The reverberations of the October Revolution in Russia brought Marxism-Leninism to China, pointing out the direction forward, offering a brand new choice for the Chinese people in their struggle to survive, and setting the scene for the birth of the CPC.
Since the CPC's birth, it has combined the fundamental principles of Marxism with the reality of the Chinese revolution and construction, transforming the Chinese nation from "the sick man of East Asia" to one who has stood up, by uniting and leading the people through long-term struggle.
"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only through socialism, can we save China," Xi said.
Since reform and opening up, the CPC has combined the fundamental principles of Marxism, with the reality of China's reform and opening up, and the nation who stood up, has grown rich.
"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only through socialism with Chinese characteristics, can we develop China," Xi said.
In the new era, the CPC again combined the fundamental principles of Marxism with the reality of China in this new era, uniting and leading the people in "under- taking the great struggle, building the great project, advancing the great cause and realizing the great dream."
The Chinese nation has come to embrace a tremendous transformation, as the one who has grown rich, now, is becoming strong.
"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only by adhering to and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, can we realize national rejuvenation," Xi said.
"It is perfectly right for history and the people to choose Marxism, as well as for the CPC to write Marxism on its own flag, to adhere to the principle of combining the fundamental principles of Marxism, with China's reality, and continuously adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the times."
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China lifts 740 mln rural poor out of poverty since 1978 September 3rd, at 12:57pm
Xinhua - China lifted 740 million people in rural areas out of poverty from 1978 to 2017, roughly 19 million each year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday.
The poverty ratio in rural areas dropped 94.4 percentage points during the same time period with an average annual decrease of 2.4 percentage points, according to the NBS.
NBS data shows that China's poverty relief achievements have contributed more than 70 percent to global poverty alleviation work, in the past 40 years.
The average annual income of rural residents in impoverished areas rose an average of 10.4 percent each year from 2012 to 2017, up 2.5 percentage points from the average for rural residents.
Over the past five years, over 68 million people were lifted out of poverty in China. The country aims to further lift 10 million people out of poverty this year and eradicate poverty by 2020.
China recently released guidelines on winning the battle against poverty in the next three years, in order to prepare the nation for eradicating poverty by 2020.
According to the guidelines, the impoverished people should be guaranteed food & clothing, and children from poor families should be guaranteed a 9-year compulsory education. Basic medical needs and living conditions of the impoverished, should also be guaranteed.
People whose annual income is lower than 2,300 yuan (337.3 U.S. dollars), are defined as living below the poverty line, in China.
Almost half of Russians see USSR collapse as shameful – poll January 17th, at 12:11pm
The collapse of the Soviet Union is considered a reason to be ashamed, by 45 percent of Russians, according to a recent opinion poll. The only option that scored higher, is Russia’s failure to eradicate poverty.
The poll, conducted in late 2018, by the Levada Center is its latest study of what Russians are proud and ashamed of, about their nation. The demise of the USSR, saw a rebound in popularity from a low point of 28 percent in mid-2015, and is at a level comparable with the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The only more popular answer is Russia’s failure to eradicate poverty, which was named as a reason to be ashamed, by 61 percent of the people polled. This answer has topped Levada’s polls, for decades.
Russians are also ashamed of fellow countrymen treating each other disrespectfully (37 percent), Russia’s failure to catch up economically with the Western powers (24 percent), the out- come of Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms (24 percent), and Joseph Stalin’s reign of terror (21 percent).
On the opposite side of Russians’ national identity are the qualities and events, people are proud of.
Defeating Nazi Germany in World War II remains the one thing Russians are overwhelmingly proud of (87 percent).
There is also the role that the country played in space exploration – about half are proud to belong to a space pioneering nation.
The third most popular option is accepting Crimea (the breakaway former Ukrainian region) as part of Russia again, which is seen as a point of national pride, by 45 percent.
Many people are also proud of Russian literature, science, and martial prowess, Soviet-era industrialization and the best qualities of the Russian character, like resolve and patience.
A record 75 percent said Russia is definitely, or most likely, a great nation today, while 88 percent believe that it should be one.
There was no apparent correlation between wishing greatness for Russia and regretting the USSR’s collapse, the agency noted, suggesting that Russians expect a great nation to - first and foremost - provide social justice, and protection.
Sixty-two percent said the Russians are a great people.
Levada remarked that about 80 percent of the people polled, identified themselves as Russians.
When asked what makes them feel connected to their people, most respondents named national history (53 percent), Russia’s land (35 percent), their place of birth (33 percent), and the nature that they call their own (25 percent).
The formal national symbols, including the flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem, was the least popular option (5 percent).
Interestingly, religion is a relatively small factor in Russian national identity (9 percent).
(Source - RT)
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Number of Russians who regret collapse of USSR hits 10-year high December 26th, 2017, at 7:20am
The number of Russians who regret the collapse of the Soviet Union has reached its highest level since 2009, with almost an equal share saying the event could have been avoided.
A public opinion poll conducted by the independent Levada Center in late November this year found that 58 percent of Russians now regret the collapse of the USSR. Twenty-five percent said they felt no regret about this, and 16 percent could not describe their feelings in one word.
When researchers asked those who regret the end of the USSR what the primary reasons were behind their sentiments, 54 percent said that they missed a single economic system, 36 percent said they had lost the feeling of belonging to a real superpower, 34 percent complained about the drop in mutual trust among ordinary people, and 26 percent said that the collapse had destroyed the ties between friends and relatives.
The same research showed that 52 percent of Russians think that the collapse of the USSR could have been avoided, 29 percent said that the event was absolutely inevitable, and 19 percent did not have a fixed opinion on the matter.
The share of those who regret the demise of the Soviet Union has risen continuously over the past decade, but in 2009 it was even higher than today – at 60 percent. The all-time high – 75 percent – was recorded in 2000.
President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly addressed the issue of the collapse of the USSR in his speeches. In an address to the Russian parliament in 2005 he called the event the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century and a cause of major disruption for the Russian people. In September 2016, Putin said the Communist Party should have transformed the Soviet Union into a democratic state, rather than see it break into separate nations.
At the same time, Putin has always emphasized that he and other Russian officials have no plans to revive the USSR, and has expressed anger that people cannot accept this. He's also accused Western governments of deliberately confusing modern Russia with the USSR and harming the interests of ordinary people, on the pretense of preventing an imaginary threat.
Historian:Russia's October Revolution Was Inevitable, Relatively Bloodless November 10th, at 4:33pm by Ekaterina Blinova
The October Uprising of 1917 became the logical conclusion of the February Revolution, Michael J. Carley, a professor of history at the Universite de Montreal has told Sputnik. According to the academic, the Russian Revolution was inevitable and occurred because evolutionary processes of change to benefit the lives of ordinary people had failed.
"February 1917 marked the beginning of a revolutionary change in power in Russia, that was accomplished in October," Michael Jabara Carley, professor of history at the Université de Montréal and the author of "Silent Conflict: A Hidden History of Early Soviet-Western Relations,"told Sputnik, commenting on the 100th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution.
"The tsarist order was bankrupt and doomed. Almost everyone at the time said so. The immediate cause of the bankruptcy was the Great War [The First World War]," the Canadian academic stressed, adding that "the result was calamity marked by millions of casualties, large territories lost and an economy thrown into chaos, by the unsustainable financial and economic demands of fighting a world war."
Russian Provisional Government: 'Neither Revolutionary, Nor Democratic'
The so-called February Revolution, which is regarded as a combination of a popular uprising with an elitist anti- monarchist plot, led to the abdication of Russian Emperor Nicholas II and the establishment of the Provisional Government.
Still, the Provisional Government"was neither revolutionary nor democratic,"the academic pointed out: The crux of the matter was that it was largely controlled by the "bourgeois" urban and rural elites and old tsarist establishment"that was opposed to the revolution and attempted to block its further development."
October Uprising Was Relatively Bloodless
The professor explained why, contrary to popular belief, the October Revolution of 1917 that took place on November 7 (October 25 in the Julian calendar) was relatively bloodless.
"Well, in the first instance because the Provisional Government was utterly discredited. It had no popular support. It was a head without a body. It could give orders or issue decrees, but had no power to enforce them. In a revolutionary period, power comes from the support of the insurgent masses and the Provisional Government had none,"Carley told Sputnik.
The professor suggested that 1917 could have been averted if old elites as well as their forebears had not blocked"political and economic evolutionary processes"in Russia.
'Provisional Government Became a Cork in the Bottle'
"The Provisional Government became a cork in the bottle holding back the revolution,"the historian said."The revolutionary masses in Petrograd [Saint Petersburg] and elsewhere put pressure on their socialist leaders to blow the cork out of the bottle…. It was the Bolsheviks who put themselves at the head of the mass movement & articulated its demands, essentially peace, bread and land."
He pointed out, however, that"the Bolsheviks themselves were not united on all the big issues and most importantly on the seizure of power in October (the Julian calendar)."
"I would propose that the Provisional Government collapsed of its own rot. The insurgent masses led by the Bolsheviks only had to kick it over,"Carley remarked.
Was the October Revolution of 1917 Inevitable?
"It is a question impossible to answer except in this way: popular revolutions come about because political and economic elites over time are too selfish to share wealth and power with the masses,"Carley responded."Like the tsarist autocracy, they treat the masses as a resource to be exploited and rung dry. When evolutionary processes of change fail, revolution is often the result."
According to the academic, it is wrong to think that such revolutions succeed "because of the evil genius and cruelty of a small revolutionary elite"
"They succeed because of mass support and effective, responsive leadership."
The question then arises as to whether it was possible to follow an evolutionary path, rather than go through a revolution.
"A revolution occurred because evolutionary processes of change to benefit the lives of ordinary people had failed,"the professor responded."Serfdom, inequality, exploitation, violence, continued unabated until 1917."
October 1917: 'Driver of Transformations Across the Globe'. Revisiting the October Revolution of 1917.
Addressing the 14th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that"the largely utopian social model and ideology" the Soviets tried to implement initially following the 1917 revolution became "a powerful driver of transformations across the globe, caused a major revaluation of development models, and gave rise to rivalry and competition, the benefits of which were mostly reaped by the West."
The Canadian professor disagrees that the term "utopian" could be used with regards to the "Communist model," for instance.
"Is free, public education for everyone, no matter what their class, nationality or religion, utopian? Is the elimination of illiteracy, utopian? Are women's rights, or universal health care, utopian? Was the desire to create a more equal society, socially, economically and politically, utopian?"Carley asked, adding"in fact, that Soviet society was eventually able to withstand and then to destroy almost single- handedly, the so-called invincible Nazi 'colossus.'"
Still, he believes that the 1917 revolution certainly was"a powerful driver of transformations"around the world since it"inspired successful revolutionary movements in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Cuba."
As Putin noted during his Valdai speech "many Western achievements of the 20th century were an answer to the challenge posed by the Soviet Union," such as"raising living standards, forming a strong middle class, reforming the labour market and the social sphere, promoting education, guaranteeing human rights, including the rights of minorities and women, overcoming racial segregation."
Red October: Allied Intervention and 'Beginning of Cold War'
The October Revolution became the trigger for the Civil War (1917-1922) and prompted the Allied intervention of major foreign powers in Russia.
The Canadian academic pointed out that the October Uprising "produced an immediate violent reaction by the United States, France and Britain, whose elites attempted to overthrow the Soviet government."
"The foreign intervention against Soviet Russia fed a civil war and exacerbated the violence of the counter-revolution by many times over,"Carley said."On its own, the former tsarist elite could never have mounted such violent resistance to the October Revolution."
The professor underscored that after their failure to overthrow the Soviets,"the Western powers spent the next 70 years, with the exception of a truce between 1941-1945, in trying to harm or bring down the USSR and all those revolutions to which it had given birth."
According to the academic, the Cold War started in October (November) 1917.
"Just ask the Chinese, Vietnamese, Cubans, or N. Koreans about the frightful price of resistance to US and Western hegemony,"Carley remarked."Or for that matter, we might ask, if we could, the soldiers, sailors and workers of Soviet Russia, what price they had to pay, to defend their revolution."
(Source - Sputnik)
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Communist leader dispels new Russian budget as "oligarch orientated" October 28th, 2017 Fort Russ News - KtovKurse translated by Inessa Sinchougova
Communist Party leader, Gennady Zyuganov, called the draft federal budget for 2018-2020, "a budget of the oligarchy", which will increase stagnation and poverty.
On Friday October 27th, the State Duma considered the first reading of the draft budget for 2018 for the planning period 2019-2020. According to the draft of the Ministry of Finance, the budget deficit in 2018 will be 1.3 trillion rubles or 1.37% of GDP, in 2019 it will be 867 billion rubles or 0.84% of GDP, and in 2020 - 960 billion rubles or 0.87% of GDP.
Such a budget Zyuganov considers "a budget for the oligarchy, where further stagnation and deepening of poverty in the country will occur."
In his opinion, the draft budget does not meet the current challenges and can only aggravate the split in Russian civil society.
The Communist Party leader stressed that incomes and expenditures are constantly declining. Zyuganov noted that "in plain language" this means that the "share of the national pie" created by the working people is constantly shrinking in the budget.
Zyuganov's main issue with the budget was the reduction in government expenses for 14 out of 13 articles listed within. He explained that for eight of these articles, expenses are simply cut, and for four other articles, a small increase is offset by inflation, and as a result, real costs are below the ones prophesized.
According to Zyuganov, the current budget policy "creeps of the old Gaidar-Chubais reforms. It does not smell of modernization, nor a breakthrough for the future."
"I do not know why the president has not reacted to this helplessness, to this impotence of the financial and economic blockade on behalf of the government," Zyuganov said.
President Vladimir Putin does not oversee forthcoming bills until they pass all the stages of parliamentary negotiation - that is until his signature is required. It remains to be said that a majority of Russia's parliament and governmental organs, are liberal representatives, both economically and culturally, whereby it is only the President that stops certain bills being passed.
Without looking at the document in detail (which is not yet available to the public) it makes sense to assume that the Communist Party leader has every right to become concerned at this early stage.
Zyuganov's Communist Party enjoys the second most popular rating in the Russian political sphere, after United Russia (Vladimir Putin.)
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And a Record Number of Russians Want Socialism Back !!!
First published in Komsomolskaya Pravda Translated by Kristina Kharlova
The number of those nostalgic for the Soviet Union, is now growing steadily.
According to the findings of sociologists, 56% of respondents now express regret for the collapse of the Soviet state.
A majority of Russians regret the collapse of the Soviet Union, and do not mind if it's restored — conclude the sociologists of "Levada-centre".
2016 sees a record number of respondents nostalgic for the Soviet Union, in the whole history of public opinion surveys.
At the same time, the percentage of those who don't long for the Union, decreases over time: if, in November of last year it was 37%, today only 28% do not feel any pity.
58% of Russians would like a socialist system and the Soviet Union to be restored, and 31% say they don't want the Soviet Union back.
Over half of respondents, 51%, believe that it was still possible to save the country in 1991 while 33% of Russians say the collapse was 'inevitable'.
Experts, meanwhile, note that those most nostalgic for the Soviet Union don't yearn so much for the Soviet ideology, as for the stability, justice, confidence in the future, secure jobs, free education, medical care and housing.
Serbia:Mass anti-NATO demonstrations silenced Nothing has been the same since NATO brutally bombed Yugoslavia 17 years ago. The 5th column, trained by NATO, took over the destroyed country to continue the job that the West had started.
The economy collapsed, the country was ripped apart, and the Army, dismissed.
Year by year, malicious plans brainstormed by NATO, and executed by the government, are pushing all of the Balkans into the deep maw of the West's 'modern' imperialism.
The latest move was the Agreement with NATO about logistics. Parliament has approved, and the President has signed, an agreement which gives NATO soldiers immunity and freedom of movement on the territory of Serbia. The same people who killed thousands of innocent Serb civilians are now given freedom and immunity. NATO personnel rule the roost in Serbia
NATO personnel are exempt from paying taxes, VAT and/or customs duties. The adoption of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), lets NATO soldiers use Serbia's infrastructure, with free transit across the whole territory of Serbia, as well as protection from the law -- being given 'special status' while staying in Serbian territory.
However, although almost two decades have passed since NATO's cruel attack, most Serbs have not forgotten how important freedom is -- which is the main problem for the ruling elite.
In the mainstream media, news about signing the agreement with NATO, was published as small & irrelevant. In a couple of sentences, mainstream journalists wrote about it, as if it was tomorrow's weather forecast, but they couldn't fool people.
Boiling situation hidden by Government
The situation was boiling. A few patriotic parties and war veterans managed to organize a protest -- & expected no more than a thousand people in Belgrade, to show their disagreement with the ruling party's decisions.
On the 20th February, more than 15,000 Serbs, mostly youth, came onto the Belgrade streets to join in with the protesters. Even the police were surprised, quickly trying to reinforce -- fearing nonverbal shows of disagreement.
The mainstream media weren't at all interested in massive protests in the capital city. They just reported, after the protest, that there were only a couple of hundred demonstrators.
Amongst all media, just one, the alternative patriotic website, Srbin info, sent reporters to the vicinity, to cover the whole protest.
It was the only media that had pictures and videos of the massive protests, showing the huge number of protesters.
During the protest, over 2,000 readers per second were following their live streaming of the demonstrations. Each minute, their website was gaining more followers.
Just a couple of minutes after the end of the peaceful protest, huge cyber-attacks began.
The weak website couldn't defend itself from the biggest attacks in its history, & the web- site eventually crashed. Attacks continued for 24 hours, never letting the website repair.
The only possible source of the attacks on the website & freedom of the speech, is the ruling elite. There is no one else who would be able to manage such strong attacks.
The main problem for the alternative, free media in Serbia is that the web providers, most of them belonging to the SBB company, part of the Soros foundation, don't want to reveal who was behind the attacks. However, some opposition forces, also attacked by hackers, discovered that the IP address of the hacker belongs to one of the directors of SBB company.
It is also interesting that 25% of web providers and some mainstream media in Serbia - belong to David Petraeus, former director of the CIA.
Despite their crashed website, Srbin info reporters managed to find way to send the real story & used Facebook to spread the truth. A video showing the masses of people protesting, was viewed by over 1,700,000 Facebook users --- a huge number for Serbia, with its 7 million population.
For 48 hours after the attack, the website was closed.
Thanks to its loyal readers, who appreciate Srbin info's fight for freedom of speech, donations were collected to make a new website, with better protection.
But the problem of having a neutral web provider who will not sabotage the website -- after orders from the Government -- still exists. A much worse problem.... is that the once proud and honorable Serbia, is now under the boots of imperialists.
‘Appalling injustice’overturned as UK court clears names of Post Office workers wrongfully convicted due to faulty software
April 24th, 11:09am (RT)
Dozens of former Post Office workers have had
their convictions for theft and fraud thrown out
--- after an accounting system used in their
branches was later deemed faulty,
bringing partial closure to a
decades-old legal scandal.
Some 39 subpostmasters were cleared on Friday of
wrongdoing after being accused of stealing from
their offices. Their cases hinged on a soft- ware programme called Horizon.
The system, developed by the Japanese firm Fujitsu,
was used by the Post Office to keep track of trans-
actions and accounting. There was one problem:
the software had a bug, that caused accounting
errors, leading to hundreds of suspected cases
in which employees were accused of theft.
According to reports, some employees even used their
own money to try and correct the software’s account- ing errors, and avoid accusations of wrongdoing.
Between 2000 and 2014, the Post Office prosecuted 736
subpostmasters based on data outputted by Horizon.
Six other convictions were overturned back in
December. According to the BBC, the
miscarriage of justice is one of the
largest the UK has ever seen.
Shockingly, the Post Office “knew there were serious
issues about the reliability of Horizon” but didn't take
action, to investigate possible defects, concluded a
judgment issued by the Court of Appeal of the Royal
Courts of Justice in London. Instead of looking into
the matter, the Post Office consistently claimed that
Horizon was reliable, effectively “steamrolling” any
employee who challenged the software’s accuracy,
one of the presiding judges commented.
Many former employees who were slapped with criminal
charges due to Horizon’s bug went to prison or had their
lives ruined in other ways. One ex-employee spent nine
months in prison in 2007 after her Post Office branch
reported a shortfall of £59,000. The ordeal took her
away from her two children and “destroyed
everything.”
Another subpostmaster who was convicted of theft in
2008 and spent more than three years behind bars
denounced the Post Office as a “disgrace” and
demanded that the “bullies” responsible for
pressing the charges against ex-workers, such as himself, be held accountable.
Post Office chief executive Nick Read expressed his regret
over the episode, and said that the quashing of convictions
served as a “vital milestone” in correcting past wrongs by
his organisation, adding there should be compensation
for the victims that “reflects what has happened.”
In December 2019, the Post Office settled a civil claim
brought by 555 ex-employees for £57.75 million, but
did not admit liability.
Prime Minister Borish Johnson also weighed in,
describing the scandal “an appalling injustice
which has had a devastating impact on these
families for years.”
No one has yet been held accountable for the scandal. The
government launched an 'inquiry' into the matter last year,
but campaigners seeking justice say that the investigation
lacks teeth and suffers from a conflict of interest because
it is being carried out by the Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy, which runs the
Post Office.
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LEN RE-ELECTED - VICTORY FOR LEFT!
"Serving you, our members, is the greatest privilege of my working life. I'm proud to have stood shoulder- to-shoulder with you in your struggles and proud to have been asked by so many, to continue to fight for you"
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The Corbyn Supporters From Hell - Attila The Stockbroker,15th Oct 2015 at The Blue Boar Hotel, Maldon, Essex, UK
ONE UNION
Two weeks before Brexit, the African Union announced a new single African passport that permits holders to enter any of the 54 AU member states without a visa – an interesting turn in African history which NO-ONE in the West knows or cares about ! What a stunning reflection of how far our mindset and media are, from the 'world community' we say we love.
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ADAM JOHANNES, CO-CONVENOR, PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY
“Most people under 40 have never been a member of a trade union. So unions are irrelevant, right? Wrong. Unions are more relevant than ever before. With in- work poverty, zero hours contracts and precarious employment, trade unions urgently need to make inroads into the private sector where the majority of us work, but a majority are still un-unionised.”
3 recent campaigns show how this might be done -
1. BETTER THAN ZERO
"Better than Zero" is an exciting campaign launched last year by the Scottish TUC to combat employers using zero-hours contracts. It is run by young people for young people to take on the issue of insecure work. Its activists are mostly in their teens or twenties. The campaign calls upon an older generation not to stand by while a generation of young people are forced into insecure work.
It has responded to tip off from employees in workplaces charging staff for training or uniforms, and bars and restaurants where workers tips are taken by the company. It's fought against people routinely expected to work additional late hours at short notice, with little or no thought given to how they'll get home & whether they will be safe.
The campaign uses direct action, stunts and creative protests such as targeting bars and restaurants with 'flash mob choirs', activists and former staff posing as customers, before each stand up in a restaurant to make speeches while other activists leaflet out- side, Halloween funeral marches on exploitative employers, or, memorably, activists clad in chemical-spill clean up garb placing several popular bars & restaurants in 'quarantine', for exploitative work practices. A recent campaign victory saw restaurant chain Las Iguanas end a policy of deducting money from staff tips.
2. SPORTS DIRECT
Unite has waged a dynamic fightback against Sports Direct including pickets of over 30 stores across the UK, occupations, direct action such as the unfurling of a #SportsDirectShame banner by Newcastle United fans at the club owned by Sports Direct boss, Mike Ashley, other banner drops from bridges, shareholder action, and a social media campaign,
Sports Direct is Britain's biggest sportswear company. It made over a billion in profits last year, but the majority of its workers agency staff are on zero hour contracts with no holiday or sick pay, and no guaranteed work from one week to the next. It has been called more 'workhouse' than workplace with intense surveillance and searches of staff, a culture of fear, bullying and intimidation rife.
Unite's campaign had forced the issue of its Victorian working conditions into national media & a company review. Unite demands all staff are re-employed on permanent contracts on a living wage. So far they have won a pay rise for staff and the company is now being investigated by HM Revenue & Customs after the union exposed it for effectively paying under the minimum wage.
3. PIZZA EXPRESS
Unite scored a victory against Pizza Express after exposing and ending the company deducting a proportion of staff's hard earned tips as an 'admin fee', recruiting new members. The campaign involved union activists going into Pizza Express branches to speak to waiting staff, weekly pickets, handing out hundreds of flyers with customers given a ‘scrap the admin fee’ postcard to leave with their cash tips, and finally a 'meal of justice' when protesters went into a restaurant, enjoyed a meal and when the bill came, one person stood up and told customers about the admin fee while others handed out postcards. Customers often respond with spontaneous applause.
We need to think creatively of how to bring politics into the workplace whether collections for refugees in Calais, foodbanks or local homeless, organising delegations from our work to local protests, or even setting up People's Assembly networks with likeminded people we work with.
Cardiff People's Assembly is part of The People's Assembly Against Austerity, a UK anti-cuts network sponsored by eight trade unions. Locally we have worked with Unison defending our city's library service & PCS to organise solidarity with museum workers, we will be supporting Unite Community's day of action against benefit sanctions. With much of our nation's workforce unorganised in their workplace in unions, joining movements like ours can boost people's confidence to stand up to their employers and build workplace organisation.
In the 1980s Thatcher declared war on the unions --- as a prelude to letting the market rip through society --- transforming us into a highly unequal low pay, low skill economy. The assault on the 'social wage' means we now have the highest private rents, highest energy bills, highest rail fares, and most expensive university education in the EU. Now the Trade Union Bill aims to take out a key part of the resistance to extend the cuts, privatisation and outsourcing agenda and shift even more power and wealth from the 99% to the 1%.
Our economy is dominated by low paid jobs. Low pay makes people insecure. A low pay economy and tax avoiding corporations make it hard to invest in public services. Joining a union is one way to fight back.
Profit Is The Only Concern For Railway Privateers 2016 Thursday 29TH DEC
The only way to have a public transport system worthy of the name is to have a fully nationalised railway,says GORDON MARTIN
All things transport have been making the news in Scotland for a number of months and the signs are this isn’t going to change in the dark winter months ahead.
Scotland’s railways have been subjected to an unprecedented level of scrutiny and criticism with opposition politicians, media columnists and some trade union officials calling for Nicola Sturgeon to sack her Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP.
In my view the roots of the public’s dissatisfaction with Scotland’s railways goes back to the Scottish government’s ill-conceived decision to award the ScotRail franchise to a state-owned rail operator.
Unfortunately for passengers and the ScotRail workforce, the state in question was not our own — and the Netherlands now benefits from profits made by its state company, Abellio, out of ScotRail.
A public-sector bid from Scotland was not allowed when the franchise was awarded to Abellio for a 10-year period. With profit the first and only concern of the profiteers at Abellio, a major dispute with Scotland’s biggest rail union RMT was highly predictable.
Abellio’s attack on the role of the guard on our trains brought a summer of discontent as industrial action spread across much of the Scottish rail network.
The Scottish government quickly showed its true colours. The normally very assured and competent First Minister committed a monumental blunder when she disgracefully inferred the strike was only about who pushed a button to open and close train doors.
While the SNP government very often claims to be on the side of working-class communities, it remains very much a political party wedded to capitalism. The First Minister should have taken the trouble to speak to disabled passengers or those travelling on Scotland’s trains who feel vulnerable in any way about how crucial the role of the guard is in making their journey a safer, more relaxing experience.
Thankfully the Scottish government and Abellio ScotRail finally saw sense and a negotiated settlement was reached which was favourable to RMT and which will see safety-trained guards remain in place.
Following on from our successful efforts to Keep The Guard on the Train, RMT has launched a high- profile “Safer Scottish Trains” campaign designed to ensure trains, stations & rail infrastructure in general are properly resourced and managed to ensure the best possible service is delivered.
Everyone, in particular disabled people, should be able to travel on a 21st-century rail network without having to check ahead days in advance to ensure staff will be in place to assist them.
At the same time, Westminster and the European Union have also intervened in a negative way which may have serious repercussions for rail workers and passengers in the years ahead.
Earlier this month Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary in Theresa May’s rotten Tory government, delivered a speech which potentially takes the rail industry back to the complete fragmentation foisted upon the people of Britain by the hapless government of John Major in the 1990s.
Grayling now seeks to reintroduce “competition” into rail infrastructure, maintenance and repairs.
Inevitably this will eventually lead to the complete break-up of Network Rail. The centralised standards implemented by this public-sector organisation will be discarded and profit and loss will become the decisive factor in deciding the standards for maintaining the rail infrastructure. This is a frightening scenario with potentially deadly outcomes and RMT will fight this with everything we have.
The latest plans for railways across the EU, the ultimate bosses’ club, are contained within the Fourth Railway Package which MEPs are voting on. These proposals make it mandatory to put rail passenger services out to competitive tender. With the Scottish government recently beginning to engage with the rail unions and others regarding a public-sector bid for the ScotRail contract, the 4th Railway Package underlines how fragile and fleeting this public-sector bid could ultimately be.
Scotland’s ferry sector also had a fair amount of publicity in the last year or so, with RMT engaged in a high-profile, long-running and ultimately successful campaign to keep CalMac ferries in public ownership.
RMT stands by our assertion that the Clyde and Hebridean ferry service did not have to go out to tender under the Teckal exemption.
Unfortunately, the Scottish government are keen to be seen as good Europeans, despite the negative impact on the Scottish people, and meekly went along with directives from the EU.
The uncertainty for island communities and the stress for the CalMac workforce while their future was unclear, was not high on the government’s agenda.
Unfortunately it looks highly likely that the workforce and the islanders on the Northern Isles are about to be put through the same uncertainty as their counterparts on the west coast.
The government is once again meekly following diktats from Brussels by putting the Northern Isles ferry service out to a competitive tendering process, despite the people of Britain voting to leave the EU, including a sizeable section of the Scottish working class.
RMT has a clear and principled position which is to insist that the Northern Isles contract is brought back into public ownership forthwith.
We demand an immediate end to the exploitation of eastern European seafarers. These workers, employed on a Scottish government contract, are being paid wages at a derisory rate while being denied the protection of a trade union agreement with wages and conditions covered by collective bargaining agreements.
As part of our ongoing Save our Seafarers campaign, we have highlighted this disgraceful fact to the media and the public with our slogan SNP — Ships of Shame.
This is causing the government and, in particular, the Transport Minister a great deal of embarrassment. I make no apologies for this and I sincerely hope the embarrassment will lead to action before too much longer.
It is clear to everyone, with the possible exception of right-wing profiteering zealots, that the only way to have a public transport system worthy of the name is to have a fully nationalised railway, properly resourced, with adequate staffing levels --- together with a publicly owned ferry operator, working exclusively on behalf of ferry users and the Scottish government, & money raised reinvested --- instead of lining the pockets of private shareholders.
Gordon Martin is Scottish regional organiser of the RMT.
(source - Morning Star)
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Tory aid-dumping revelation means the money should be seized and used by Mike Sivier
The worst part of this is, it suggests that people who said the International Aid budget could be used in better ways, were right.
The Times reports that the Tories have been ‘dumping’ billions of pounds in aid into shady World Bank funds, to sit unused indefinitely – in order to "keep up the appearance" of meeting the government’s commitment to donating 0.7% of the UK’s GDP in foreign aid.
According to the Times, at least £9 billion has been transferred like this in the past 5 years. Rather than helping developing countries, the money, which is spread across over 200 different bank accounts, simply sits there – doing nothing except rack up World Bank ‘administration fees’.
UK International Development Secretary Priti Patel’s only qualification for her job appears to be the fact that she had previously wanted to get rid of it and the funding it oversees. This seems to be the standard Tory qualification for any ministerial role that is supposed to help people – Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt infamously wrote a book, before becoming Health Secretary, that called for abolition of the ’60-year-old mistake’ of the NHS.
Clearly, to a Tory, maintaining the appearance of doing something is far more important than actually doing it – especially if it helps you put cash into the bank accounts of your backers and allies and ideally while you get rid of the very thing you’re supposed to be looking after. If you hear Tories say ‘reform’, run for cover – or better yet, get the pitchforks out.
Source: Keeping up appearances: aid-dumping shows Tories care for PR, not people The SKWAWKBOX
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Left Looks To Unite To Protect Its Power Base CHARLEY ALLAN
The Labour right was desperate to see the back of “Red Len,” as the tabloids call him.
But Len won his victory. Now’s the perfect time to join Unite, with full membership costing just £3.50 a week, reduced to 50p for the unemployed.
The AWL and its allies may have won the national committee battle, but they won’t win the OMOV war --- if the movementists get organised.
A new current called Opening Momentum has rallied round the point that anti-OMOVers had denied members their advertised right to “vote in national-level elections.”
And it’s crucial that every member who really believes in the fabled “new kind of politics” turns up to their local branch meetings - if they have them - to halt plans for a parallel party.
This is bigger than Momentum. We need to see much more direct democracy in Labour itself, although there will always be resistance from those who benefit most from the delegate system.
There are literally hundreds of thousands of new Labour members and Momentum’s top priority --- should making sure their voice is heard at next year’s party conference.
The Labour left can’t afford to be crushed again on the conference floor, as happened this year.
While Momentum was dazzling everyone with its World Transformed free festival, right faction Labour First was distributing fliers to let delegates know when and where vital votes were taking place.
Critically, Momentum must:- have slates of candidates ready when local constituency parties select conference delegates in thecoming months.
The new left movement needs to get serious if it wants to win the looming electoral battles within Labour, the trade unions and the grassroots.
Defending, strengthening and expanding this power base at the ballot box, will take back the leadership, and keep the movement fighting fit for the general election.
• Chat to Charley on Twitter: @charleyallan.
(source - Morning Star)
A New Lucas Plan For The Future by David King
The ideas pioneered by the Lucas workers are just as, or more, relevant now than in the 1970s, and there are strong political similarities in the situation.
As in the ’70s, we have an economic crisis caused by unjust economic policies and the failure of successive governments’ industrial strategy.
As usual, this has hit the working class hardest, and anger over this is being channelled into racism against immigrants. Now, the environmental effects of industrial capitalism are far more evident than 40 years ago, already creating wars, militarisation and widespread concern about insecurity.
Finally, introduction of new technologies threatens structural unemployment on a scale considerably greater than the ’70s.
The Tory government’s response to the economic and political crisis, despite continuing to publicly espouse neoliberal principles, looks a lot like a classic Keynesian economic stimulus package.
In the last few months it has made decisions to go ahead with a range of industrial infrastructure megaprojects — Hinkley C, fracking, HS2 and the Heathrow third runway, as well as pressing ahead with spending £200 billion on Trident renewal.
A key element in the case for all these projects is the jobs that they will generate or preserve, although the jobs estimates are bound to be inflated, while the price tag will be massively underestimated.
Compared to the ’70s, far fewer jobs will be created in this way because, due to automation and mechanisation, they are all highly capital rather than labour-intensive.
The Lucas Aerospace workers’ idea of socially useful production suggests a far better way forward.
Even in the early phase of the environmental movement, before most socialists realised the significance of these issues, the Lucas Plan acknowledged that protecting the environment is part of the concept of socially useful production.
With the exception of HS2, all the new projects are environmental anathema, and the damage that project would do to the English countryside and people’s homes and communities, for the sake of saving 30 minutes of executives’ time, makes it emblematic of neoliberalism.
The working-class people who voted for Brexit are demanding jobs and regeneration of their communities, but these industrial vanity projects are not the solution.
Now is the moment to realise the proposals of the Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group (Million Climate Jobs Campaign), which is often seen as a successor to the Lucas Plan.
We should be investing in renewable energy, home insulation, public transport etc as part of the international trade union initiative of Just Transition, ie transition to a low-carbon economy with job protection for workers in industries that need to be phased out.
Imagine what could be achieved in regional economic renewal and environmental benefits with the Trident billions.
But exactly how that money should be spent should not be decided by economic planners alone.
One of the great strengths of the Lucas Plan was that it came from the bottom up, from workers, not managers.
Recognising that they could not, by themselves, define what people need, the Lucas workers began to work with various regional communities to develop “popular planning for social need.”
In London, the Greater London Council created technology development networks that involved users, for example disabled people, in technology design.
These traditions of bottom-up local planning have been continued by various citizens’ local planning initiatives, such as Just Space in London, and would be vital to a democratic solution to the crises.
The current economic and environmental crises are symptoms of a deeper crisis in the industrial capitalist mode of production, and they demand a fundamental rethink of how we produce the basic things that people need for a decent life.
One of the less well-remembered, but crucial aspects of the Lucas Plan was the workers’ struggle against the automation and deskilling of their work with computer-controlled machinery, a struggle shared with trade unionists around the world in that period.
As Phil Asquith of the Lucas Combine puts it, “Harold Wilson’s ‘white heat of the technological revolution’ was burning up workers’ jobs.’
The continuation of this trend over the last 40 years is a major source of the jobless recoveries and income polarisation that are creating the “squeezed middle” of angry, Daily Mail- reading, Brexit voters.
Forecasts suggest that digital technology will eliminate half the jobs in the economy over the next 20 years, but its track record shows that it creates far fewer new jobs to replace them.
One response to this that has become popular on the left is the belief that automation will usher in a post- capitalist society, if we can only feed those useless human workers with basic income.
This is a complex argument, but one thing for sure is that this was not the Lucas workers’ philosophy.
Instead of: “Demand Full Automation, Demand Universal Basic Income, Demand the Future,” they would have reminded us that the romance of high-technology leads to what historian of technology David Noble aptly called: “Progress without people.”
The Lucas workers’ slogan would likely have been: “Demand Democratic Control of Technology, Demand Socially Useful Production, Demand Equality and Sustainability.”
They were very clear that the idea of socially useful production is also about how things are produced.
There is no point in socially useful products if they are made in a way that alienates and deskills the workers who produce them.
They went on to design “human-centred technologies,” in which the point was to use and develop workers’ skills, rather than design them out of the production process.
A skills and people-based, more labour-intensive approach is, in the era of Brexit and environmental crisis, a much better way to create a socially just, sustainable economy than old-fashioned, capital- intensive high-tech mega projects. This is the agenda we will be discussing in Birmingham today.
(source - the Morning Star)
Construction Workers Can’t Be Expected To Work Into Their Sixties by Brian Rye (source - The Star)
British governments seem to think one of two things about construction workers: they're either superhuman, or they don’t give a toss about them. That would be the logical conclusion, given the raise in the pension age, to 68.
With the state pension age due to rise to 67 by 2026 and 68 by 2044, our political elites seem to believe that we are breeding a race of human beings with quite exceptional physical capabilities.
While professional sportspeople are pretty much done by their mid-thirties, with their strength, speed and stamina leeching away by the day, the British construction worker - if you believe our politicians - lives in a world that defies conventional science.
Despite the early starts, the exposure to the elements, the heavy lifting, the long hours, the poor diet & susceptibility to minor injury, these lions of the labour force are all going to get their telegram from the king - because the stats say we’re all living longer.
Sadly, if you have a shred of common sense you will immediately know this is not true.
Construction workers are the same as any other human being. Like professional sportspeople, they can feel their physical abilities start to wane from their mid-thirties.
The only difference being: construction workers have to stay in the game. & not only that, given the increase in the pensionable age, the game just went into extra time.
Empathy is a wonderful characteristic for a human being to possess because it creates understanding and caring for others.
So we have to ask ourselves, as our besuited, overweight politicians sit back in their comfy chairs before skipping off to their subsidised three-course meal in the House of Commons - with a glass of wine or two — how much empathy are they feeling with their compatriots in construction?
Can they imagine the freezing mornings, the hours of standing up, the repetitive physical work or the greasy chips for lunch? It would seem not.
Recent research carried out by the TUC, in a report called Postponing the Pension, shows that a significant proportion of the population won’t reach the pensionable age of 68 in any fit state to enjoy their retirement.
The results show that half a million workers within five years of the state pension have had to leave work for medical reasons, and that nearly half of 60 to 64-year-olds stopped working before their official retirement age.
This is why Ucatt is currently trying to get the Labour Party to support policies that would mean a future Labour government would introduce a flexible pension age for physically demanding professions.
Construction work is hugely physically demanding because it involves prolonged standing, highly repetitive work, heavy lifting, working with the hands lifted to shoulder height or higher, and working with the back twisted or bent forward. It can lead to musculoskeletal disorder, cardiovascular disease and long-term sickness absence.
These work conditions and their effects need to be factored into the calculation of a pensionable age. It is only fair.
At 60, most politicians are on a few company boards, are picking up consultancies, maybe writing a book and reaping the benefits of a lifetime’s work.
The current presidential candidates in the US are 68 (Hillary Clinton) and 70 (Donald Trump) - beneficiaries of a lifetime of comfort, good food, little or no physical exertion and excellent healthcare on demand.
These individuals see no reason to retire - they’re feeling fine. Construction workers often aren’t feeling fine.
We all know that one in four people in Britain will now live to 100 — but what about the other three? At what age will they be checking out? And what jobs are they doing?
According to figures from the government’s own Office for National Statistics, doctors and accountants are outliving builders and cleaners, by as much as eight years.
Men in professional occupations can expect to live to 80, almost eight years longer than those in unskilled jobs, whose life expectancy is 72.7. So people are not all the same - shock, horror! Comparing the accountant to the construction worker is comparing apples with oranges - and yet our governments conveniently ignore this.
Our ageing population and the fears surrounding the viability of the state pension in the future has caused the political class to legislate in a heavy- handed, insensitive and unsophisticated way.
The phrase “we’ve all got to work longer” is bandied about by those sitting comfortably behind a desk. For those leading a more active life, this phrase is just a plain, old-fashioned threat.
To quote ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: “Living longer doesn’t mean we are able to work longer in physically demanding jobs like that of the firefighter, police officer or paramedic. And it’s not just in the emergency services. Construction workers, care workers and prison officers cannot be expected to work into their sixties. We need a flexible pension age that allows people to work for as long as they want to.”
Ucatt’s campaign plainly states “68 is too late.” It’s a campaign that needs to be fought to a victory - for the sake of thousands of British workers. We need to present our case, find broad support and build empathy within the country. And we have to find acceptance that it may cost us all a little bit more while we’re of working age.
Otherwise we will all be using another well- known phrase: “flogging a dead horse.”
We’ll leave the last words to Mr Corbyn: “If we want dignity for all in old age, then it has to be paid for.”
Brian Rye is acting general secretary of Ucatt.
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Britain’s workers feel stressed and insecure (originally in the Morning Star) by Carolyn Jones
The UK's 31 million workers are among the most insecure, stressed and unhappiest in Europe.
No wonder! According to the latest report by the Institute of Employment Rights (IER), the evidence is damning.
On average, UK workers work more hours per week, more days per year, more years before retirement -- after which, they receive lower levels of pension -- than most of their European counterparts.
In comparison to other European workers they generally receive less education and training, and (because of lack of employer investment) their productivity is lower.
They get fewer paid holidays than almost all European comparators and their pay is so low that a great proportion of them are in poverty --- with the state subsidising employers’ low wages.
And it doesn’t end there. The UK has a high proportion of its workforce in so-called “self- employment,” agency work, temporary work, and/or on zero-hours contracts.
It has more part-time workers who want full- time jobs, than other European countries.
UK workers have less entitlement to redundancy pay, sick pay, and maternity pay, than most European workers.
Workers’ rights to remedies for unfair dismissal and discrimination are set low and have been made practically unenforceable by the imposition of high access fees.
In the UK, unlike most European countries, there is no ministry of labour, no labour inspectorate and a negligible complement of health and safety inspectors.
All this in the fifth richest nation in the world. It is obscene. So what’s to be done?
An excellent starting point is the establishment of Jeremy Corbyn’s Workplace 2020 initiative. Launched in May 2016, the aim of the project is to start a national conversation on what work should be like in 2020.
Under the chairmanship of Ian Lavery, shadow trade union minister, the Labour Party wants to hear the good, the bad and the ugly stories about working life in Britain.
On a recently launched website people can submit their comments, complaints and suggestions on a range of workplace issues.
So whether it’s job security, pay and pensions, training and apprenticeships, diversity and equality, trade unions or health and safety that raises your passion, there’s scope to feed into the policy agenda.
Once again the Labour leadership team is turning out to the country for ideas rather than assuming it knows best in the corridors of power.
Labour is already committed to raising the minimum wage, banning zero-hours contracts, ensuring workers are given access to justice, and giving temporary workers the same rights as permanent staff. But it recognises that more needs to be done -- not just to secure fairness at work but to rebuild the UK's economy and industry.
So, at the request of Jeremy Corbyn and Ian Lavery, the IER drafted a contribution to the review, using 15 of its academic and legal experts. At the heart of our proposals is the need to ensure the voice of the UK’s 31 million workers is heard & respected -- in government (via a ministry of labour), in the economy (via a national economic forum) and in industry (via sectoral employment commissions).
The manifesto offers 25 major policy recommendations for consideration.
It proposes changing the way in which working conditions are regulated. It moves responsibility for workplace regulation from legislation to collective bargaining.
It calls for the repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016, the removal of tribunal fees and the introduction of fundamental & enforceable rights for workers, enforceable in a labour court with the assistance of labour inspectors.
The Thatcher concept of individual rights for individual workers has to go. It does little for workers, it’s costly to enforce and it fails to deliver fairness at work.
IER’s manifesto offers a system based on the collective voice of workers, negotiating collectively agreed standards & delivering collectively enforced fairness at work.
A new framework of labour law should be built on the following 10 points:
A ministry of labour
A national economic forum
Sectoral employment commissions
Sectoral collective agreements and wages councils’ orders
Workplace bargaining
A strengthened framework of statutory employment rights
Labour courts and labour inspectors
Employment tribunals
Stronger support for freedom of association and collective rights
The right to strike
Carolyn Jones is director of the Institue of Employment Rights
A manifesto for labour law: Towards a comprehensive revision of workers’ rights --- is available from IER. Go to www.ier.org.uk for more information.
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Why Labour is putting energy reform at the heart of its green agenda Jeremy Corbyn
No issue better connects the environment to people’s lives than energy. To deliver clean, affordable electricity,we need to change our undemocratic system of supply.
We are on course for a climate catastrophe. 2016 is set to be the hottest year on record. Unless the Paris agreement’s target of limiting the rise in temperatures by 1.5C is met, heatwaves like that in 2003, which killed tens of thousands of people in Europe, will become the norm. And that's before considering rising sea levels and desertification, that will sink cities, and kill and displace millions, or the fact that the Earth has already lost half its wildlife, in the past 40 years.
The task for politicians is to propose real solutions to the single most important issue facing humanity. Too often, the environment is considered a matter for scientists, enthusiasts & activists. To increase public understanding and energise the political debate, we need more than facts – we need a programme that resonates with people’s every- day experiences, offering not just warnings, but opportunities and improvement.
No issue better connects the environment to people’s lives than energy. In Britain today, 7 million households struggle to pay their bills because of spiralling costs, while the big six energy companies have seen their profits rise by more than tenfold since 2007. The energy market is not just expensive, inefficient and polluting – it is, above all, undemocratic.
In order to deliver clean, affordable heating and electricity we need to change the whole system of energy supply. When energy is driven by the needs of people, it will be greener – because saving the planet is in the interests of everyone.
That is why I am today announcing a bold new set of policies which will pioneer a democratic, community- led system of energy supply. Over the course of the next parliament, we will use public investment and legislation to promote the creation of over 200 local energy companies, giving towns, cities & localities the powers they need to drive a clean, locally accountable energy system with public, not-for-profit companies.
At the heart of this policy will be a new generation of community energy co-operatives. We will create 1,000 of these co-operatives with the support of a network of regional development banks, and legislate to give them the right to sell energy directly to the communities they serve.
At the same time as building a new publicly run, locally accountable energy system, we will invest in the high quality homes & insulation needed to make Britain environmentally sustainable. We will create a National Home Insulation programme to insulate at least 4m homes to energy efficiency standard B or C. In the private rented sector, we will set compulsory standards at the same level & end the misery of cold rented accommodation. This would save millions of people money on their bills as well as saving energy that is currently wasted on poorly insulated homes.
In order to have any hope of keeping the rise in temperature to 2C – let alone meeting our Paris agreement target of 1.5C – we need to keep 80% of fossil fuels in the ground. This can and must be done. Scotland is already on course to generate 100% of its electricity by renewables, & Britain has an ample supply of wind & water. In government, I'll commit to generating 65% of Britain’s electricity from these sources by 2030.
All of these measures will create secure, skilled employment for hundreds of thousands of people. As part of our transition to a low-carbon economy, we estimate that we will create 316,000 jobs in wind, solar and wave power. We'll use a £500bn national investment programme, with a National Investment Bank and a network of regional development banks, to ensure that these jobs and opportunities are created in places where they are most needed – in coastal towns and areas with high unemployment.
Too often, environmental catastrophe is explained in the same terms as an asteroid hitting the earth. But the problems and the solutions are political – they are about the prioritisation of profit over the needs of people and, at the heart of it all, a lack of democracy in how decisions are made. By democratising our energy supply, and giving people power over their own destinies, we can rebuild and transform Britain so that no one and no community, is left behind.
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Together --- Stronger!
Change, when it comes, will not come from Westminster. The campaign to save our NHS must become a visible reality on every high street and a priority for Labour members.
The NHS is at breaking point, and as Keep Our NHS Public secretary John Lister says: “by 2020 it will all be over.”
To reverse the damage of four more years of A&E closures, outsourced or pared-down services and reduced access, could verge on the impossible.
MPs who obsess over the need to attract Tory voters may find that the champions who saved a local A&E win more hearts and minds than a lorryload of anti-immigration mugs ever could.
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HELP JOHN DUNN
John Dunn, ex-miner and a Labour Party member for 45 years, was blocked from voting for Corbyn, because he challenged Owen Smith for exploiting the legacy of Orgreave for electoral purposes.
He has been told he is suspended from the Labour Party.
John says: "45 years continuous membership and they couldn't even address me by my name"
It looks like the NEC are creating their very own blacklist.
Labour grew hugely under Corbyn and the ''guess'' is --- most of new members were Corbyn supporters.
A DREAM COME TRUE
Support for Jeremy Corbyn from Tyrone O’Sullivan, a fourth-generation south Wales miner, who led a workers’ buy-out of Tower Colliery, to save it from closure.
"I’ve been close to Jeremy since the miners’ strike. Knowing the man, knowing his abilities and his education, it was a dream come true for me when he became leader. His ideas and values are more necessary, here in south Wales, than probably anywhere else in the country. He wanted victory for Labour, but only under our terms - for a change."
O’Sullivan, a lifelong Labour member, says Jeremy is the only true socialist we have had as leader --- for 20 or 30 years.
____________________________________
PEOPLE DESERVE RESPECT
Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership opponent flaunted his contempt for democracy by backing a second referendum on UK membership of the EU.
And MPs pressured Jeremy Corbyn to resign, by constant smears, media lies and attacks on Labour's membership !!!
No wonder the Unite policy conference has overwhelmingly backed mandatory reselection of MPs - to ensure genuine democratic accountability in the party.
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Unite pushes for reselection of MPs by Conrad Landin
Candidates ‘should reflect members’ views’
Labour's largest affiliate is now behind the push for mandatory reselection of MPs, as Jeremy Corbyn critics have “destabilised” the party, to ditch anti-austerity policies.
Delegates at general union Unite’s conference are resolved to support the approach, in order “to ensure democratic accountability, and the rights of party members to select candidates that reflect their views.”
Currently, sitting MPs are only subject to a “trigger ballot” -- where they automatically become the candidate -- unless a super- majority of branches in the constituency support a new selection.
London and eastern region's delegate, Kevin Parslow: “The current trigger mechanism is difficult, & weighted in favour of the incumbent.
“We put ourselves up as reps and branch officers for election regularly.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for MPs to put themselves up for re-selection. They should be accountable to us, and not to Murdoch’s press: they're there because they have the Labour Party name on the ballot paper.”
Mike Hedges, another London delegate: “Four weeks ago I would have spoken against this motion--- but after the treachery of 172 MPs --- we have no option.”
The union’s leaders are also mandated to “support moves to bring more democracy into policy-making -- by returning powers to the party conference.”
A Unite spokesperson:
“This vote simply reflects the immense frustration that our members feel. They look at the conduct of some within the party, the challenge to the elected leader, and they feel angered.
“They want Labour fighting the Tories, not among themselves.”
KEEP FIGHTING FOR MORE DEMOCRACY!
Momentum and Labour are engaged in a huge consultation to expand democracy in Labour...
WHY NOT PASTE THE LINK BELOW AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION?
http://www.peoplesmomentum.com/democracy-review
* * *
With 640,000 members - and a huge 200,00 joining in just 2 weeks- Labour was the largest left-wing party in Europe.
If you haven't done so already, join Labour, join Momentum, and let's rebuild #BuildOurMovement.
join.labour.org.uk
join.peoplesmomentum.com
_________________________________
GMB Wins Lidl Recognition by Peter Lazenby Ruling affects hundreds of warehouse staff
The Star - General union GMB has won a landmark legal ruling giving hundreds of warehouse workers at giant cut-price supermarket chain Lidl the right to be represented by the union.
The German-owned chain opposes union recognition and resisted the union’s claim.
But the Central Arbitration Committee, whose decisions are legally binding, supported the GMB case, and gave the union full rights to represent and negotiate on behalf of its 223 members among warehouse workers at Bridgend, south Wales.
GMB now presses ahead with its campaign for recognition at 8 more Lidl warehouses across England and Scotland.
National secretary Justin Bowden says: “Lidl’s attempts at union-busting were quite properly thrown out by the judge --- in a massive victory for rights at work.
“[Wednesday’s] ruling opens the gates to not only improving employees’ pay & terms and conditions at the Bridgend site, but is also a major victory for the GMB’s campaign for a trade union voice at the workplace.
“The suggestion that Lidl’s workers don't need the option of a trade union to stick up for them and fight for their interests is baloney, pure and simple.
“As a result of today’s ruling, employees will get the chance to decide for them- selves, if the company’s own ‘personal personnel hotline’ is any match for an independent union taking their side & defending their interests in the workplace.”
GMB Wales and south-west regional secretary John Phillips adds: “Regrettably, Lidl continues to show both hostility towards GMB & shameful disregard for the wishes of its own workforce, with expensive challenges against fair and objective decisions made by independent third-party organisations.”
Lidl is also resisting attempts by shop workers’ union Usdaw to recruit and represent staff in its supermarkets.
An Usdaw spokesperson said: “Lidl will not even let our representatives into stores, to talk to staff.”
Lidl has 637 stores & 9 regional distribution centres --- employing over 18,000 staff. Its ambitions to expand in Britain, could see it more than double in size --- with plans for 1,500 stores & 2 more distribution centres.
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Tax offices’ own cleaners don’t get minimum wage
Cleaners at 6 government offices on Mersey- side walked out over their employer’s failure to pay them the legal minimum wage.
The staff began the two-day strike, because they have not received that £7.20-an-hour rate the government introduced on April 1.
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Wales: 50,000 days lost due to teacher stress
The number of teachers off sick due to stress in Wales has soared by thousands in just one year, new research shows.
Stress-related illness caused the 51,795 sick days: an increase of 2,568 on 2014, freedom of information figures revealed.
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Unions stood by Corbyn & McDonnell
The entire labour movement could have been concentrating all of our efforts - on bringing down this mean government.
Instead, 172 Labour MPs launched an attempted coup on Corbyn. If it's true that Angela Smith MP described the 10,000 activists, including general secretaries of affiliated trade unions, who were at a recent pro-Corbyn rally, as “dogs,” --- then serious questions need to be asked about the relationship between the PLP and the trade union movement.
Every trade union in Britain has regular elections for shop stewards, branch secretaries, and their general secretary.
It's time those who fund the Labour Party demanded the same level of democracy for sitting MPs.
Anything less than a mandatory reselection of MPs before every parliament is now untenable.
Let’s get this straight: none of these MPs backed Corbyn for leader, most of them abstained in the Welfare Reform Bill, many of them voted for the Iraq war, & to this day, hero-worship Tony Blair.
The 172 Labour MPs aren't just trying to change the Labour leader -- they are plotting to drag the movement back to a Blairite view of politics.
The vote of no confidence wasn't just an attempt to oust Corbyn --- it was a declaration of war on the entire organised left.
The gloves are off and there’s no going back. Everyone will need to decide: which side are you on? I stand with Corbyn and McDonnell.
Dave Smith is co-author, with Phil Chamberlain, of Blacklisted: The Secret War between Big Business and Trade Unionists, (New Internationalist Publications).
________________________________
RMT: We Must Fight Assault On Our Rights Union ‘disappointed’ with lack of action from TUC
Unions should move to take “generalised” strike action: with or without a go-ahead from the TUC, RMT activists insisted.
The union was meeting in Cardiff that week --- but you wouldn't know it, if you'd read the Welsh press!
Delegates at the transport union’s annual general meeting in Cardiff expressed disappointment that fiery rhetoric about defeating new anti-strike laws was not followed up with action.
The union unanimously passed a motion expressing concern at the TUC’s “lack of campaigning” on the issue and called for a “high-profile campaign.”
Leeds delegate Trevor Howard said: “Personally, my own view is that the TUC is a waste of space and it needs to be reorganised.”
The Trade Union Act, which received Royal Assent last month, imposes arbitrary thresholds on strike ballots & other curbs on labour movement activity.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It’s fundamentally undemocratic when you put these thresholds in.”
He said unions must respond to the law by ramping up their organising. “Whatever we do, we’ve got to make sure we get our members’ support,” he said.
And he praised Jeremy Corbyn’s Workplace 2020 agenda, which aims to introduce new labour rights.
“What we need to be doing is turning the tables,” he added: “We’ve got to get an alternative to this legislation --- to get us positive rights.”
Cash blasts ‘self-indulgent MPs’ for sabotaging left’s moment
“Self-indulgent” Labour MPs have squandered the left’s best moment to go on the offensive, RMT's general secretary, Mick Cash, stressed.
He used his address to the transport union’s annual general meeting to warn of “massive fights ahead” amid “political and economic turmoil.”
He said the divisions in the Tory Party and shockwaves in the world of capital should have been an opportunity for the left to get its message across. But he said this had been sabotaged by the frontbenchers resigning and calling for Jeremy Corbyn’s head.
He fumed: “What have they done? Self-indulgence. They’ve created division, they created a lack of leadership of progressive forces.
“They’ve created a situation where, if we’re not careful, we’ll have a Tory government ------ and worse, a Tory government supported by Ukip.
“We need to seize the opportunity to put forward an agenda to fight against austerity, against cuts and for workers’ rights. But that won’t happen if our politicians in London are playing the game they’re playing.
“Ordinary working people are sick of the political class and what they’re doing --- and yet they’re doing it again.”
_______________________________________
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.
