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Showing posts with label EU. Show all posts

Whoever Bola A. Tinubu that attended Chicago state University never graduated (VIDEO)

Whoever Bola A. Tinubu that attended Chicago state University never graduated (VIDEO)

 US, EU, OTHERS ASK TINUBU TO VACATE ASO ROCKS


 US, EU, OTHERS ASK TINUBU TO VACATE ASO ROCKS


Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s rise to the top job in Britain marks a historic moment

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s rise to the top job in Britain marks a historic moment


Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who warned that Liz Truss’s economic plans for Britain were a “fairy tale,” is now the new Prime Minister of the UK taking over the world’s sixth-biggest economy at a time of deep financial and political turbulence.


Mr. Sunak’s rise to the top job in Britain marks a historic moment. 

The grandson of Indian immigrants to Britain, the 42-year-old will be the first person of color and the first Hindu to lead the U.K. He will also be the youngest prime minister since Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool, in 1812. 


The former hedge-fund manager arrives with a mandate to bring calm to the ruling Conservative Party following a period of unparalleled chaos that will see the country run by three prime ministers in seven weeks—a first for the U.K. 


Mr. Sunak takes over from Ms. Truss, who became the shortest-serving prime minister in British history after her flagship economic program to stimulate the economy with tax cuts at a time of high inflation was rejected by investors, causing the pound to sink to a record low and the Bank of England to intervene in bond markets to stabilize the price of U.K. government debt. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who warned that Liz Truss’s economic plans for Britain were a “fairy tale,” is now the new Prime Minister of the UK taking over the world’s sixth-biggest economy at a time of deep financial and political turbulence.


Mr. Sunak’s rise to the top job in Britain marks a historic moment. 

The grandson of Indian immigrants to Britain, the 42-year-old will be the first person of color and the first Hindu to lead the U.K. He will also be the youngest prime minister since Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool, in 1812. 


The former hedge-fund manager arrives with a mandate to bring calm to the ruling Conservative Party following a period of unparalleled chaos that will see the country run by three prime ministers in seven weeks—a first for the U.K. 


Mr. Sunak takes over from Ms. Truss, who became the shortest-serving prime minister in British history after her flagship economic program to stimulate the economy with tax cuts at a time of high inflation was rejected by investors, causing the pound to sink to a record low and the Bank of England to intervene in bond markets to stabilize the price of U.K. government debt.


Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who warned that Liz Truss’s economic plans for Britain were a “fairy tale,” is now the new Prime Minister of the UK taking over the world’s sixth-biggest economy at a time of deep financial and political turbulence.


Mr. Sunak’s rise to the top job in Britain marks a historic moment. 

The grandson of Indian immigrants to Britain, the 42-year-old will be the first person of color and the first Hindu to lead the U.K. He will also be the youngest prime minister since Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool, in 1812. 


The former hedge-fund manager arrives with a mandate to bring calm to the ruling Conservative Party following a period of unparalleled chaos that will see the country run by three prime ministers in seven weeks—a first for the U.K. 


Mr. Sunak takes over from Ms. Truss, who became the shortest-serving prime minister in British history after her flagship economic program to stimulate the economy with tax cuts at a time of high inflation was rejected by investors, causing the pound to sink to a record low and the Bank of England to intervene in bond markets to stabilize the price of U.K. government debt. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who warned that Liz Truss’s economic plans for Britain were a “fairy tale,” is now the new Prime Minister of the UK taking over the world’s sixth-biggest economy at a time of deep financial and political turbulence.


Mr. Sunak’s rise to the top job in Britain marks a historic moment. 

The grandson of Indian immigrants to Britain, the 42-year-old will be the first person of color and the first Hindu to lead the U.K. He will also be the youngest prime minister since Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool, in 1812. 


The former hedge-fund manager arrives with a mandate to bring calm to the ruling Conservative Party following a period of unparalleled chaos that will see the country run by three prime ministers in seven weeks—a first for the U.K. 


Mr. Sunak takes over from Ms. Truss, who became the shortest-serving prime minister in British history after her flagship economic program to stimulate the economy with tax cuts at a time of high inflation was rejected by investors, causing the pound to sink to a record low and the Bank of England to intervene in bond markets to stabilize the price of U.K. government debt.

Russia Sanctions: German economy faces wave of bankruptcies — banking chief

Russia Sanctions: German economy faces wave of bankruptcies — banking chief

German industrial production dropped beyond expectations


Aggressive sanctions against Russia are sending financial shockwaves through Germany





Germany will be battered with a wave of bankruptcies due to Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia, according to Commerzbank Chief Executive Officer Manfred Knof.

“The energy supply in Germany is at risk, supply chains are breaking down, we have high inflation,” Knof was quoted by the Handelsblatt daily as saying.

According to the executive, almost a third of Germany’s foreign trade has been impacted, forcing companies to navigate complex issues with customers, including surging commodity prices and supply-chain bottlenecks.

“We shouldn’t delude ourselves: the number of insolvencies in our markets will probably increase and the risk provisions of the banks with it,” Knof said.

On Friday, top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc’s foreign ministers will meet next week should member states fail to reach an agreement by the weekend on banning Russian oil.

Brussels unveiled plans for a Russian oil embargo earlier this week. The measure is expected to come into force within nine months, with the timeframe varying for different petroleum products.

Several EU nations including Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are seeking an exemption from the ban.

Already for Germany which is the largest Europe's economy, industrial production dropped more than expected in March, data released on Friday by the country’s statistics office shows. According to Destatis, Covid-related supply chain issues have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

Production slid by 3.9% last month following a 0.1% increase in February, far outstripping expectations of a one-percent decline. On an annual basis, industrial output slumped by 3.5% in March following a 3.1% jump the month before.

Manufacturing production lost 4.6% in March and energy production was down 11.4%, while construction output gained 1.1%, according to the data. On Thursday, it was reported that manufacturing orders logged a 4.7% month-on-month decline in March.


The largest drop was recorded for capital goods, used by businesses in production, which tumbled by 8.3%.

“In these politically and economically difficult times, the decrease also shows a growing reluctance to invest,” the statistics office said in a statement.

Foreign orders from outside the eurozone nosedived 13.2% in March, while demand from inside the area strengthened by 5.6%. Domestic orders edged down by 1.8%.

“Many enterprises still have problems completing their orders because of interruptions in supply chains, which is due to continuing Covid-19 crisis restrictions and the war in Ukraine,” Destatis said.

German industrial production dropped beyond expectations


Aggressive sanctions against Russia are sending financial shockwaves through Germany





Germany will be battered with a wave of bankruptcies due to Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia, according to Commerzbank Chief Executive Officer Manfred Knof.

“The energy supply in Germany is at risk, supply chains are breaking down, we have high inflation,” Knof was quoted by the Handelsblatt daily as saying.

According to the executive, almost a third of Germany’s foreign trade has been impacted, forcing companies to navigate complex issues with customers, including surging commodity prices and supply-chain bottlenecks.

“We shouldn’t delude ourselves: the number of insolvencies in our markets will probably increase and the risk provisions of the banks with it,” Knof said.

On Friday, top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc’s foreign ministers will meet next week should member states fail to reach an agreement by the weekend on banning Russian oil.

Brussels unveiled plans for a Russian oil embargo earlier this week. The measure is expected to come into force within nine months, with the timeframe varying for different petroleum products.

Several EU nations including Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are seeking an exemption from the ban.

Already for Germany which is the largest Europe's economy, industrial production dropped more than expected in March, data released on Friday by the country’s statistics office shows. According to Destatis, Covid-related supply chain issues have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

Production slid by 3.9% last month following a 0.1% increase in February, far outstripping expectations of a one-percent decline. On an annual basis, industrial output slumped by 3.5% in March following a 3.1% jump the month before.

Manufacturing production lost 4.6% in March and energy production was down 11.4%, while construction output gained 1.1%, according to the data. On Thursday, it was reported that manufacturing orders logged a 4.7% month-on-month decline in March.


The largest drop was recorded for capital goods, used by businesses in production, which tumbled by 8.3%.

“In these politically and economically difficult times, the decrease also shows a growing reluctance to invest,” the statistics office said in a statement.

Foreign orders from outside the eurozone nosedived 13.2% in March, while demand from inside the area strengthened by 5.6%. Domestic orders edged down by 1.8%.

“Many enterprises still have problems completing their orders because of interruptions in supply chains, which is due to continuing Covid-19 crisis restrictions and the war in Ukraine,” Destatis said.

How Irregular movements of Russian troops, equipments near Ukraine border prompt concern in U.S., Europe

How Irregular movements of Russian troops, equipments near Ukraine border prompt concern in U.S., Europe


Washington Post reports at the weekend confirmed that  a renewed buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border has raised concern among some officials in the United States and Europe who are tracking what they consider irregular movements of equipment and personnel on Russia’s western flank.


Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence ministry on Monday denied any media report of a Russian military buildup near its border, saying it had not observed an increase in forces or weaponry, Reuters reported on Monday


"As of November 1, 2021, an additional transfer of Russian units, weapons and military equipment to the state border of Ukraine was not recorded," the Ukrainian defence ministry said in a statement.


However, accordint to the WP reports, the US  officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the troop movements have reignited concerns that arose in april, when the largest buildup of troops by russia near the ukrainian border in years sparked an international outcry.


The renewed movements of russian forces in the area come as the kremlin embraces a harder line on ukraine. Russian officials from president Vladimir Putin on down have escalated their rhetoric in recent months, attacking kyiv’s western ties and even questioning its sovereignty. 


Putin has warned that any expansion of NATO military infrastructure on ukrainiayn territory represents a “red line” for moscow.


The situation also comes as the simmering 7½-year conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in the eastern Donbas region enters a new stage. On Oct. 26, Ukraine’s military confirmed it had used a Turkish-made drone against a position in Donbas, the first time Kyiv has employed the technology in combat, prompting an outcry from Moscow.


Relations between Moscow and NATO are especially tense. Russia suspended its mission to NATO in Brussels on Oct. 18 after the alliance expelled eight members of the Russian mission on accusations of espionage.


What the Russian forces gathering near the Ukrainian border are doing is unclear.


Videos have surfaced on social media in recent days showing Russian military trains and convoys moving large quantities of military hardware, including tanks and missiles, in southern and western Russia.

"The point is: It is not a drill. It doesn’t appear to be a training exercise. Something is happening. What is it?” said Michael Kofman, director of the Russia studies program at the Virginia-based nonprofit analysis group CNA.

Officials in the United States and Europe began noticing the movements particularly in recent weeks, after Russia concluded a massive joint military exercise with Belarus known as Zapad 2021 on its western flank in mid-September.

According to Kofman, publicly available satellite imagery shows that forces from Russia’s 41st Combined Arms Army, normally based in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, didn’t return to Siberia after the exercises, and instead linked up with other Russian forces near the Ukrainian border. Kofman also said footage posted online appears to show that Russia’s 1st Guards Tank Army, an elite unit based outside Moscow, is moving personnel and materiel toward Ukraine.


Read more on Washington Post


Washington Post reports at the weekend confirmed that  a renewed buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border has raised concern among some officials in the United States and Europe who are tracking what they consider irregular movements of equipment and personnel on Russia’s western flank.


Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence ministry on Monday denied any media report of a Russian military buildup near its border, saying it had not observed an increase in forces or weaponry, Reuters reported on Monday


"As of November 1, 2021, an additional transfer of Russian units, weapons and military equipment to the state border of Ukraine was not recorded," the Ukrainian defence ministry said in a statement.


However, accordint to the WP reports, the US  officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the troop movements have reignited concerns that arose in april, when the largest buildup of troops by russia near the ukrainian border in years sparked an international outcry.


The renewed movements of russian forces in the area come as the kremlin embraces a harder line on ukraine. Russian officials from president Vladimir Putin on down have escalated their rhetoric in recent months, attacking kyiv’s western ties and even questioning its sovereignty. 


Putin has warned that any expansion of NATO military infrastructure on ukrainiayn territory represents a “red line” for moscow.


The situation also comes as the simmering 7½-year conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in the eastern Donbas region enters a new stage. On Oct. 26, Ukraine’s military confirmed it had used a Turkish-made drone against a position in Donbas, the first time Kyiv has employed the technology in combat, prompting an outcry from Moscow.


Relations between Moscow and NATO are especially tense. Russia suspended its mission to NATO in Brussels on Oct. 18 after the alliance expelled eight members of the Russian mission on accusations of espionage.


What the Russian forces gathering near the Ukrainian border are doing is unclear.


Videos have surfaced on social media in recent days showing Russian military trains and convoys moving large quantities of military hardware, including tanks and missiles, in southern and western Russia.

"The point is: It is not a drill. It doesn’t appear to be a training exercise. Something is happening. What is it?” said Michael Kofman, director of the Russia studies program at the Virginia-based nonprofit analysis group CNA.

Officials in the United States and Europe began noticing the movements particularly in recent weeks, after Russia concluded a massive joint military exercise with Belarus known as Zapad 2021 on its western flank in mid-September.

According to Kofman, publicly available satellite imagery shows that forces from Russia’s 41st Combined Arms Army, normally based in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, didn’t return to Siberia after the exercises, and instead linked up with other Russian forces near the Ukrainian border. Kofman also said footage posted online appears to show that Russia’s 1st Guards Tank Army, an elite unit based outside Moscow, is moving personnel and materiel toward Ukraine.


Read more on Washington Post

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez hallows EU to temporarily host some evacuated Afghan nationals in Spain

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez hallows EU to temporarily host some evacuated Afghan nationals in Spain


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed his government’s intention to temporarily host evacuated Afghan nationals who have worked for the European Union.

“Spain offers the high representative of the EU Josep Borrell to temporarily host Afghans who have worked for the European Union, before they are distributed among the member states,” Sánchez tweeted Tuesday.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come after a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan.

In an earlier statement, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Member States would make “every possible effort” to ensure the security of all Afghan nationals who have worked with the EU, including offering them shelter within Europe.


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed his government’s intention to temporarily host evacuated Afghan nationals who have worked for the European Union.

“Spain offers the high representative of the EU Josep Borrell to temporarily host Afghans who have worked for the European Union, before they are distributed among the member states,” Sánchez tweeted Tuesday.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come after a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan.

In an earlier statement, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Member States would make “every possible effort” to ensure the security of all Afghan nationals who have worked with the EU, including offering them shelter within Europe.

Mass protests against coronavirus restrictions hit Berlin

Mass protests against coronavirus restrictions hit Berlin

The position of the anti-COVID protesters does not correspond to the position of the government and health authorities. Sputnik

The position of the anti-COVID protesters does not correspond to the position of the government and health authorities. Sputnik

Igboho: What can you do as an Individual? Call the following.....

Igboho: What can you do as an Individual? Call the following.....

 APAPO OODUA KOYA, (AOKOYA) provides the direct lines of relevant Western Ambassadors in Benin Republic. 



Text them.Call them.Tell them Igboho is a hero resisting terrorism in Nigeria and their extremist backers within Nigerian Govt. Tell them Igboho-s house was invaded and 2 people killed. Those arrested were transferred to Abuja and being tortured. If they bring him to Nigeria, chances are that he will be killed


US Ambassador in Benin: 22921300650


Germany Ambassador in Benin: 22921312962 Fax


Tel: 229 21312967  and 229 21 31 2968



French Ambassador in Benin: 229 21 36 55 33

The more the calls, the merrier.

Issued By Apapo Oodua Koya (AOKOYA) Public Education Bureau

 APAPO OODUA KOYA, (AOKOYA) provides the direct lines of relevant Western Ambassadors in Benin Republic. 



Text them.Call them.Tell them Igboho is a hero resisting terrorism in Nigeria and their extremist backers within Nigerian Govt. Tell them Igboho-s house was invaded and 2 people killed. Those arrested were transferred to Abuja and being tortured. If they bring him to Nigeria, chances are that he will be killed


US Ambassador in Benin: 22921300650


Germany Ambassador in Benin: 22921312962 Fax


Tel: 229 21312967  and 229 21 31 2968



French Ambassador in Benin: 229 21 36 55 33

The more the calls, the merrier.

Issued By Apapo Oodua Koya (AOKOYA) Public Education Bureau

LIFT TWITTER BAN NOW: World Leaders Warns Nigerian Dictator Major General Muhammadu Buhari

LIFT TWITTER BAN NOW: World Leaders Warns Nigerian Dictator Major General Muhammadu Buhari


The Federal Government of  Nigeria Meeting with Envoys of US, UK, EU, Canada, and Other Countries Ended With Nigerian Govt Warned To End Twitter Ban in the Next 48 Hours. 


It is also not new to the public that the BUHARI REGIME met With CHINA'S' Cyber Regulator to Build Nigerian Internet Firewall. Thus, opening Doors for China to SPY on Nigerians Legally.


The U.S. and the European Union voiced concern over Nigeria's decision to indefinitely ban Twitter after the U.S. social media giant deleted a tweet from the president's account for violating its rules. 


International human rights groups have also condemned the move, which followed previous attempts by the government of Africa's most populous country to regulate social media. 


Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. 


The diplomatic missions of the EU, U.S., Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. 


"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. 


"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."  


"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. 


More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organization based in Nigeria. 


The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. 


The government's suspension came after Twitter on Wednesday deleted a remark on President Muhammadu Buhari's account in which he referred to the country's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. 


The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. 


'Misinformation' 


"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. 


The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.   


"There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences," a presidency spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement.   


Shehu said the removal of Buhari's tweet was "disappointing" and said "major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities." 


Twitter said it was "deeply concerned by the blocking of Twitter in Nigeria." 


"Access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society.  


We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world. #KeepitOn," the company said in a statement. 


"VPN app" was the second most searched trend Saturday on Google in Nigeria, as virtual private networks can enable Twitter users to bypass the ban. 


Nigeria warned however that it would prosecute violators. 


"Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has directed for immediate prosecution of offenders of the Federal Government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria," spokesman Umar Jibrilu Gwandu said. 


Amnesty International condemned the ban, calling on Nigeria to "immediately reverse the unlawful suspension."


"This repressive action is a clear attempt to censor dissent & stifle the civic space," Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang said.

 

#June12Protest #BuhariMustGo #RevolutionNow



The Federal Government of  Nigeria Meeting with Envoys of US, UK, EU, Canada, and Other Countries Ended With Nigerian Govt Warned To End Twitter Ban in the Next 48 Hours. 


It is also not new to the public that the BUHARI REGIME met With CHINA'S' Cyber Regulator to Build Nigerian Internet Firewall. Thus, opening Doors for China to SPY on Nigerians Legally.


The U.S. and the European Union voiced concern over Nigeria's decision to indefinitely ban Twitter after the U.S. social media giant deleted a tweet from the president's account for violating its rules. 


International human rights groups have also condemned the move, which followed previous attempts by the government of Africa's most populous country to regulate social media. 


Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. 


The diplomatic missions of the EU, U.S., Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. 


"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. 


"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."  


"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. 


More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organization based in Nigeria. 


The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. 


The government's suspension came after Twitter on Wednesday deleted a remark on President Muhammadu Buhari's account in which he referred to the country's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. 


The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. 


'Misinformation' 


"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. 


The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.   


"There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real world violent consequences," a presidency spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement.   


Shehu said the removal of Buhari's tweet was "disappointing" and said "major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities." 


Twitter said it was "deeply concerned by the blocking of Twitter in Nigeria." 


"Access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential human right in modern society.  


We will work to restore access for all those in Nigeria who rely on Twitter to communicate and connect with the world. #KeepitOn," the company said in a statement. 


"VPN app" was the second most searched trend Saturday on Google in Nigeria, as virtual private networks can enable Twitter users to bypass the ban. 


Nigeria warned however that it would prosecute violators. 


"Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has directed for immediate prosecution of offenders of the Federal Government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria," spokesman Umar Jibrilu Gwandu said. 


Amnesty International condemned the ban, calling on Nigeria to "immediately reverse the unlawful suspension."


"This repressive action is a clear attempt to censor dissent & stifle the civic space," Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang said.

 

#June12Protest #BuhariMustGo #RevolutionNow


ACIS-M SUPPORTS the Declaration of denunciation of the International Relations Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power of the Republic of Cuba before a new maneuver by the European Parliament

ACIS-M SUPPORTS the Declaration of denunciation of the International Relations Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power of the Republic of Cuba before a new maneuver by the European Parliament


We have learned to our disgust that a small group of MEP’s servile to Washington have placed an item on the agenda of the next plenary session of the European Parliament (8 June) regarding the “Political Situation and Human Rights in Cuba”.


They are seeking the adoption of a resolution against our country based on distortion of the reality we are living; they are determined to sever the bonds that unite us with the European Union and to block implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement currently being negotiated on the basis of mutual respect and equality between our states.

Such actions come as no surprise to us; they reflect the double standards, the discriminatory approach that is their hallmark.

They feign concern for human rights in Cuba, a free, independent, sovereign, democratic nation that embraces social justice and human solidarity, whose people decide their destinies and where - based on an inviolable principle enunciated by José MartÍ and enshrined in our constitution - the first law of the Republic is the Cubans’ cult of the full dignity of Man.

It is strange that, being so exercised by the human rights situation in Cuba, they have not convened the European Parliament to consider the main violation of human rights suffered by our people, namely the genocidal blockade imposed on our country for the last 62 years and intensified to incredible levels in the midst of a pandemic and a global economic crisis; a blockade which also affects European citizens - notably their entrepreneurs.

They are also acting in total indifference to flagrant violations of such rights in America and other countries, some European, which during the last 12 months have seen a rising trend in police brutality, the application of policies that discriminate against migrants, speeches inciting hatred and promoting supremacist ideas, curtailment of freedom of the press and freedom of expression, accompanied by manifestations of racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance.

Be aware that those behind this maneuver do not represent the totality of the MEPs. These politicized exercises serve external interests seeking to compromise the EU’s autonomy in matters of foreign policy.

*We respectfully call on the MEPs not to acquiesce in this duplicitous stratagem, to put a stop to the maneuver. Havana, June 4, 2021, 63rd year of the Revolution, International Relations Commission. National Assembly of the People’s Power.*

*THE CUBAN REVOLUTION WILL OUTLIVE ALL SUCH INSIDIOUS POLICIES & FALSEHOODS!*


We have learned to our disgust that a small group of MEP’s servile to Washington have placed an item on the agenda of the next plenary session of the European Parliament (8 June) regarding the “Political Situation and Human Rights in Cuba”.


They are seeking the adoption of a resolution against our country based on distortion of the reality we are living; they are determined to sever the bonds that unite us with the European Union and to block implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement currently being negotiated on the basis of mutual respect and equality between our states.

Such actions come as no surprise to us; they reflect the double standards, the discriminatory approach that is their hallmark.

They feign concern for human rights in Cuba, a free, independent, sovereign, democratic nation that embraces social justice and human solidarity, whose people decide their destinies and where - based on an inviolable principle enunciated by José MartÍ and enshrined in our constitution - the first law of the Republic is the Cubans’ cult of the full dignity of Man.

It is strange that, being so exercised by the human rights situation in Cuba, they have not convened the European Parliament to consider the main violation of human rights suffered by our people, namely the genocidal blockade imposed on our country for the last 62 years and intensified to incredible levels in the midst of a pandemic and a global economic crisis; a blockade which also affects European citizens - notably their entrepreneurs.

They are also acting in total indifference to flagrant violations of such rights in America and other countries, some European, which during the last 12 months have seen a rising trend in police brutality, the application of policies that discriminate against migrants, speeches inciting hatred and promoting supremacist ideas, curtailment of freedom of the press and freedom of expression, accompanied by manifestations of racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance.

Be aware that those behind this maneuver do not represent the totality of the MEPs. These politicized exercises serve external interests seeking to compromise the EU’s autonomy in matters of foreign policy.

*We respectfully call on the MEPs not to acquiesce in this duplicitous stratagem, to put a stop to the maneuver. Havana, June 4, 2021, 63rd year of the Revolution, International Relations Commission. National Assembly of the People’s Power.*

*THE CUBAN REVOLUTION WILL OUTLIVE ALL SUCH INSIDIOUS POLICIES & FALSEHOODS!*

NIGERIA: WHY SCOTLAND AND WALES MOVE TO LEAVE UNITED KINGDOM ?

NIGERIA: WHY SCOTLAND AND WALES MOVE TO LEAVE UNITED KINGDOM ?


What makes a White man different from a black man is his ability to fight for his freedom by any means necessary.


So in Nigeria (and other parts of Africa) we are fighting and killing each other to remain together in an artificial boundary created by United Kingdom, but the same UK left the EU to be on their own. And in the same UK people are fighting to gain their freedom from the Kingdom.


Read on!


The United Kingdom left the European Union so they can have control over their  immigration and borders. They want to be free from the control of Brussels. 


Now Scotland after their first attempt to leave the UK failed is now pushing for a second referendum. Leaders of Scotland says that England has taken advantage of them for far too long. Scots argue that the natural resources in the UK are located in Scotland and yet England shows no regard to them.


Also about 65% of Scots voted to remain in the EU but they can’t since the votes from England overwhelmed theirs. Now, they want to leave UK so they can join back EU.


Wales, after more than 800 years under English conquest wants to be free. They argue that they have lost their identity- only about 21% of the people of Wales can speak Welsh today while 100% of them speaks English. They want to maintain their identity.


For sure, Scotland will leave UK sooner than later because they have the votes. Wales may tarry but eventually they will succeed. Once they do, Northern Ireland will push to join their brother Republic of Ireland and England will be on their own.


Now to stop this from happening- Tony Blair and some Elder Statesmen and Women are pushing for RESTRUCTURING. Devolving of power from England to other Kingdoms. They are proposing a loose union where every Kingdom will be free to pursue their interests but they remain one in principle.


Is this not what we have been pushing for in Nigeria? Restructuring!!! Yet Northern Senators controlling the National Assembly threw it away. 


Why don’t we have sense in Nigeria to see what is coming? The world is tilting towards nationalism once again. 


Restructuring will calm the storm of division in Nigeria. Nigeria cannot function the way it is today. If Restructuring doesn’t happen or the process started from now till 2023 it will be too late.


Each ethnic nationality should vote for who will represent them in a National Negotiation Conference. Let us renegotiate the state of the union.


Author: Anonymous


What makes a White man different from a black man is his ability to fight for his freedom by any means necessary.


So in Nigeria (and other parts of Africa) we are fighting and killing each other to remain together in an artificial boundary created by United Kingdom, but the same UK left the EU to be on their own. And in the same UK people are fighting to gain their freedom from the Kingdom.


Read on!


The United Kingdom left the European Union so they can have control over their  immigration and borders. They want to be free from the control of Brussels. 


Now Scotland after their first attempt to leave the UK failed is now pushing for a second referendum. Leaders of Scotland says that England has taken advantage of them for far too long. Scots argue that the natural resources in the UK are located in Scotland and yet England shows no regard to them.


Also about 65% of Scots voted to remain in the EU but they can’t since the votes from England overwhelmed theirs. Now, they want to leave UK so they can join back EU.


Wales, after more than 800 years under English conquest wants to be free. They argue that they have lost their identity- only about 21% of the people of Wales can speak Welsh today while 100% of them speaks English. They want to maintain their identity.


For sure, Scotland will leave UK sooner than later because they have the votes. Wales may tarry but eventually they will succeed. Once they do, Northern Ireland will push to join their brother Republic of Ireland and England will be on their own.


Now to stop this from happening- Tony Blair and some Elder Statesmen and Women are pushing for RESTRUCTURING. Devolving of power from England to other Kingdoms. They are proposing a loose union where every Kingdom will be free to pursue their interests but they remain one in principle.


Is this not what we have been pushing for in Nigeria? Restructuring!!! Yet Northern Senators controlling the National Assembly threw it away. 


Why don’t we have sense in Nigeria to see what is coming? The world is tilting towards nationalism once again. 


Restructuring will calm the storm of division in Nigeria. Nigeria cannot function the way it is today. If Restructuring doesn’t happen or the process started from now till 2023 it will be too late.


Each ethnic nationality should vote for who will represent them in a National Negotiation Conference. Let us renegotiate the state of the union.


Author: Anonymous

UK's Boris Johnson demands Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's 'immediate release' in phone call with Iranian president

UK's Boris Johnson demands Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's 'immediate release' in phone call with Iranian president


British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has demanded the "immediate release" of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in a phone call with Iran's president.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister spoke to Iranian President Rouhani this afternoon.

"The prime minister raised the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other British-Iranian dual nationals detained in Iran and demanded their immediate release.

"He said that while the removal of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's ankle monitor was welcome, her continued confinement remains completely unacceptable and she must be allowed to return to her family in the UK.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

"The prime minister also stressed that while the UK remains committed to making the Iran nuclear deal a success, Iran must stop all its nuclear activity that breaches the terms of the JCPoA and come back into compliance.

"He stressed the importance of Iran seizing the opportunity presented by the United States' willingness to return to the deal if Iran comes back into compliance.

"The prime minister underlined the need for Iran to cease wider destabilising activity and be a positive force in the Gulf region."

Source: Skynews

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has demanded the "immediate release" of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in a phone call with Iran's president.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The prime minister spoke to Iranian President Rouhani this afternoon.

"The prime minister raised the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other British-Iranian dual nationals detained in Iran and demanded their immediate release.

"He said that while the removal of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's ankle monitor was welcome, her continued confinement remains completely unacceptable and she must be allowed to return to her family in the UK.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

"The prime minister also stressed that while the UK remains committed to making the Iran nuclear deal a success, Iran must stop all its nuclear activity that breaches the terms of the JCPoA and come back into compliance.

"He stressed the importance of Iran seizing the opportunity presented by the United States' willingness to return to the deal if Iran comes back into compliance.

"The prime minister underlined the need for Iran to cease wider destabilising activity and be a positive force in the Gulf region."

Source: Skynews

How Merkel, German state and Civic leaders plan to improve integration of immigrants into society?

How Merkel, German state and Civic leaders plan to improve integration of immigrants into society?

Merkel

By DW: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and state and civic leaders have finalized a plan to improve the integration of immigrants into society, the education system and the job market. It outlines a road map for the coming decade.

Getting a job might have been once been considered enough to be successfully integrated into society as a foreigner. For Germany, that type of thinking is on its way out.

After nearly three years of planning and discussion, on Tuesday Chancellor Angela Merkel and state and civic leaders announced 100 measures as part of the National Action Plan for Integration.

On measure would introduce "integration scouts," a type of buddy system for apprentices. The idea is for German trainees to mentor non-German trainees so that no one falls through the cracks.

"Real social cohesion takes more than just the absence of hate and violence," Merkel said. "It requires tolerance and openness for one another."

Tuesday marked Merkel's last integration summit before her chancellorship comes to an end with German elections this fall.

Remarking on how the concept of integration had shifted over her time in office, she said, "we've learned that integration doesn't just affect some groups: It affects society as a whole."

Pushing back against pandemic setbacks
The summit, headed by Integration Commissioner Annette Widmann-Mauz, brought together some 120 people representing states, municipalities and civil organizations.  

During a press conference after the summit, Widmann-Mauz stressed the importance, especially during the pandemic, of ensuring an effective integration strategy as soon as possible to secure Germany's role as "an economically strong, modern country of immigration for the future."

"We've achieved a lot over the past few years, and now we must do everything in our power so that the corona pandemic isn't a setback for these achievements," she said.

What is the National Action Plan for Integration?
Launched in 2018, the National Action Plan has the goal of creating a road map for integration in the 2020s.

The project has been a significant undertaking for about 300 partners, who represent states, cities and an estimated 75 migrant organizations.

At its core, the 100-point plan breaks down into five categories that range from pre-integration measures such as setting expectations before a person immigrates to German to bolstering social cohesion through education and social activities.

Tackling discrimination, fostering social cohesion
Discrimination was one of the main focuses of Tuesday's talks. Merkel and other speakers at the press conference following the summit stressed that racially motivated terror attacks such as the 2020 killing spree in Hanau or the murders carried out by the NSU are huge setbacks to creating a safe, inclusive environment in Germany.

Along with violence prevention, the action plan also calls for an expansion of anti-discrimination efforts such as counseling centers that can help people who have, for example, experienced hate speech or found themselves turned away from jobs because of their ethnicity or religion. 

A report released ahead of the summit further called for unified documentation of these cases to better understand how discrimination comes about.  

"Victims of discrimination cannot be abandoned: Their experiences must be taken seriously. To ensure this, they need support from professional anti-discrimination counseling," the head of Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, Bernhard Franke, said in a press statement.

Why is integration such a hot topic in Germany?
Integration has been the focus of many a heated debate in Germany in recent years, sparked in large part by  a historic influx of refugees  between 2015 and 2019. During that period, Germany received more than 1.8 million asylum requests, or roughly 75% of all asylum claims filed over the past decade.  

Discussions about how to handle the logistics of such a large refugee population, hailing primarily from Syria, Afghanistan and parts of Africa, quickly became ensconced in concerns about integration. 

Indeed, concerns about integration reopened questions about the integration of immigrant groups long settled in Germany, particularly Turkish immigrants and their descendants who make up the country's largest minority. Despite an improvement in education rates, this group was, as of 2017, still three times more likely to have trouble finding a job or to rely on state welfare than Germans without Turkish roots, according to an OECD study. 

This gave way to a larger debate spearheaded by immigration organizations and second and third-generation immigrants who called on lawmakers to learn from past integration failures and to promote measures beyond language classes and job placement.  

language classes and job placement.  

04:12 mins.
DW NEWS | 25.08.2020
How have migrants and refugees who arrived in Germany in 2015 fared?
Germany's immigration trend goes beyond the refugee crisis
Roughly one out of four people currently living in Germany boasts foreign roots.  This — along with the fact that Germany ranks second among OECD countries for immigration after the US — points to another facette of integration: Integration goes beyond refugees.  

Thanks to a strong economy, Germany has seen a rise in a third group, namely skilled workers, which hail from a number of countries. EU member states have accounted for the largest rise in recent years. In 2018 they made up 60% of all immigrants that came to Germany, primarily neighboring EU member states, which accounted for 60% of all immigrants in 2018. Its higher education system has also been a magnet for foreign students, with over 400,000 enrolled at German universities before the pandemic.

Speaking to reporters at the press conference on Tuesday, Gonca Türkeli-Dehnert, who heads the integration foundation Deutschlandstiftung Integration, said that many young people who come to Germany are highly talented and often speak two native languages, plus at least two other foreign languages. 

"They don't have to stay here and they won't if what they have to offer isn't recognized," she said.

While you're here: Starting on March 16 DW editors will round-up for you what is happening in German politics and society, with an eye toward understanding this year’s elections and beyond. Sign up here for the weekly e-mail newsletter "Berlin Briefing," to stay on top of developments as Germany enters the post-Merkel era.
Merkel

By DW: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and state and civic leaders have finalized a plan to improve the integration of immigrants into society, the education system and the job market. It outlines a road map for the coming decade.

Getting a job might have been once been considered enough to be successfully integrated into society as a foreigner. For Germany, that type of thinking is on its way out.

After nearly three years of planning and discussion, on Tuesday Chancellor Angela Merkel and state and civic leaders announced 100 measures as part of the National Action Plan for Integration.

On measure would introduce "integration scouts," a type of buddy system for apprentices. The idea is for German trainees to mentor non-German trainees so that no one falls through the cracks.

"Real social cohesion takes more than just the absence of hate and violence," Merkel said. "It requires tolerance and openness for one another."

Tuesday marked Merkel's last integration summit before her chancellorship comes to an end with German elections this fall.

Remarking on how the concept of integration had shifted over her time in office, she said, "we've learned that integration doesn't just affect some groups: It affects society as a whole."

Pushing back against pandemic setbacks
The summit, headed by Integration Commissioner Annette Widmann-Mauz, brought together some 120 people representing states, municipalities and civil organizations.  

During a press conference after the summit, Widmann-Mauz stressed the importance, especially during the pandemic, of ensuring an effective integration strategy as soon as possible to secure Germany's role as "an economically strong, modern country of immigration for the future."

"We've achieved a lot over the past few years, and now we must do everything in our power so that the corona pandemic isn't a setback for these achievements," she said.

What is the National Action Plan for Integration?
Launched in 2018, the National Action Plan has the goal of creating a road map for integration in the 2020s.

The project has been a significant undertaking for about 300 partners, who represent states, cities and an estimated 75 migrant organizations.

At its core, the 100-point plan breaks down into five categories that range from pre-integration measures such as setting expectations before a person immigrates to German to bolstering social cohesion through education and social activities.

Tackling discrimination, fostering social cohesion
Discrimination was one of the main focuses of Tuesday's talks. Merkel and other speakers at the press conference following the summit stressed that racially motivated terror attacks such as the 2020 killing spree in Hanau or the murders carried out by the NSU are huge setbacks to creating a safe, inclusive environment in Germany.

Along with violence prevention, the action plan also calls for an expansion of anti-discrimination efforts such as counseling centers that can help people who have, for example, experienced hate speech or found themselves turned away from jobs because of their ethnicity or religion. 

A report released ahead of the summit further called for unified documentation of these cases to better understand how discrimination comes about.  

"Victims of discrimination cannot be abandoned: Their experiences must be taken seriously. To ensure this, they need support from professional anti-discrimination counseling," the head of Germany's Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, Bernhard Franke, said in a press statement.

Why is integration such a hot topic in Germany?
Integration has been the focus of many a heated debate in Germany in recent years, sparked in large part by  a historic influx of refugees  between 2015 and 2019. During that period, Germany received more than 1.8 million asylum requests, or roughly 75% of all asylum claims filed over the past decade.  

Discussions about how to handle the logistics of such a large refugee population, hailing primarily from Syria, Afghanistan and parts of Africa, quickly became ensconced in concerns about integration. 

Indeed, concerns about integration reopened questions about the integration of immigrant groups long settled in Germany, particularly Turkish immigrants and their descendants who make up the country's largest minority. Despite an improvement in education rates, this group was, as of 2017, still three times more likely to have trouble finding a job or to rely on state welfare than Germans without Turkish roots, according to an OECD study. 

This gave way to a larger debate spearheaded by immigration organizations and second and third-generation immigrants who called on lawmakers to learn from past integration failures and to promote measures beyond language classes and job placement.  

language classes and job placement.  

04:12 mins.
DW NEWS | 25.08.2020
How have migrants and refugees who arrived in Germany in 2015 fared?
Germany's immigration trend goes beyond the refugee crisis
Roughly one out of four people currently living in Germany boasts foreign roots.  This — along with the fact that Germany ranks second among OECD countries for immigration after the US — points to another facette of integration: Integration goes beyond refugees.  

Thanks to a strong economy, Germany has seen a rise in a third group, namely skilled workers, which hail from a number of countries. EU member states have accounted for the largest rise in recent years. In 2018 they made up 60% of all immigrants that came to Germany, primarily neighboring EU member states, which accounted for 60% of all immigrants in 2018. Its higher education system has also been a magnet for foreign students, with over 400,000 enrolled at German universities before the pandemic.

Speaking to reporters at the press conference on Tuesday, Gonca Türkeli-Dehnert, who heads the integration foundation Deutschlandstiftung Integration, said that many young people who come to Germany are highly talented and often speak two native languages, plus at least two other foreign languages. 

"They don't have to stay here and they won't if what they have to offer isn't recognized," she said.

While you're here: Starting on March 16 DW editors will round-up for you what is happening in German politics and society, with an eye toward understanding this year’s elections and beyond. Sign up here for the weekly e-mail newsletter "Berlin Briefing," to stay on top of developments as Germany enters the post-Merkel era.

Croatia hit by 6.2 magnitude earthquake: EMSC

Croatia hit by 6.2 magnitude earthquake: EMSC

Slovenia nuclear plant shut as precaution after Croatia earthquake: spokeswoman




A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Croatia on Tuesday, the USGS reported, tearing down buildings in the central town of Petrinja.

It is the largest earthquake so far to hit the country this year. It is several tens of km South of #Zagreb. Such an earthquake can generate significant damage at close epicentral distances. They were hit by an earthquake with a 5.2 magnitude esterday, and just now again they were hit by an earthquake with a 6.3 magnitude.





Buildings shook and collapsed into the streets below. Local media has reported significant damage to buildings following the tremor, thought to be the largest to have struck the country so far this year.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said it measured 6.3 in magnitude, hitting 46 kilometers southeast of Zagreb.

Rescuers have flocked to the scene as reports emerged of at least one fatality so far, with local media claiming a mother is in shock having lost her son in the disaster.


Croatian outlet Jutarnji reported that 'half the city' has been destroyed as Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković, announced he was heading to the disaster zone.


And 300 soldiers have been dispatched to the epicentre in Petrinja, as the town's mayor confirmed there have been deaths.

Local Mayor Darinko Dumbovic said that a children’s kindergarten had collapsed in the tremor.

He said: "We are pulling people out of the car, we don't know because we have dead and wounded, I also heard that the kindergarten collapsed, but fortunately there were no children in the kindergarten, while the other children managed to save them."

Footage shared on social media shows buildings severely damaged by the disaster.

A clip posted online shows collapsed roofs and rubble strewn across a street as crowds gather to inspect the aftermath.

Petrinja has already been hard hit by an earthquake this week, with one rocking the town on Monday.

Regional N1 television showed footage today of the disaster aftermath, with a building collapsed and smashed into cars below.

The earthquake is understood to have been felt throughout the country and in neighbouring Serbia and Bosnia.

It misunderstood that the Krško nuclear power station has suspended operations as preventive measure after quake.

Local media in Croatia has reported ‘some injuries’ but the severity is yet unknown.

The Croatian Red Cross has dispatched rescuers to the scene, adding that it is a "very serious" situation.

They tweeted: "Strong earthquake again. The situation in Petrinja is very serious. The Red Crisis teams are on the field."



As this is the second earthquake in two days for the Croatian town, following a 5.2 tremor felt yesterday. A clip shared by the Red Cross showed a glimpse of the damage, with bricks and debris lining a road as volunteers come to the aid of a passerby.

Elsewhere officials in high-vis jackets can be seen inspecting the aftermath as rescuers frantically work to assess the damage.

The strength of the tremor was caught on film, as a clip has been shared online showing politicians interrupted by a shaking building. Several appear to flee the room as the earthquake takes hold.

Zagreb has since been left without electricity with trams stranded in the streets.

Slovenia nuclear plant shut as precaution after Croatia earthquake: spokeswoman




A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Croatia on Tuesday, the USGS reported, tearing down buildings in the central town of Petrinja.

It is the largest earthquake so far to hit the country this year. It is several tens of km South of #Zagreb. Such an earthquake can generate significant damage at close epicentral distances. They were hit by an earthquake with a 5.2 magnitude esterday, and just now again they were hit by an earthquake with a 6.3 magnitude.





Buildings shook and collapsed into the streets below. Local media has reported significant damage to buildings following the tremor, thought to be the largest to have struck the country so far this year.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said it measured 6.3 in magnitude, hitting 46 kilometers southeast of Zagreb.

Rescuers have flocked to the scene as reports emerged of at least one fatality so far, with local media claiming a mother is in shock having lost her son in the disaster.


Croatian outlet Jutarnji reported that 'half the city' has been destroyed as Prime Minister, Andrej Plenković, announced he was heading to the disaster zone.


And 300 soldiers have been dispatched to the epicentre in Petrinja, as the town's mayor confirmed there have been deaths.

Local Mayor Darinko Dumbovic said that a children’s kindergarten had collapsed in the tremor.

He said: "We are pulling people out of the car, we don't know because we have dead and wounded, I also heard that the kindergarten collapsed, but fortunately there were no children in the kindergarten, while the other children managed to save them."

Footage shared on social media shows buildings severely damaged by the disaster.

A clip posted online shows collapsed roofs and rubble strewn across a street as crowds gather to inspect the aftermath.

Petrinja has already been hard hit by an earthquake this week, with one rocking the town on Monday.

Regional N1 television showed footage today of the disaster aftermath, with a building collapsed and smashed into cars below.

The earthquake is understood to have been felt throughout the country and in neighbouring Serbia and Bosnia.

It misunderstood that the Krško nuclear power station has suspended operations as preventive measure after quake.

Local media in Croatia has reported ‘some injuries’ but the severity is yet unknown.

The Croatian Red Cross has dispatched rescuers to the scene, adding that it is a "very serious" situation.

They tweeted: "Strong earthquake again. The situation in Petrinja is very serious. The Red Crisis teams are on the field."



As this is the second earthquake in two days for the Croatian town, following a 5.2 tremor felt yesterday. A clip shared by the Red Cross showed a glimpse of the damage, with bricks and debris lining a road as volunteers come to the aid of a passerby.

Elsewhere officials in high-vis jackets can be seen inspecting the aftermath as rescuers frantically work to assess the damage.

The strength of the tremor was caught on film, as a clip has been shared online showing politicians interrupted by a shaking building. Several appear to flee the room as the earthquake takes hold.

Zagreb has since been left without electricity with trams stranded in the streets.

COVID-19: Biden receives vaccine live on TV as Nigeria's FG releases new restrictions, orders closure of restaurants

COVID-19: Biden receives vaccine live on TV as Nigeria's FG releases new restrictions, orders closure of restaurants

EU approves first coronavirus vaccine


US President-elect @JoeBiden received his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on live TV Monday, hoping it shows Americans there’s “nothing to worry about” once they get the chance to get vaccinated.

According to AFP, Biden received a Covid-19 vaccine live on televisio in a campaign to boost Americans' confidence in the jabs. The 78-year-old got the Pfizer vaccine at the Christiana Hospital in Delaware.


Biden said "there's nothing to worry about" when getting the shot. He was vaccinated in a photo-op at a hospital in Delaware on Monday afternoon, as his wife Jill looked on.


Meanwhile, in Africa, the Nigeria's federal government on Monday approved new measures to curb the further spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.


According to the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, speaking at a press briefing of the task force in Abuja ordered the closure of all clubs, bars and restaurants.

Nigerian authorities also restricted number of guests at weddings , conference to 59 as new strain of Coronavirus hits the country.

“Accordingly, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorised the PTF to engage with the states and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.

The measure will be for the next five weeks as Nigeria hopes to curb the spread of Coronavirus. “ All bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues should be closed.  All restaurants to be closed except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed.” Mustapha added.

Also the government ordered that gatherings linked to religious events should be less than 50% capacity of the facility.

EU approves first coronavirus vaccine


The EU has finally gave the green light for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Monday, paving the way for the first inoculations to start across 27 countries just days after Christmas. AFP reported.

According to the report, the decision was rushed through under pressure from European governments after Britain and the United States authorised the jab weeks earlier. The European Medicines Agency recommended the vaccine developed by US pharma giant Pfizer and German firm BioNTech for use, and the European Commission formally approved it hours later.

The EMA added that the vaccine would "very likely" be effective against a new strain of the disease spreading through Britain.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said vaccinations would start across the EU on December 27, adding that the vaccine was a "true European success story".

"This is a very good way to end this difficult year and finally start turning the page on Covid-19," von der Leyen said in Brussels.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said the decision allowed a "road out of the crisis" while Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the EMA decision "is the news we have been waiting for".

- 'Historic scientific achievement' -

The Amsterdam-based EMA, the drugs watchdog for the 27-nation EU, had moved the decision forward from December 29 under pressure from EU governments, particularly Berlin.

"It is a significant step forward in the fight against this pandemic that is causing suffering and hardship," EMA chief Emer Cooke told an online press conference as she announced the decision to recommend the vaccine.

"This is really a historic scientific achievement, within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease."

The urgency surrounding the virus has increased with the news that a fast-spreading variant is sweeping Britain, prompting a growing number of countries worldwide to suspend flights from the UK.

But EMA officials said they believed the Pfizer-BioNTech jab would be effective against it.

"At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said.

The EMA's head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, added that while they were waiting for more data "for the time being we are not too worried".

"It is very likely that the vaccine will retain protection also against this new variant," he said.

"What would scare us is if we see multiple mutations", particularly on the "spike" that the virus uses to enter human cells, but those had not been seen yet, Cavaleri added.

- 'Cause for concern' -

The EMA said it took longer than Britain -- the former home of the agency -- and the US because they used a special, short-term emergency authorisation.

The "conditional marketing authorisation" issued on Monday however lasts for one year and required more rigorous testing, it said.

The EMA also had to contend with a cyberattack in which data from the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines was stolen.

Cooke said the agency had "worked night and day" to speed things up, but needed to make sure the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was safe and effective, in order to avoid any doubts that could affect uptake.

"We know very well that the speed at which these vaccines were developed and authorised is a cause of concern for many Europeans," said Harald Enzmann, chairman of the EMA committee that took the final decision.

But he said the authorisation followed "one of the largest trials we have ever evaluated for a vaccine" and that it "met the standards for robustness and quality that we have set out".

The authorisation is for over-16s only and says that the vaccine should be given to pregnant women on a case by case basis, the EMA said.

Following a "small number" of reports of allergic reactions in Britain and the United States, the EMA had recommended that people should be kept under "close observation" for 15 minutes after vaccination.

A European decision on another vaccine, produced by US firm Moderna, is due by January 6.


With AFP.

EU approves first coronavirus vaccine


US President-elect @JoeBiden received his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on live TV Monday, hoping it shows Americans there’s “nothing to worry about” once they get the chance to get vaccinated.

According to AFP, Biden received a Covid-19 vaccine live on televisio in a campaign to boost Americans' confidence in the jabs. The 78-year-old got the Pfizer vaccine at the Christiana Hospital in Delaware.


Biden said "there's nothing to worry about" when getting the shot. He was vaccinated in a photo-op at a hospital in Delaware on Monday afternoon, as his wife Jill looked on.


Meanwhile, in Africa, the Nigeria's federal government on Monday approved new measures to curb the further spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.


According to the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, speaking at a press briefing of the task force in Abuja ordered the closure of all clubs, bars and restaurants.

Nigerian authorities also restricted number of guests at weddings , conference to 59 as new strain of Coronavirus hits the country.

“Accordingly, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorised the PTF to engage with the states and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.

The measure will be for the next five weeks as Nigeria hopes to curb the spread of Coronavirus. “ All bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues should be closed.  All restaurants to be closed except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed.” Mustapha added.

Also the government ordered that gatherings linked to religious events should be less than 50% capacity of the facility.

EU approves first coronavirus vaccine


The EU has finally gave the green light for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Monday, paving the way for the first inoculations to start across 27 countries just days after Christmas. AFP reported.

According to the report, the decision was rushed through under pressure from European governments after Britain and the United States authorised the jab weeks earlier. The European Medicines Agency recommended the vaccine developed by US pharma giant Pfizer and German firm BioNTech for use, and the European Commission formally approved it hours later.

The EMA added that the vaccine would "very likely" be effective against a new strain of the disease spreading through Britain.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said vaccinations would start across the EU on December 27, adding that the vaccine was a "true European success story".

"This is a very good way to end this difficult year and finally start turning the page on Covid-19," von der Leyen said in Brussels.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said the decision allowed a "road out of the crisis" while Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the EMA decision "is the news we have been waiting for".

- 'Historic scientific achievement' -

The Amsterdam-based EMA, the drugs watchdog for the 27-nation EU, had moved the decision forward from December 29 under pressure from EU governments, particularly Berlin.

"It is a significant step forward in the fight against this pandemic that is causing suffering and hardship," EMA chief Emer Cooke told an online press conference as she announced the decision to recommend the vaccine.

"This is really a historic scientific achievement, within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease."

The urgency surrounding the virus has increased with the news that a fast-spreading variant is sweeping Britain, prompting a growing number of countries worldwide to suspend flights from the UK.

But EMA officials said they believed the Pfizer-BioNTech jab would be effective against it.

"At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said.

The EMA's head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, added that while they were waiting for more data "for the time being we are not too worried".

"It is very likely that the vaccine will retain protection also against this new variant," he said.

"What would scare us is if we see multiple mutations", particularly on the "spike" that the virus uses to enter human cells, but those had not been seen yet, Cavaleri added.

- 'Cause for concern' -

The EMA said it took longer than Britain -- the former home of the agency -- and the US because they used a special, short-term emergency authorisation.

The "conditional marketing authorisation" issued on Monday however lasts for one year and required more rigorous testing, it said.

The EMA also had to contend with a cyberattack in which data from the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines was stolen.

Cooke said the agency had "worked night and day" to speed things up, but needed to make sure the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was safe and effective, in order to avoid any doubts that could affect uptake.

"We know very well that the speed at which these vaccines were developed and authorised is a cause of concern for many Europeans," said Harald Enzmann, chairman of the EMA committee that took the final decision.

But he said the authorisation followed "one of the largest trials we have ever evaluated for a vaccine" and that it "met the standards for robustness and quality that we have set out".

The authorisation is for over-16s only and says that the vaccine should be given to pregnant women on a case by case basis, the EMA said.

Following a "small number" of reports of allergic reactions in Britain and the United States, the EMA had recommended that people should be kept under "close observation" for 15 minutes after vaccination.

A European decision on another vaccine, produced by US firm Moderna, is due by January 6.


With AFP.

Britain in final Brexit talks with EU, No deal likely

Britain in final Brexit talks with EU, No deal likely

UK patrol boats on standby to protect British fisheries




UK and EU negotiators began what may prove to be their final hours of trade talks on Saturday with a decision imminent on whether a post-Brexit deal is possible as both sides have promised a decision on Sunday as to whether there is still time to close the gap in expectations before Britain leaves the EU single market at the end of the year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit frontman David Frost and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier met in a Brussels conference centre from early afternoon.

Since Britain left the European Union on January 3, the two sides have been wrangling over a trade agreement as the days count down to the end of a post-Brexit transition. Without a deal, Britain leaves the EU single market and customs union on December 31 and tariffs will be imposed on cross-Channel trade after a half-century of integration.

PM Johnson flew to Brussels this week for a working supper with von der Leyen but there was no breakthrough, with both sides promising that Sunday would be decision day.

Johnson now says it is “very, very likely” that talks would fail, and on Saturday his government confirmed that patrol boats are on standby to protect British fisheries.

At Thursday’s EU summit, von der Leyen told leaders of the 27 member states that the “probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal”. Nevertheless, both leaders instructed their negotiators to continue work, and Frost and Barnier will continue Brussels talks this weekend.

UK patrol boats on standby to protect British fisheries




UK and EU negotiators began what may prove to be their final hours of trade talks on Saturday with a decision imminent on whether a post-Brexit deal is possible as both sides have promised a decision on Sunday as to whether there is still time to close the gap in expectations before Britain leaves the EU single market at the end of the year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit frontman David Frost and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier met in a Brussels conference centre from early afternoon.

Since Britain left the European Union on January 3, the two sides have been wrangling over a trade agreement as the days count down to the end of a post-Brexit transition. Without a deal, Britain leaves the EU single market and customs union on December 31 and tariffs will be imposed on cross-Channel trade after a half-century of integration.

PM Johnson flew to Brussels this week for a working supper with von der Leyen but there was no breakthrough, with both sides promising that Sunday would be decision day.

Johnson now says it is “very, very likely” that talks would fail, and on Saturday his government confirmed that patrol boats are on standby to protect British fisheries.

At Thursday’s EU summit, von der Leyen told leaders of the 27 member states that the “probability of a no deal is higher than of a deal”. Nevertheless, both leaders instructed their negotiators to continue work, and Frost and Barnier will continue Brussels talks this weekend.

Russian FM Lavrov Says Moscow Will Respond in Kind to Sanctions Against Russia Over Navalny Case

Russian FM Lavrov Says Moscow Will Respond in Kind to Sanctions Against Russia Over Navalny Case

 






Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow will respond in kind to the EU sanctiona against Russia over Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny poisioning case.

Lavrov had earlier on Tuesday said that the European Union had adopted the US style of threatening and punishing states with sanctions. "People who are responsible for the Western foreign policy and do not understand the need for mutually respectful dialogue, we probably have to suspend dialogue with them for a while. Especially since [President of the European Commission] Ursula von der Leyen is saying that the geopolitical cooperation with the current Russian authorities is not working. So let it be if that's what they want," Lavrov said at a session of the Valday discussion club.


The Russian FM's statement comes a day after foreign ministers of the European Union reached an agreement to impose sanctions on Russia over the alleged poisoning of Navalny, citing a violation of the International Chemical Weapons Convention.

Commenting on the decision, the Russian foreign minister said that the European Union had adopted the US style of threatening and punishing states with sanctions.

"The European Union is actively pursuing the path of the United States relying more and more on threats and sanctions. Two mechanisms have been established to punish those who use chemical weapons according to the EU and those who violate human rights, again, according to the EU," Lavrov said during a presentation of Valdai International Discussion Club's report, dubbed "The Utopia of a Diverse World: How History Continues."

According to the top Russian diplomat, such mechanisms violate the principles of the UN Charter and are outside the framework of the UN Security Council.

Russia has demanded that Germany provide evidence on the Navalny case and make the case materials available to Russian investigators. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) issued a report last week stating that traces of a toxin not in the OPCW's registry of prohibited chemicals had been found in Navalny's system.

In a recent interview with the German Spiegel news magazine, Navalny accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being behind his alleged poisoning. The Kremlin called his statement "extremely insulting and unacceptable."

 






Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow will respond in kind to the EU sanctiona against Russia over Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny poisioning case.

Lavrov had earlier on Tuesday said that the European Union had adopted the US style of threatening and punishing states with sanctions. "People who are responsible for the Western foreign policy and do not understand the need for mutually respectful dialogue, we probably have to suspend dialogue with them for a while. Especially since [President of the European Commission] Ursula von der Leyen is saying that the geopolitical cooperation with the current Russian authorities is not working. So let it be if that's what they want," Lavrov said at a session of the Valday discussion club.


The Russian FM's statement comes a day after foreign ministers of the European Union reached an agreement to impose sanctions on Russia over the alleged poisoning of Navalny, citing a violation of the International Chemical Weapons Convention.

Commenting on the decision, the Russian foreign minister said that the European Union had adopted the US style of threatening and punishing states with sanctions.

"The European Union is actively pursuing the path of the United States relying more and more on threats and sanctions. Two mechanisms have been established to punish those who use chemical weapons according to the EU and those who violate human rights, again, according to the EU," Lavrov said during a presentation of Valdai International Discussion Club's report, dubbed "The Utopia of a Diverse World: How History Continues."

According to the top Russian diplomat, such mechanisms violate the principles of the UN Charter and are outside the framework of the UN Security Council.

Russia has demanded that Germany provide evidence on the Navalny case and make the case materials available to Russian investigators. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) issued a report last week stating that traces of a toxin not in the OPCW's registry of prohibited chemicals had been found in Navalny's system.

In a recent interview with the German Spiegel news magazine, Navalny accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being behind his alleged poisoning. The Kremlin called his statement "extremely insulting and unacceptable."

Euronext to buy Milan stock exchange for 4.33 bn euros

Euronext to buy Milan stock exchange for 4.33 bn euros


AFP: Pan-European stock market operator Euronext has agreed to buy the Milan bourse from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) for 4.33 billion euros, the companies said Friday.

The LSE said previously it was considering a sale in order to meet EU requirements that it divest assets in order to get approval for its $27 billion purchase of US financial data provider Refinitiv.

Euronext will also acquire the Italian platform MTS which will give it access to the sovereign debt market.

Euronext head Stephane Boujnah said the deal marked a "decisive step" in its strategic plan to create a core of major capital markets in Europe.


Euronext already operates the stock exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Oslo and Paris.

In a statement, LSE said it expected its sale of Borsa Italiana was in any case going to be a condition for the Refinitiv transaction but added that the deal was valid on its own strategic and financial merits.

Additionally, the proceeds will help pay down debt incurred on the Refinitiv acquisition.

LSE chief executive David Schwimmer said "we are pleased to have reached this important milestone. We believe the sale... will contribute significantly to addressing the EU's competition concerns."

LSE unveiled plans to buy Refinitiv last year as it moves to create a market information giant to rival US giant Bloomberg.

Refinitiv will help LSE shift from generating revenue solely from the trading of securities to providing investors information about trading.

In October 2019, the LSE successfully fended off a multi-billion-dollar takeover bid from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The Refinitiv deal came two years after LSE's failed £21 billion merger with Deutsche Boerse.

That proposal -- the third failed attempt at a tie-up between the British and German stock exchange operators -- was blocked by the European Commission on competition fears.

mch/soe/bmm/bp

AFP: Pan-European stock market operator Euronext has agreed to buy the Milan bourse from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) for 4.33 billion euros, the companies said Friday.

The LSE said previously it was considering a sale in order to meet EU requirements that it divest assets in order to get approval for its $27 billion purchase of US financial data provider Refinitiv.

Euronext will also acquire the Italian platform MTS which will give it access to the sovereign debt market.

Euronext head Stephane Boujnah said the deal marked a "decisive step" in its strategic plan to create a core of major capital markets in Europe.


Euronext already operates the stock exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Oslo and Paris.

In a statement, LSE said it expected its sale of Borsa Italiana was in any case going to be a condition for the Refinitiv transaction but added that the deal was valid on its own strategic and financial merits.

Additionally, the proceeds will help pay down debt incurred on the Refinitiv acquisition.

LSE chief executive David Schwimmer said "we are pleased to have reached this important milestone. We believe the sale... will contribute significantly to addressing the EU's competition concerns."

LSE unveiled plans to buy Refinitiv last year as it moves to create a market information giant to rival US giant Bloomberg.

Refinitiv will help LSE shift from generating revenue solely from the trading of securities to providing investors information about trading.

In October 2019, the LSE successfully fended off a multi-billion-dollar takeover bid from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The Refinitiv deal came two years after LSE's failed £21 billion merger with Deutsche Boerse.

That proposal -- the third failed attempt at a tie-up between the British and German stock exchange operators -- was blocked by the European Commission on competition fears.

mch/soe/bmm/bp

German Merkel Says She Will Meet Belarus Opposition Leader Soon

German Merkel Says She Will Meet Belarus Opposition Leader Soon

(AFP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday she would hold talks with Belarus's main opposition leader, days after French President Emmanuel Macron met with her and pledged to help mediate in her country's crisis.

"I will soon meet the opposition leader Ms (Svetlana) Tikhanovskaya," Merkel told parliament, hailing the "courage" of the women demonstrating since a disputed election last month in which the opposition has claimed victory against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Merkel, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said Germany did not recognise Lukashenko as the winner of the vote and that she condemned the government's violence against protesters.

"When you see the courage shown by the women who are appearing on the streets for a free life without corruption, then I can only say: I admire that and find it truly impressive," she said.

Macron spoke with Tikhanovskaya this week on a visit to Lithuania in her most high-profile meeting so far since the Belarus election.

"We will do our best as Europeans to help mediate and we will come back to OSCE mediation in order to progress," Macron said.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has offered to help broker a negotiated end to the crisis in Belarus.

Mass protests that have continued since the election have been met with a bloody crackdown and Tikhanovskaya's husband Sergei is in prison accused of trying to overthrow the government.
(AFP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday she would hold talks with Belarus's main opposition leader, days after French President Emmanuel Macron met with her and pledged to help mediate in her country's crisis.

"I will soon meet the opposition leader Ms (Svetlana) Tikhanovskaya," Merkel told parliament, hailing the "courage" of the women demonstrating since a disputed election last month in which the opposition has claimed victory against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Merkel, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said Germany did not recognise Lukashenko as the winner of the vote and that she condemned the government's violence against protesters.

"When you see the courage shown by the women who are appearing on the streets for a free life without corruption, then I can only say: I admire that and find it truly impressive," she said.

Macron spoke with Tikhanovskaya this week on a visit to Lithuania in her most high-profile meeting so far since the Belarus election.

"We will do our best as Europeans to help mediate and we will come back to OSCE mediation in order to progress," Macron said.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has offered to help broker a negotiated end to the crisis in Belarus.

Mass protests that have continued since the election have been met with a bloody crackdown and Tikhanovskaya's husband Sergei is in prison accused of trying to overthrow the government.

PM Orban demands resignation of EU Commission's vice president over criticism of Hungary

PM Orban demands resignation of EU Commission's vice president over criticism of Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Tuesday called for the resignation of the EU Commission's vice president over her criticism of Hungary and said his government would be suspending political contacts with her. "The statements of Vice President Vera Jourova are incompatible with her current mandate, therefore her resignation is indispensable," Orban wrote in a letter addressed to commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.


Orban was reacting to Jourova's description of Hungary in an interview with German news magazine Der Spiegel last week.

"Mr Orban likes to say he is building an illiberal democracy," Jourova told Der Spiegel, "I would say: He is building an ill democracy."

Orban's latest broadside against Brussels comes just two days ahead of a summit of EU leaders.

Orban said Jourova's remarks were "in contradiction with the Commission's role as a neutral and objective institution," according to the Lisbon Treaty, as well as a "blatant violation of the principle of sincere cooperation" that "prevent any meaningful future dialogue," between Hungary and Jourova.

Until Jourova's resignation, "the Hungarian Government suspends all bilateral political contacts with her," Orban said in the letter.

In the coming days a crucial rule of law report is expected from the Commission.

A so-called "Article 7" procedure probing whether Hungary is undermining European legal standards and democratic values is also ongoing.

This story was produced by AFP. 


Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Tuesday called for the resignation of the EU Commission's vice president over her criticism of Hungary and said his government would be suspending political contacts with her. "The statements of Vice President Vera Jourova are incompatible with her current mandate, therefore her resignation is indispensable," Orban wrote in a letter addressed to commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.


Orban was reacting to Jourova's description of Hungary in an interview with German news magazine Der Spiegel last week.

"Mr Orban likes to say he is building an illiberal democracy," Jourova told Der Spiegel, "I would say: He is building an ill democracy."

Orban's latest broadside against Brussels comes just two days ahead of a summit of EU leaders.

Orban said Jourova's remarks were "in contradiction with the Commission's role as a neutral and objective institution," according to the Lisbon Treaty, as well as a "blatant violation of the principle of sincere cooperation" that "prevent any meaningful future dialogue," between Hungary and Jourova.

Until Jourova's resignation, "the Hungarian Government suspends all bilateral political contacts with her," Orban said in the letter.

In the coming days a crucial rule of law report is expected from the Commission.

A so-called "Article 7" procedure probing whether Hungary is undermining European legal standards and democratic values is also ongoing.

This story was produced by AFP. 


More Than 10,000 Nigerians Sign Petition Asking UK, EU To Place Travel Ban On El-Rufai, Family, Over Southern Kaduna Killings

More Than 10,000 Nigerians Sign Petition Asking UK, EU To Place Travel Ban On El-Rufai, Family, Over Southern Kaduna Killings

 Nasir el-Rufai
Add caption

More than ten thousand Nigerians have signed a petition on change.com in less than 24 hours, asking the United Kingdom, European Parliament and European Union to place a travel ban on Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna State, over the killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna and other gross rights violations under his watch.

The petition follows an extension of travel restrictions placed on politicians complicit in voter fraud recently announced by the US Government. El-Rufai recently attracted national outrage after he was invited to speak at the National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association despite his track record of rights violations, inflammatory comments and disregard for court orders.

He was eventually disinvited after a petition by lawyers garnered thousands of signatures. 

According to Sahara Reporters, the organiser of the petition, Reno Omokri, said el-Rufai’s precedence of indifference towards the killing of Christians under his watch, his comment that international election observers would leave in body bags and his son, Bello's threat to gang-rape a Twitter user's mother are all reasons to deny him travel access to democratic countries around the world.

The petition reads, “Nasir el-Rufai is a threat to the peace and security of Nigeria for many reasons chief of which are that: On December 3, 2016, he admitted that he paid killer herdsmen who killed Nigerian citizens because they were of the same ethnicity as him. Since that admission, there has been an intense escalation of the killings of mostly Christians in Kaduna, and on August 25, 2020, suspected herdsmen abducted seven schoolchildren and their teacher from Prince Academy, in Kaduna. They have not been seen or heard of since then.

“On September 8, 2014, Nasir el-Rufai falsely accused former President Jonathan and then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of founding and funding Boko Haram to the tune of N50 billion.

On January 27, 2013, he insulted the Lord Jesus Christ on Twitter.

“On February 6, 2019, he threatened foreign observers, including observers from the EU and UK with death, warning that they would return in “body bags”, should they intervene in Nigeria.

“On July 15, 2012, Nasir el-Rufai said, and I quote “We will write this for all to read. Anyone, soldier or not that kills the Fulani takes a loan repayable one day no matter how long it takes.” This threat has been carried out in Southern Kaduna where there is an ongoing genocide of Christians under el-Rufai’s watch.


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“On August 23, 2019, he charged the Anglican Bishop of Zaria province of Kaduna, Abiodun Ogunyemi, for defamation.

“Nasir el-Rufai circulated an email referring to Southern Nigerian women as whores.

On April 13, 2020, proving that the Apple does not fall far from the tree, his son, Bello el-Rufai threatened to gang rape the mother of a Southern Christian woman, proving that the idea that Southern women are “whores” is well established in the el-Rufai household.

“On April 24, 2019, another of his sons, Bashir el-Rufai, described the pogrom against Igbos as “sweet”.

"It is for this reason that Nigerian citizens call on the government of the United Kingdom and the European Union Presidency to follow the lead of the United States and place a visa ban on Nasir el-Rufai, who is scheming to become Nigeria’s President, to prevent a Rwandan style genocide in Nigeria.”


 Nasir el-Rufai
Add caption

More than ten thousand Nigerians have signed a petition on change.com in less than 24 hours, asking the United Kingdom, European Parliament and European Union to place a travel ban on Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna State, over the killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna and other gross rights violations under his watch.

The petition follows an extension of travel restrictions placed on politicians complicit in voter fraud recently announced by the US Government. El-Rufai recently attracted national outrage after he was invited to speak at the National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association despite his track record of rights violations, inflammatory comments and disregard for court orders.

He was eventually disinvited after a petition by lawyers garnered thousands of signatures. 

According to Sahara Reporters, the organiser of the petition, Reno Omokri, said el-Rufai’s precedence of indifference towards the killing of Christians under his watch, his comment that international election observers would leave in body bags and his son, Bello's threat to gang-rape a Twitter user's mother are all reasons to deny him travel access to democratic countries around the world.

The petition reads, “Nasir el-Rufai is a threat to the peace and security of Nigeria for many reasons chief of which are that: On December 3, 2016, he admitted that he paid killer herdsmen who killed Nigerian citizens because they were of the same ethnicity as him. Since that admission, there has been an intense escalation of the killings of mostly Christians in Kaduna, and on August 25, 2020, suspected herdsmen abducted seven schoolchildren and their teacher from Prince Academy, in Kaduna. They have not been seen or heard of since then.

“On September 8, 2014, Nasir el-Rufai falsely accused former President Jonathan and then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of founding and funding Boko Haram to the tune of N50 billion.

On January 27, 2013, he insulted the Lord Jesus Christ on Twitter.

“On February 6, 2019, he threatened foreign observers, including observers from the EU and UK with death, warning that they would return in “body bags”, should they intervene in Nigeria.

“On July 15, 2012, Nasir el-Rufai said, and I quote “We will write this for all to read. Anyone, soldier or not that kills the Fulani takes a loan repayable one day no matter how long it takes.” This threat has been carried out in Southern Kaduna where there is an ongoing genocide of Christians under el-Rufai’s watch.


NIGERIA: Become A VTU Owner, Make Money Per Seconds


“On August 23, 2019, he charged the Anglican Bishop of Zaria province of Kaduna, Abiodun Ogunyemi, for defamation.

“Nasir el-Rufai circulated an email referring to Southern Nigerian women as whores.

On April 13, 2020, proving that the Apple does not fall far from the tree, his son, Bello el-Rufai threatened to gang rape the mother of a Southern Christian woman, proving that the idea that Southern women are “whores” is well established in the el-Rufai household.

“On April 24, 2019, another of his sons, Bashir el-Rufai, described the pogrom against Igbos as “sweet”.

"It is for this reason that Nigerian citizens call on the government of the United Kingdom and the European Union Presidency to follow the lead of the United States and place a visa ban on Nasir el-Rufai, who is scheming to become Nigeria’s President, to prevent a Rwandan style genocide in Nigeria.”


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