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Showing posts with label Joe Biden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Biden. Show all posts

American Biden, Russian Putin praise Geneva summit talks, Ambassadors to resume their post

American Biden, Russian Putin praise Geneva summit talks, Ambassadors to resume their post

Putin called the Geneva meeting as "constructive," and that both countries will begin consultations on cybersecurity and US and Russian ambassadors will return to their diplomatic posts.




After the less than four hours meeting, the presidents of the US and Russia have praised their talks in Geneva but have made little concrete progress at the first such meeting since 2018.


The two leaders covered an “extensive” amount of ground in their initial one-on-one meeting, which led to a shorter expanded bilateral meeting, according to a senior US administration official.


According to the US President Joe Biden while answering questions from reporters, disagreements were stated but not in a hyperbolic way, and he said Russia did not want a new Cold War.


President V. Putin of Russia said Mr Biden was an experienced statesman and the two "spoke the same language".


The talks lasted four hours, less time than was scheduled. Mr Biden said they did not need to spend more time talking and there was now a genuine prospect to improve relations with Russia.


The two sides agreed to begin a dialogue on nuclear arms control. They also said they would return ambassadors to each other's capitals - the envoys were mutually withdrawn for consultations in March, after the US accused Russia of meddling in the 2020 presidential election.


However, there was little sign of agreement on other issues, including cyber-security, Ukraine and the fate of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence in a penal colony.


Mr Biden said there would be "devastating consequences" for Russia if Navalny died in prison.


What did the leaders discuss?

Before the summit, both sides said relations were at rock bottom.


Mr Putin hinted at a possible deal on exchanging prisoners, saying he believed compromises could be found.


On cyber-attacks, Mr Putin brushed away accusations of Russian responsibility, saying that most cyber-attacks in Russia originated from the US.


Mr Biden said he told Mr Putin that critical infrastructure, such as water or energy, must be "off-limits" to hacking or other attacks.


The two sides differed sharply on human rights, including the right to protest.


Mr Putin dismissed US concerns about Alexei Navalny, who recently undertook a 24-day hunger strike.


He said Navalny ignored the law and knew that he would face imprisonment when he returned to Russia after having sought medical treatment in Germany. Navalny says he was poisoned with a nerve agent on Mr Putin's orders - an accusation Mr Putin denies.


He said Russia did not want disturbances on its territory comparable to the Capitol riots or the Black Lives Matter movement.


Mr Biden dismissed Mr Putin's comments about Black Lives Matter as "ridiculous", and said human rights would "always be on the table".


Asked why Russia would want to co-operate with the US, Mr Biden said it was "in a very, very difficult spot right now".


"They are being squeezed by China. They want desperately to remain a major power," he told reporters, shortly before leaving Geneva.


Putin described the Geneva meeting as "constructive," saying both countries will begin consultations on cybersecurity and US and Russian ambassadors will return to their diplomatic posts.


The US and Russia in a joint statement on Wednesday shortly after the summit between the countries’ two leaders, noting that “even in periods of tension,” the two nations share goals of “ensuring predictability in the strategic sphere, reducing the risk of armed conflicts and the threat of nuclear war."

"The recent extension of the New START Treaty exemplifies our commitment to nuclear arms control. Today, we reaffirm the principle that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought," the statement said.

 "Consistent with these goals, the United States and Russia will embark together on an integrated bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue in the near future that will be deliberate and robust. Through this Dialogue, we seek to lay the groundwork for future arms control and risk reduction measures."

Putin called the Geneva meeting as "constructive," and that both countries will begin consultations on cybersecurity and US and Russian ambassadors will return to their diplomatic posts.




After the less than four hours meeting, the presidents of the US and Russia have praised their talks in Geneva but have made little concrete progress at the first such meeting since 2018.


The two leaders covered an “extensive” amount of ground in their initial one-on-one meeting, which led to a shorter expanded bilateral meeting, according to a senior US administration official.


According to the US President Joe Biden while answering questions from reporters, disagreements were stated but not in a hyperbolic way, and he said Russia did not want a new Cold War.


President V. Putin of Russia said Mr Biden was an experienced statesman and the two "spoke the same language".


The talks lasted four hours, less time than was scheduled. Mr Biden said they did not need to spend more time talking and there was now a genuine prospect to improve relations with Russia.


The two sides agreed to begin a dialogue on nuclear arms control. They also said they would return ambassadors to each other's capitals - the envoys were mutually withdrawn for consultations in March, after the US accused Russia of meddling in the 2020 presidential election.


However, there was little sign of agreement on other issues, including cyber-security, Ukraine and the fate of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence in a penal colony.


Mr Biden said there would be "devastating consequences" for Russia if Navalny died in prison.


What did the leaders discuss?

Before the summit, both sides said relations were at rock bottom.


Mr Putin hinted at a possible deal on exchanging prisoners, saying he believed compromises could be found.


On cyber-attacks, Mr Putin brushed away accusations of Russian responsibility, saying that most cyber-attacks in Russia originated from the US.


Mr Biden said he told Mr Putin that critical infrastructure, such as water or energy, must be "off-limits" to hacking or other attacks.


The two sides differed sharply on human rights, including the right to protest.


Mr Putin dismissed US concerns about Alexei Navalny, who recently undertook a 24-day hunger strike.


He said Navalny ignored the law and knew that he would face imprisonment when he returned to Russia after having sought medical treatment in Germany. Navalny says he was poisoned with a nerve agent on Mr Putin's orders - an accusation Mr Putin denies.


He said Russia did not want disturbances on its territory comparable to the Capitol riots or the Black Lives Matter movement.


Mr Biden dismissed Mr Putin's comments about Black Lives Matter as "ridiculous", and said human rights would "always be on the table".


Asked why Russia would want to co-operate with the US, Mr Biden said it was "in a very, very difficult spot right now".


"They are being squeezed by China. They want desperately to remain a major power," he told reporters, shortly before leaving Geneva.


Putin described the Geneva meeting as "constructive," saying both countries will begin consultations on cybersecurity and US and Russian ambassadors will return to their diplomatic posts.


The US and Russia in a joint statement on Wednesday shortly after the summit between the countries’ two leaders, noting that “even in periods of tension,” the two nations share goals of “ensuring predictability in the strategic sphere, reducing the risk of armed conflicts and the threat of nuclear war."

"The recent extension of the New START Treaty exemplifies our commitment to nuclear arms control. Today, we reaffirm the principle that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought," the statement said.

 "Consistent with these goals, the United States and Russia will embark together on an integrated bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue in the near future that will be deliberate and robust. Through this Dialogue, we seek to lay the groundwork for future arms control and risk reduction measures."

Full Transcript Of Joe Biden’s Inaugural Speech

Full Transcript Of Joe Biden’s Inaugural Speech

Joe Biden

Vice – President Harris ,


Speaker Pelosi ,


Leader Schumer ,


Leader McConnell,


Vice -President Pence ,


My distinguished guests ,


My fellow Americans .


This is America ’s day . This is democracy ’ s day . A day of history and hope , of renewal and resolve . Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested a new and America has risen to the challenge.


Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause , a cause of democracy . The people – the will of the people – has been heard , and the will of the people has been heeded.


We ’ ve learned again that democracy is precious , democracy is fragile and, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed . So now on this hallowed ground where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol ’s very foundations , we come together as one nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries .


As we look ahead in our uniquely American way, restless , bold , optimistic , and set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be , I thank my predecessors of both parties . I thank them from the bottom of my heart . And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength , the strength of our nation , as does President Carter , who I spoke with last night who cannot be with us today, but who we salute for his lifetime of service .


I’ ve just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots have taken . The oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union . This is a great nation , we are good people . And over the centuries through storm and strife in peace and in war we’ ve come so far. But we still have far to go.


We ’ ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility . Much to do , much to heal , much to restore , much to build and much to gain . Few people in our nation ’ s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’ re in now . A once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as in all of World War Two .


Millions of jobs have been lost . Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed . A cry for racial justice , some 400 years in the making , moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself , a cry that can’ t be any more desperate or any more clear now . The rise of political extremism , white supremacy, domestic terrorism , that we must confront and we will defeat .


To overcome these challenges , to restore the soul and secure the future of America , requires so much more than words . It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy – unity . Unity. In another January on New Year’ s Day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper the president said , and I quote , ‘ if my name ever goes down in history , it ’ll be for this act , and my whole soul is in it ’ .


My whole soul is in it today, on this January day . My whole soul is in this . Bringing America together , uniting our people , uniting our nation . And I ask every American to join me in this cause . Uniting to fight the foes we face – anger , resentment and hatred . Extremism, lawlessness , violence , disease , joblessness , and hopelessness.


With unity we can do great things , important things . We can right wrongs , we can put people to work in good jobs , we can teach our children in safe schools . We can overcome the deadly virus, we can rebuild work , we can rebuild the middle class and make work secure , we can secure racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world .


I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days . I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real . But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal , that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism , nativism and fear have torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never secure .


Through civil war, the Great Depression, World War , 9 / 11 , through struggle , sacrifice , and setback, our better angels have always prevailed . In each of our moments enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward and we can do that now . History , faith and reason show the way. The way of unity .


We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbours . We can treat each other with dignity and respect . We can join forces , stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace , only bitterness and fury , no progress , only exhausting outrage . No nation , only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge . And unity is the path forward . And we must meet this moment as the United States of America .


If we do that, I guarantee we will not failed. We have never , ever, ever, ever failed in America when we ’ve acted together . And so today at this time in this place , let ’s start afresh , all of us. Let’ s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another , see one another . Show respect to one another . Politics doesn ’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path . Every disagreement doesn ’ t have to be a cause for total war and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured .


My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this . We have to be better than this and I believe America is so much better than this . Just look around . Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome. As mentioned earlier, completed in the shadow of the Civil War . When the union itself was literally hanging in the balance.


We endure , we prevail . Here we stand , looking out on the great Mall , where Dr King spoke of his dream .

Here we stand , where 108 years ago at another inaugural , thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote . And today we mark the swearing in of the first woman elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris . Don’ t tell me things can change . Here we stand where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace .


And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people , to stop the work of our democracy , to drive us from this sacred ground . It did not happen , it will never happen , not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever. To all those who supported our campaign , I’ m humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this . Hear us out as we move forward . Take a measure of me and my heart.


If you still disagree , so be it . That ’s democracy . That ’s America . The right to dissent peacefully . And the guardrail of our democracy is perhaps our nation ’ s greatest strength . If you hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion . And I pledge this to you . I will be a President for all Americans , all Americans. And I promise you I will fight for those who did not support me as for those who did.


Many centuries ago , St Augustine – the saint of my church – wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love . What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans ? I think we know. Opportunity , security, liberty, dignity , respect , honour, and yes, the truth .


Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson . There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens as Americans and especially as leaders . Leaders who are pledged to honour our Constitution to protect our nation . To defend the truth and defeat the lies.


Look , I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs . I understand like their dad they lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking : ‘Can I keep my healthcare? Can I pay my mortgage ?’ Thinking about their families , about what comes next. I promise you , I get it . But the answer ’s not to turn inward. To retreat into competing factions . Distrusting those who don’ t look like you , or worship the way you do, who don’ t get their news from the same source as you do .


We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue , rural versus urban , conservative versus liberal . We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts , if we show a little tolerance and humility , and if we’ re willing to stand in the other person ’s shoes, as my mom would say . Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.


Because here’s the thing about life . There ’s no accounting for what fate will deal you . Some days you need a hand . There are other days when we’ re called to lend a hand . That ’s how it has to be , that’ s what we do for one another . And if we are that way our country will be stronger , more prosperous , more ready for the future . And we can still disagree .


My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter . We ’ re entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus . We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation , one nation . And I promise this , as the Bible says , ‘ Weeping may endure for a night , joy cometh in the morning ’ . We will get through this together . Together.


Look folks , all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching . Watching all of us today. So here’ s my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we’ ve come out stronger for it .


We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’ s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’ s challenges . And we’ ll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example .


Fellow Americans , moms , dads , sons , daughters, friends , neighbours and co -workers . We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be . So I ask you let ’s say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives , those left behind and for our country . Amen.


Folks , it ’ s a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy , and on truth , a raging virus , a stinging inequity , systemic racism , a climate in crisis , America ’s role in the world . Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways . But the fact is we face them all at once , presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we’ ve had . Now we ’re going to be tested . Are we going to step up ?


It ’s time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain , I promise you . We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour ? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must and I ’m sure you do as well . I believe we will , and when we do , we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America . The American story .


A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me , it ’ s called American Anthem . And there ’ s one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this : ‘ The work and prayers of century have brought us to this day , which shall be our legacy , what will our children say ? Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America , America , I gave my best to you. ’


Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation . If we do this , then when our days are through, our children and our children ’s children will say of us: ‘ They gave their best , they did their duty , they healed a broken land .’


My fellow Americans I close the day where I began , with a sacred oath. Before God and all of you , I give you my word. I will always level with you .


I will defend the Constitution , I’ll defend our democracy . I ’ll defend America and I will give all – all of you – keep everything I do in your service . Thinking not of power but of possibilities . Not of personal interest but of public good .


And together we will write an American story of hope , not fear . Of unity not division, of light not darkness . A story of decency and dignity , love and healing , greatness and goodness . May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us. And the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history , we met the moment . Democracy and hope , truth and justice , did not die on our watch but thrive .


That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world . That is what we owe our forbearers , one another , and generations to follow .


So with purpose and resolve , we turn to those tasks of our time . Sustained by faith , driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts .


May God bless America and God protect our troops .


Thank you , America

Joe Biden

Vice – President Harris ,


Speaker Pelosi ,


Leader Schumer ,


Leader McConnell,


Vice -President Pence ,


My distinguished guests ,


My fellow Americans .


This is America ’s day . This is democracy ’ s day . A day of history and hope , of renewal and resolve . Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested a new and America has risen to the challenge.


Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause , a cause of democracy . The people – the will of the people – has been heard , and the will of the people has been heeded.


We ’ ve learned again that democracy is precious , democracy is fragile and, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed . So now on this hallowed ground where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol ’s very foundations , we come together as one nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries .


As we look ahead in our uniquely American way, restless , bold , optimistic , and set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be , I thank my predecessors of both parties . I thank them from the bottom of my heart . And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength , the strength of our nation , as does President Carter , who I spoke with last night who cannot be with us today, but who we salute for his lifetime of service .


I’ ve just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots have taken . The oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union . This is a great nation , we are good people . And over the centuries through storm and strife in peace and in war we’ ve come so far. But we still have far to go.


We ’ ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility . Much to do , much to heal , much to restore , much to build and much to gain . Few people in our nation ’ s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’ re in now . A once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as in all of World War Two .


Millions of jobs have been lost . Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed . A cry for racial justice , some 400 years in the making , moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself , a cry that can’ t be any more desperate or any more clear now . The rise of political extremism , white supremacy, domestic terrorism , that we must confront and we will defeat .


To overcome these challenges , to restore the soul and secure the future of America , requires so much more than words . It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy – unity . Unity. In another January on New Year’ s Day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper the president said , and I quote , ‘ if my name ever goes down in history , it ’ll be for this act , and my whole soul is in it ’ .


My whole soul is in it today, on this January day . My whole soul is in this . Bringing America together , uniting our people , uniting our nation . And I ask every American to join me in this cause . Uniting to fight the foes we face – anger , resentment and hatred . Extremism, lawlessness , violence , disease , joblessness , and hopelessness.


With unity we can do great things , important things . We can right wrongs , we can put people to work in good jobs , we can teach our children in safe schools . We can overcome the deadly virus, we can rebuild work , we can rebuild the middle class and make work secure , we can secure racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world .


I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days . I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real . But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal , that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism , nativism and fear have torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never secure .


Through civil war, the Great Depression, World War , 9 / 11 , through struggle , sacrifice , and setback, our better angels have always prevailed . In each of our moments enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward and we can do that now . History , faith and reason show the way. The way of unity .


We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbours . We can treat each other with dignity and respect . We can join forces , stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace , only bitterness and fury , no progress , only exhausting outrage . No nation , only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge . And unity is the path forward . And we must meet this moment as the United States of America .


If we do that, I guarantee we will not failed. We have never , ever, ever, ever failed in America when we ’ve acted together . And so today at this time in this place , let ’s start afresh , all of us. Let’ s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another , see one another . Show respect to one another . Politics doesn ’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path . Every disagreement doesn ’ t have to be a cause for total war and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured .


My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this . We have to be better than this and I believe America is so much better than this . Just look around . Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome. As mentioned earlier, completed in the shadow of the Civil War . When the union itself was literally hanging in the balance.


We endure , we prevail . Here we stand , looking out on the great Mall , where Dr King spoke of his dream .

Here we stand , where 108 years ago at another inaugural , thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote . And today we mark the swearing in of the first woman elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris . Don’ t tell me things can change . Here we stand where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace .


And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people , to stop the work of our democracy , to drive us from this sacred ground . It did not happen , it will never happen , not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever. To all those who supported our campaign , I’ m humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this . Hear us out as we move forward . Take a measure of me and my heart.


If you still disagree , so be it . That ’s democracy . That ’s America . The right to dissent peacefully . And the guardrail of our democracy is perhaps our nation ’ s greatest strength . If you hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion . And I pledge this to you . I will be a President for all Americans , all Americans. And I promise you I will fight for those who did not support me as for those who did.


Many centuries ago , St Augustine – the saint of my church – wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love . What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans ? I think we know. Opportunity , security, liberty, dignity , respect , honour, and yes, the truth .


Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson . There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens as Americans and especially as leaders . Leaders who are pledged to honour our Constitution to protect our nation . To defend the truth and defeat the lies.


Look , I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs . I understand like their dad they lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking : ‘Can I keep my healthcare? Can I pay my mortgage ?’ Thinking about their families , about what comes next. I promise you , I get it . But the answer ’s not to turn inward. To retreat into competing factions . Distrusting those who don’ t look like you , or worship the way you do, who don’ t get their news from the same source as you do .


We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue , rural versus urban , conservative versus liberal . We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts , if we show a little tolerance and humility , and if we’ re willing to stand in the other person ’s shoes, as my mom would say . Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.


Because here’s the thing about life . There ’s no accounting for what fate will deal you . Some days you need a hand . There are other days when we’ re called to lend a hand . That ’s how it has to be , that’ s what we do for one another . And if we are that way our country will be stronger , more prosperous , more ready for the future . And we can still disagree .


My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter . We ’ re entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus . We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation , one nation . And I promise this , as the Bible says , ‘ Weeping may endure for a night , joy cometh in the morning ’ . We will get through this together . Together.


Look folks , all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching . Watching all of us today. So here’ s my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we’ ve come out stronger for it .


We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’ s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’ s challenges . And we’ ll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example .


Fellow Americans , moms , dads , sons , daughters, friends , neighbours and co -workers . We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be . So I ask you let ’s say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives , those left behind and for our country . Amen.


Folks , it ’ s a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy , and on truth , a raging virus , a stinging inequity , systemic racism , a climate in crisis , America ’s role in the world . Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways . But the fact is we face them all at once , presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we’ ve had . Now we ’re going to be tested . Are we going to step up ?


It ’s time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain , I promise you . We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour ? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must and I ’m sure you do as well . I believe we will , and when we do , we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America . The American story .


A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me , it ’ s called American Anthem . And there ’ s one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this : ‘ The work and prayers of century have brought us to this day , which shall be our legacy , what will our children say ? Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America , America , I gave my best to you. ’


Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation . If we do this , then when our days are through, our children and our children ’s children will say of us: ‘ They gave their best , they did their duty , they healed a broken land .’


My fellow Americans I close the day where I began , with a sacred oath. Before God and all of you , I give you my word. I will always level with you .


I will defend the Constitution , I’ll defend our democracy . I ’ll defend America and I will give all – all of you – keep everything I do in your service . Thinking not of power but of possibilities . Not of personal interest but of public good .


And together we will write an American story of hope , not fear . Of unity not division, of light not darkness . A story of decency and dignity , love and healing , greatness and goodness . May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us. And the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history , we met the moment . Democracy and hope , truth and justice , did not die on our watch but thrive .


That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world . That is what we owe our forbearers , one another , and generations to follow .


So with purpose and resolve , we turn to those tasks of our time . Sustained by faith , driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts .


May God bless America and God protect our troops .


Thank you , America

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.

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