Incumbent Joe Biden Steps Down from US Presidential Race

The 46th and incumbent US President Joe Biden has announced that he will end his candidacy for re-election.

According to the sitting president, "it is in the best interest of my party and the country".

His withdrawal comes four months before Americans go to the polls, upending the race for the White House.


Biden stepping down follows weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats after a faltering debate performance against Republican Donald Trump at the end of June.

According to a letter posted to his social media account, president said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term," he wrote in his statement.

Calls for Biden to withdraw from the race began to grow after a disastrous debate performance in late June against Donald Trump.

During the debate he was criticised for often being incoherent and speaking in a weak voice - something which his party claimed as down to a cold.

President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was an "extraordinary partner".

"And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me," his statement added.

"I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America."

He wrote that he would address the nation on the matter next week.

Last week he returned to his home in Delaware after being diagnosed with Covid, but said on Friday he was looking forward to "getting back on the campaign trail next week".

He has previously said only the "Lord Almighty" could make him withdraw, but then later said he would consider withdrawing if he had a health condition.

The Republican candidate Trump who recently escaped assassination remains a favorite to return to white house.

Deceptions of the West and why Cease Fire May be impossible in Russia/Ukraine War - Putin

Ukraine says 37 killed in Russia missile strike 

Putin 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated his position and that of the Russia federation on a possible ceasefire along the contact line with Ukraine and why it may be impossible based on repeated deceptions by the NATO allies propelling Ukraine.

According to President Putin: "When our troops were near Kiev, we received a proposal and even a plea from our Western partners to cease fire and stop hostilities in order for certain things to be done on the Ukrainian side. We did it."

"There was a moment when we did it. The Ukrainian side did not cease hostilities. Later we were told that the official Ukrainian authorities could not control all their military units, because there were allegedly those that were not subordinate to the central authorities. This is what we were told, no more and no less. This is first."

" Second, we were asked to move our troops away from Kiev in order to create conditions to finally sign a peace treaty. We did this and faced deception once again: all the agreements reached in Istanbul were thrown in the trash. Such things happened repeatedly."

"Therefore, we cannot just declare a ceasefire hoping that the opposing side will take some positive steps."

"We also cannot allow the adversary to take advantage of this ceasefire to improve its positions, rearm itself, fill up its army through forced mobilization, and get prepared to continue the armed conflict.We must ensure that the opposing side agrees to take steps that would be irreversible and acceptable to the Russian Federation."

" Therefore, a ceasefire is impossible without reaching this agreement" , Putin said  .

President #Putin on a possible ceasefire along the contact line with Ukraine:

When our troops were near Kiev, we received a proposal and even a plea from our Western partners to cease fire and stop hostilities in order for certain things to be done on the Ukrainian side. We did… pic.twitter.com/m5qutq84nv

— Russian Embassy in South Africa 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) July 8, 2024

Scam Alert: TrustCoin Africa Limited, Registered In South Africa, Out To Defraud Across The Continent 

 

In Ukraine today, 37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia’s brutal missile strike.

A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were… pic.twitter.com/V1k7PEz2rJ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 8, 2024

Russian Vladimir Putin congratulates Iran’s new president, hopes for closer ties

Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in a presidential runoff, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian.

Russia an Iran, the target of stiff Western sanctions, can “coordinate efforts to resolve international issues in a constructive manner,” Putin said.

US will do everything possible to stop North Korea and Iran from supplying arms to Russia — Blinken

 

US Secretary of State Blinken:

"The US will do everything possible to stop North Korea and Iran from supplying arms to Russia." pic.twitter.com/NBT8QpyR85

— S p r i n t e r F a m i l y (@SprinterFamily) June 19, 2024

Russia, North Korea Pledged Mutual support , Signed an Agreement on “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

In a very rare visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Korea’s Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic pact on Wednesday pledging to come to each other’s assistance in case of a military attack.

This is amidst the ongoing Russia's Special Military Operation in Ukraine as US led NATO declared more support for Ukrainian President.

Vladimir Putin, in this first and official visit to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang since 2000, affirmed that Russia and North Korea “pursue an independent foreign policy and do not accept the language of blackmail and diktat.”

He said: “The comprehensive partnership agreement signed today provides, among other things, for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement"


As United States and other NATO nations ganged up against Russia, President Putin is seeking to maintaining strong ties with partners who share anti-Western stance, including China, Iran and North Korea and other members of the Brics.

Korean leader Kim extolled the “firm alliance” with Moscow and openly backed Russia's special military operations inUkraine, the strongest support for Russia’s invasion from any foreign leader.


According to the Russian leader, “Moscow and Pyongyang will continue to oppose the practice of sanctions strangulation that the West has become accustomed to, calling for a review of U.N. sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear weapons program.

"Supporting North Korea’s right to “take justified measures” to ensure its national security has increased  Western fears of new Russian military and technological support for North Korea.


Russian President blamed the “confrontational policy” of the United States for undermining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

“We categorically reject the attempts to blame [North Korea] for the worsening situation,” Putin said, adding that Pyongyang was “entitled to take justified measures to strengthen its national defense capacities, ensure national security, and protect its sovereignty.”




Russia for years backed U.N. sanctions against North Korea but in March vetoed a Security Council vote on extending a U.N. panel of experts monitoring sanctions compliance. Since then, senior Russian officials have repeatedly used the term “strangulation” to describe the U.N. sanctions.


Putin first visited North Korea in 2000, shortly after his election as president, becoming the only Russian or Soviet leader to travel to Pyongyang. He wanted to restore his country’s influence over the Korean Peninsula. For the next 24 years, he saw no need to return — until Wednesday.


After an ostentatious welcome ceremony and an afternoon of meetings, the two emerged to announce their shared vision of a united front against the West and the U.S.-led global order. Putin asserted his country’s fight against “decades of imperialist policies” of the United States and its allies. In turn, North Korea promised “full support and solidarity for the Russian government, army and people” in the war in Ukraine, state media agencies reported.

The two leaders signed an agreement on “comprehensive strategic partnership,” Russian media reported. The text was not immediately published, but Russian officials said before the meeting that it would replace previous key documents.


Whatever the ultimate extent of the agreement, it served as a clear rejoinder to President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky just six days after they signed a 10-year security agreement, committing the United States to provide Kyiv with a wide range of military aid.


 For decades after the founding of North Korea in 1945, the Soviet Union served as its main economic and security benefactor. 

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to be NATO's new Secretary General

The outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is to be NATO's new Secretary General. Sky News reported.

NATO Headache: Russia may support North Korea's missile and nuclear programs

North Korea leader hosts a welcome ceremony for Putin

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NATO is concerned about potential Russian support for North Korea's missile and nuclear programs, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a news conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Jerusalem post reported.

According to Sputnik, NATO Chief stated that Putin's visit to North Korea underscored for the alliance the "global nature" of security and the importance of partnership with Asia.

NATO Secretary-General @jensstoltenberg stated that Putin's visit to North Korea underscored for the alliance the "global nature" of security and the importance of partnership with Asia. pic.twitter.com/5VjT6Kilry

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) June 18, 2024

North Korea leader hosts a welcome ceremony for Putin

Kim Jong-un hosts welcome ceremony for Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang https://t.co/ec7kyGDWan

— The Independent (@Independent) June 19, 2024

NATO to put nuclear weapons on standby amid growing threat from Russia & China

NATO's remark was an "escalation of tension" says Russia 

NATO Chief 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO ) is in talks to deploy more nuclear weapons, taking them out of storage and placing them on standby, in the face of what it called a growing threat from Russia and China, the head of the alliance Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday.


Stoltenberg , according to UK 's Telegraph newspaper said there were live consultations between members to use transparency around its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent."I won't go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads should be operational and which should be stored, but we need to consult on these issues. That's exactly what we're doing," he told the paper.


The NATO chief said it was necessary to show the world the alliance's nuclear arsenal to send a clear message to potential enemies.




He said: "Transparency helps to communicate the direct message that we, of course, are a nuclear alliance." NATO's aim is, of course, a world without nuclear weapons, but as long as nuclear weapons exist, we will remain a nuclear alliance, because a world where Russia, China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, and NATO does not, is a more dangerous world."

Stoltenberg said last week that nuclear weapons were NATO's "ultimate security guarantee" and a means to preserve peace.


The Kremlin said Stoltenberg's remark was an "escalation of tension". Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the comments appeared to contradict a communique issued at a weekend conference in Switzerland that said any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine context was inadmissible.

Stoltenberg later said Russia was trying to create confusion and that his comments referred to the modernisation of Nato's nuclear deterrent, including the replacement of F-16 jets with F-35s and the modernisation of weapons deployed in Europe, which he said has been known for a long time.

Russia is trying a way to always also create a situation where they can blame Nato, and the reality is that Nato is transparent," Stoltenberg told reporters on a visit to Washington. A Nato spokesperson had earlier sought to clarify Stoltenberg's remarks, saying: "We have an ongoing modernisation programme to replace legacy weapons and aircraft. Beyond that, there are no significant changes to our nuclear deterrent."

Russia, which sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, says the US and its European allies are pushing the world to the brink of nuclear confrontation by giving Ukraine billions of dollars worth of weapons. Prez Putin has said Russia is technically ready for nuclear war, and that Moscow could use nuclear weapons to defend itself in extreme circumstances.

BIS Survey: 94% of Central Banks Exploring Digital Currency

The latest Bank for International Settlements (BIS) survey reveals that 94% of central banks are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).  Bitcoin.com reportd 

There has been a notable increase in wholesale CBDC experiments, especially in advanced economies. Central banks are examining various factors for retail CBDCs, including holding limits and offline functionality.

BIS eleased a report on June 14, titled “Embracing diversity, advancing together – results of the 2023 BIS survey on central bank digital currencies and crypto.” The survey gathered insights from 86 central banks regarding their involvement in CBDC projects and cryptocurrency initiatives.

According to the report:

Ninety-four percent of surveyed central banks are exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The survey suggests that central banks are proceeding at their own speed, taking diverse approaches and considering different design features.

The report highlights that there has been a significant increase in experiments and pilot projects involving wholesale CBDCs, particularly in advanced economies, with some emerging markets and developing economies also intensifying their efforts in this area.

“Overall, the likelihood that central banks will issue a wholesale CBDC within the next six years now exceeds the likelihood that they will issue a retail CBDC,” the report

 notes.

Central banks have also enhanced their engagement with stakeholders to inform CBDC design, with many still undecided on specific features, the BIS report details. Interoperability and programmability are frequently considered for wholesale CBDCs, while retail CBDCs are being evaluated for holding limits, interoperability, offline capabilities, and zero remuneration.

Regarding cryptocurrencies, the report states:

On crypto, the survey indicates that, to date, stablecoins are rarely used for payments outside the crypto ecosystem. Moreover, about two out of three responding jurisdictions have or are working on a framework to regulate stablecoins and other cryptoassets.

G7 leaders In Italy, Hoping to seal a deal on providing $50 billion for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets

G7 leaders are gathering for the first day of a summit in Italy, hoping to seal a deal on providing $50 billion for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.

 

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky will join US President Joe Biden.and leaders from Italy, Britain, France, Germany, Canada and Japan at the luxury Borgo Egnazia resort in Puglia .

 

 The leaders hope to agree on an urgent loan to help Kyiv with defence, budgetary support and help for reconstruction after more than two years of war with Russia.

 

 The loan would be secured against the future profits from interest on 300 billion euros ($325 billion) of Russian central bank assets frozen by Western allies.

Source: AFP

The Iran's SIX for June 28 Snap Presidential Election

The contest should be between the experienced IRGC and Basij operatives, Ghalibaf and Zakani

The Iran's Guardian Council has announced the final list of six candidates approved to compete in the presidential election scheduled for June 28. 

According to the interior ministry, the all male list consists of senior government figures such as hardliner Saeed Jalili who is Ali Khamenei's representative in the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker and Masoud Pezeshkian, a 'reformist' parliamentarian. Also in the approved list is Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior, 

The Guardian Council also gave endorsement to Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a current Vice President, and another hardliner, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani. 

According to a report by Iran International, several high-profile figures were disqualified from running, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri.

The pattern of selection is similar to the 2021 election, when Ahmadinejad and Larijani were rejected and only a second-echelon 'moderate' candidate was allowed to run. The result was a low-turnout election when Ebrahim Raisi passed the line in the first round.

Some analysts in Iran have told the local media that the race now will most likely be between Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator and an opponent of an agreement with the West, and Ghalibaf who is considered a more flexible politician. 

In any case, the issue of relations with the West and the fate of Iran's nuclear program are under the purview of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, Jalili, 58, is making his third presidential bid, having been a significant figure in Iran's nuclear negotiation team and holding various senior positions within the ministry of foreign affairs. Jalili, who holds a Ph.D. in political science from Imam Sadiq University, is noted for his uncompromising conservative stance.

Former IRGC general Ghalibaf, 63, who is the current Parliament Speaker, is known for his military and political experience.

The only reform leaning candidate, Pezeshkian, 69, has served as health minister and chancellor of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. He is also a trained cardiac surgeon, holding a medical degree from Tabriz University.

Pourmohammadi, 64, infamous for his role in the "Death Commission" during the 1980s, has been a polarizing figure due to his past actions as deputy intelligence minister.

Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, currently serving as Vice President, head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, and an ENT surgeon, has maintained a conservative stance throughout his political career, representing the Mashhad and Kalat electoral district in Parliament for several terms. He holds a medical degree from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Mayor of Tehran, Zakani, 58, noted for his confrontational style and conservative views. holds a Ph.D. in nuclear medicine from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. He has been an outspoken critic of the nuclear deal and a key figure in the conservative camp supporting the crackdowns on women defying compulsory hijab.

The snap election follows the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash on May 19 along with his entourage.

The candidates' approval by the Guardian Council, a body of clerics known for its allegiance to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the clerical rulers' continued grip on power.

 The upcoming elections are expected to see record low participation as the population rejects the sham polls rigged by the country's theocratic dictator.

The disqualification of heavyweights such as outspoken Ahmadinejad and Larijani came with mixed reactions from among the public.

 Ahmadinejad was highly unlikely to get through, but many thought that Larijani, as a quiet insider, will make it to final stage considering Khamenei's comment after his "unfair disqualification" in 2021.

On the other hand, the 'reformists' must be somewhat disappointed as only one of their official candidates has his credentials approved, Iranian analyst and Iran International contributor Behruz Turani said. 

The only reform-minded candidate, Pezeshkian's chances to win the presidency is uncertain because of his ethnic voter base, something that Khamenei is known to detest.

The final battle will be among "revolutionary" Jalili, insider Ghalibaf, and ambitious Zakani, observers say.

Khamenei sees no difference among them although he definitely does not like Jalili's link to the over-ambitious and ultra-hardliner Paydari party, according to sources.

In view of the security situation in the post 2022 protests, Khamenei's ideal candidates are more likely Ghalibaf and Zakani, both experienced IRGC and Basij operatives with a proven track record of suppressing dissent.

#UKRAINEWAR: President Putin Approves Arming US and NATO's Enemies with Russian Weapons

Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved that Russia can harm territories and regions that are in conflicts with United States and other NATO nations with Russian Weapons.

 Putin, for the first time ever acknowledged the possibility of sending Russian weapons to the regions that fight against the states who provide arms to the Ukraine.

Russia has resulted to the African political theory: "the friends of my friends are my friends; the enemies of my enemies are my friends.." as the country will also provide weapons to any State of ground in conflicts with United States, NATO members and allies.

The war in Ukraine is a defacto US and NATO direct proxy war against Russia , been financing by American tax prayers.

Yesterday the President of Russia for the first time ever acknowledged the possibility of sending our weapons to the regions that fight against the states who provide arms to the f. Ukraine. (More precisely, use these arms against our country.) In other words, to the forces that…

— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) June 6, 2024

Spain's recognitions of Palestinian State, Israel to prevent Consulate to serve Hamas in Jerusalem — Minister

 

In response to Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state and the antisemitic call by Spain's Deputy Prime Minister to not just recognize a Palestinian state but to 'liberate Palestine from the river to the sea,' I have decided to sever the connection between Spain's…

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 24, 2024

Spain is among three European nations that just confirmed their decision to recognize the Palestinian State.


An Israeli Minister, Israel Katz in response said Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state and the antisemitic call by Spain's Deputy Prime Minister to not just recognize a Palestinian state but to 'liberate Palestine from the river to the sea,' I have decided to sever the connection between Spain's representation in Israel and the Palestinians, and to prohibit the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians from the West Bank.

He further said, " If this ignorant, hate-filled individual wants to understand what radical Islam truly seeks, she should study the 700 years of Islamic rule in Al-Andalus—today's Spain."

The leaders of Norway, Ireland and Spain have said their countries will formally recognise Palestine as a state next week for the sake of “peace in the Middle East“, prompting Israel to immediately recall its envoys.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday that a two-state solution was in Israel’s best interest and the recognition of Palestinian statehood would come as of May 28.

“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he said in Oslo. 

Ireland’s prime minister Simon Harris made a similar announcement in Dublin, as did Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, to applause in parliament.

“In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured [in Gaza], we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,” Gahr Store said.

“Recognition of Palestine is a means of supporting the moderate forces which have been losing ground in this protracted and brutal conflict,” he said.

Harris told a news conference: “I’m confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks.”

Ireland’s foreign minister Micheal Martin said on X that the recognition will take place on May 28.

Sanchez, while announcing that Spain’s council of ministers would also recognise an independent Palestinian state on May 28, accused his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu of putting the two-state solution in “danger” with his policy of “pain and destruction” in Gaza.

“We hope that our recognition and our reasons contribute to other Western countries to follow this path, because the more we are, the more strength we will have to impose a ceasefire,” Sanchez said.

Harris also said that Ireland was unequivocal in recognising Israel’s right to exist “securely and in peace with its neighbours”, and called for all captives in Gaza to be immediately returned.

“But let me also be clear, Hamas is not the Palestinian people … a two-state solution is the only way out of the generational cycles of violence, retaliation and resentment,” he added.

At least 35,709 people have been killed and 79,990 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attack is 1,139, with dozens still held captive.

It's perhaps unsurprising that Norway has taken the lead on this because they were behind the Oslo Accords – the agreement in 1993 that really did two things: it recognised the Palestine Liberation Organization, the PLO, as the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people,” Khan added.

The timing of the move comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel. Just this week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Kharim Khan announced that he was seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears on South Africa’s request for a ruling to stop the Israeli offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey welcomed the three leaders’ decision. France said now was not the right moment, but added that recognition was not “taboo”. Meanwhile, the White House acknowledged that each country can make its own decision on whether to recognise a Palestinian state, but stressed that US President Joe Biden thinks direct negotiations by the parties is the best approach.

If we take Jenin, for example, in the north of the occupied West Bank, it is suffering the repercussions of a second day of an Israeli raid.”

Israeli warning

Israel immediately announced it was recalling its envoys to Ireland and Norway for “urgent consultations”.

“Today, I am sending a sharp message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not go over this in silence,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement, adding that he planned to do the same with the Spanish ambassador.

The Israeli foreign ministry had earlier posted a video message addressed to Ireland on X warning that “recognising a Palestinian state risks turning you into a pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas”, adding the move would “only fuel extremism and instability”.

Israel has said plans for Palestinian recognition constitute a “prize for terrorism” that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the war in Gaza, which began on October 7 when Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel.

Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary-general of the executive committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), posted on X: “Historical moments in which the free world triumphs for truth and justice after long decades of Palestinian national struggle, suffering, pain, occupation, racism, murder, oppression, abuse and destruction to which the people of Palestine were subjected.”

Hamas called the decision by the three countries an “important step”.

Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti said it was a “powerful political and symbolically significant step” that moved the achievement of “freedom and justice” closer for the Palestinian people.

“This is also a blow to Netanyahu and his extreme government, and to the fascists in his government … It means the acts of fascism and extremism in the Israeli government has no future,” he said .

Source; Aljazeera news and social media

Death of Raisi delays talks with UN’s nuclear watchdog

The deaths of Iran’s president and foreign minister have forced the postponement of the country’s talks with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, according to the agency’s chief.

“They are in a mourning period which I need to respect,” International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi told Reuters news agency in Helsinki, where he was speaking at a nuclear conference.

“But once this is over, we are going to be engaging again,” he said, adding that he hoped talks would resume “in a matter of days”.

The IAEA wants to more closely monitor Iran’s atomic activities as it advances its uranium enrichment programme.

Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60 percent purity, close to the 90 percent of weapons-grade, which no other country has done without developing nuclear weapons.

Tehran says its aims are entirely peaceful.

Cultural, sports events, weddings postponed in Iran

Iranian media is reporting that in addition to closing cinemas, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has halted all cultural and artistic activities across the country, including concerts, for seven days.

Source: Aljazeera news 

Raisi funeral updates: Procession for Iran president after helicopter crash

 Massive crowds of Iranians thronged the streets of the capital, Tehran, for the funeral procession of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, who died in a helicopter crash.

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Raisi and several other officials, including Iran’s foreign minister and a provincial governor, were on board when the helicopter went down in northern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei declared five days of national mourning.

On Tuesday, mourners gathered in Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, for a farewell procession for Raisi.

An election will be held on June 28 to pick Raisi’s successor.

Foreign dignitaries pay their respects at official ceremony

The commemoration ceremony for Iran’s Raisi and other officials who died in Sunday’s crash has started at the Iran International Conference Center in northern Tehran, reports Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.

Visiting delegations, including from Jordan and Oman, have entered the procession, paying tribute to Raisi and the other officials, according to videos posted by the news agency.

Kuwait’s FM heads to Tehran

More foreign dignitaries are flying into Tehran ahead of the commemoration ceremony.

One of the latest officials to head there is Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, who will attend the funeral on behalf of Kuwait’s emir.

Iranian expats shed fewer tears for Raisi

While tens of thousands of Iranians have gathered in Tehran to mourn their late president, reactions among Iranian expatriates, many critical of him and the government, vary.

Many Iranian diaspora members, including those who fled after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, view Raisi as an ultraconservative figure responsible for enforcing repressive laws and a crackdown on protests and dissidents.

They also point to Raisi’s alleged role in mass executions of political prisoners at the end of Iran’s long war with Iraq in the 1980s, for which he received US sanctions.

Seeing Raisi’s death as a blow to the government they revile, some groups of Iranian dissidents have even publicly celebrated in European cities, according to Nazenin Ansari, editor of the Kayhan London website.

“Each member of this regime that goes is a victory for us,” said Guilda Torabi, spokesperson for the Homa association, an Iranian support group in France.

Pakistan PM, Belarus FM arrive in Tehran

Iran’s Mehr news agency is reporting that Pakistan’s PM Sharif has arrived in Tehran.

Among other foreign dignities, Belarus’s Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik also arrived in Iran’s capital this afternoon.

Putin says Russia has never refused to negotiate on Ukraine

 

Putin

President #Putin: Russia has never refused to negotiate on Ukraine.

❗️ However, instead of signing a peace agreement, the Ukrainian side unexpectedly announced the termination of negotiations. As Ukrainian officials later said, this was because their Western allies urged them… pic.twitter.com/Uealp4HCXh

— Russian Embassy in South Africa 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) May 15, 2024

Why Attacked Slovakia's PM in Life threatening condition

 In pictures: Slovak president transported on hospital bed

Pictures have just been released of Robert Fico being transported on a hospital gurney. 

The Slovak prime minister is covered by a white sheet.

Multiple emergency service workers are seen pushing the hospital bed after Mr Fico arrived at the Banska Bystrica Hospital after being transported via air ambulance.

Slovakia's government office said earlier (see our 3.07pm post) that Mr Fico is a life-threatening condition.

Credit: Sky News and  AP

Attack on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is appalling — Ukrainian President

 

The attack on Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is appalling.

We strongly condemn this act of violence against our neighboring partner state's head of government. Every effort should be made to ensure that violence does not become the norm in any country, form, or sphere.…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 15, 2024

Fear of China's Domination: Joe Biden Imposes a series of tariffs on goods made in China

Biden &XI
Photo credit: BBC

The President of United States Joe Biden has imposed a series of tariffs on goods made in China following a revelationd that the Chinese are more than determined to dominate the world in such aspects.

According to President Biden, China is determined to dominate industries which includes : Steel and aluminum, Semiconductors, EVs and solar panels.

Consequently Biden has imposed heavy tariffs on them: 

25% on steel and aluminum,
50% on semiconductors,
100% on EVs,
And 50% on solar panels.

I just imposed a series of tariffs on goods made in China:

25% on steel and aluminum,
50% on semiconductors,
100% on EVs,
And 50% on solar panels.

China is determined to dominate these industries.

I'm determined to ensure America leads the world in them.

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 14, 2024

Biden criticized Donald Trump's measure against China but obviously taken Trump's options . 

The bottom line is that I want fair competition with China, not conflict.

And we’re in a stronger position to win the economic competition of the 21st century against China or anyone else because we’re investing in America again. pic.twitter.com/KpoSzoahzS

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 14, 2024

For years, the Chinese government has cheated by pouring money into Chinese companies which then dump cheap products onto the market, hurting competitors who play by the rules.

I’m announcing tariffs that will ensure American workers are not held back by unfair trade practices. pic.twitter.com/JHdJ6EcXWr

— President Biden (@POTUS) May 14, 2024

ICC Threat: Israel will never accept any attempt to undermine its inherent right of self-defense Under my leadership — PM Netanyahu

 

Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense.

The threat to seize the soldiers and officials of the Middle East’s only democracy and the world’s only Jewish state is outrageous. We will not bow to it.
Israel…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 26, 2024

I will not rest until every hostage, like Abigail, ripped from their families and held by Hamas is back in the arms of their loved ones.

They have my word.

Their families have my word. pic.twitter.com/hRDSjsYDc9

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 27, 2024