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Venezuela and Guinea Bissau 


establish many agreements


April 29th, 3:04pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Governments of Venezuela and Guinea Bissau established 


strategic agreements on maritime and air matters here for the 


benefit of both peoples, the Minister for Transportation 


Jacqueline Faría reported, it emerged here today.


 


The Venezuelan minister commented on her Instagram account 


about the productive meeting held the day before --- with the 


Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and 


Communities of Guinea-Bissau, Joao Bernardo Vieira.


 


Faría pointed out that, with this step, the Bolivarian Republic 


traces new alternative routes “by strengthening our 


connectivity with the world”,  by overcoming 


obstacles to national development, as 


well as promoting commercial and 


human exchanges.


 


She affirmed that Venezuela continues to advance with 


determination in this agenda of unity with our sister 


Africa, under the instructions and leadership of 


the president in charge, Delcy Rodríguez.


 


The Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, received Vieira 


yesterday in the context of the official visit to Caracas,
to 
commemorate - 20 years of the establishment of 


diplomatic relations between the two countries.


 


On his Telegram account, Gil highlighted that this 


commemoration celebrates a “significant 


milestone in South-South friendship 


and cooperation” ...between 


both peoples.


 


He stressed that these links allowed the signing of a diversity


 of agreements and projects in fundamental areas, such 


as agriculture, mining, and diplomatic, cultural and 


educational exchanges.


 


Gil valued that these initiatives are essential 


to strengthen the unity and prosperity of 


both nations.


 


He reaffirmed, on behalf of his Government, willingness 


to continue expanding those projects and areas of 


mutual understanding.


 


The Guinean minister arrived in Venezuela last Saturday 


and, as part of his agenda, he paid tribute to the 


Liberator Simón Bolívar, on Monday, at the 


National Pantheon, in Caracas.


 


The links between the two nations were established on April 6,


 2006 and since then Caracas and Bissau signed agreements 


in agriculture, mining, communication and information, 


health, education and technical cooperation.


 


In addition to the recognition of university degrees, the fight 


against drug trafficking, and the elimination of visas and 


on defense, according to the Venezuelan Ministry of 


Foreign Affairs.


 


As part of this relationship between the countries, currently 


more than 140 students from Guinea-Bissau - are studying 


different university programs in the democratic, socialist


Bolivarian Republic.


0000000000000000000000000000000000000



Absurd... to think Cuba threatens the US, 

says Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez

April 29th, 10:20am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, today - reiterated his 

country's peace vocation and said it is absurd to say that the 

Caribbean nation represents a threat to the United States as

the greatest power in the world's State Department says.

 

In a message in X, the head of Foreign Affairs of the island 

highlighted the fact that Cuba is a developing country, 

relatively small, and furthermore, “subjected to a 

brutal economic war”.

 

In this way, he described it as absurd that “it could pose a 

threat to the greatest military, technological and 

economic power in the world”.

 

It is also absurd, Rodríguez argued in his denial, knowing that 

Cuba is a peaceful country that does not attack others, it 

does not allow its territory to be used against others 

and has a clean record against terrorism, 

international organized crime 

and violence.

 

Likewise, Bruno Rodríguez explained that these truths are 

known to the administration installed in the White House 

in Washington --- and its security and defense agencies.

 

Finally, he warned categorically, “It is not possible 

to fabricate pretexts with such weak, fallacious 

arguments”, he stated.

 

 




Image: People hold up a banner as they protest against Israel at the entrance of the International Criminal Court.

    



 


New round of war to be catastrophic

---- for the US: Leader's advisor

April 29th, 10:57pm

 (PressTV)

 

A senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah 

Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei says fresh aggression towards 

Iran will be "catastrophic" for the United States.

 

"History will record that the Iranian nation sank the American 

superpower in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman," 

Mohsen Rezaei, a former chief commander of the 

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), said 

on Wednesday.

 

"American military personnel are warning that if the country 

continues the war, there is a possibility that their vessels 

will be sunk and their soldiers killed," he added.

 

In the event of fresh aggression, the US "should expect that we 

will take a large number of their forces captive," added Rezaei,

 also a member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council.

 

The Islamic Republic's Armed Forces faced the latest bout of 

the US' and Israeli regime's unprovoked aggression against 

the country ---with at least 100 waves of decisive and 

successful reprisals, targeting sensitive US and 

Israeli targets across a large expanse of the 

West Asia region.

 

Rezaei's remarks pointing to the potential of significant 

human and material losses for the United States in the 

event of resumption of the aggression came amid 

admissions by US officials, themselves, about 

the Islamic Republic's having retained a 

significant portion of its military 

capability ---- despite 

the aggression.

 

Amid the Islamic Republic's retaliation, US President 

Donald Trump announced a two-week lull in attacks 

against the country on April 7.

 

Trump later - extended the ceasefire, but announced a

continuation of an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels 

and ports --- in violation of the ceasefire's terms.

 

In response --- Iran has closed the strategic Strait 

of Hormuz, to all traffic except the vessels that 

coordinate with - and receive authorization 

from - relevant Iranian authorities. The 

move - has sent shockwaves through 

global energy markets, including in 

the US, where surging fuel prices 

have further eroded.... Trump’s 

already declining popularity.

 

Rezaei predicted that the US president could blame 

Congress for the deadlock that has arisen from 

the unprovoked aggression.

 

"If Congress.... decides against war, Trump can blame 

Congress and the Democrats. If Congress supports 

continuing the war - Trump will attribute the 

consequences of prolonging the war... 

to them," the advisor said.

 

The official, however, said "the least costly option" 

for the US would be accepting the 10-strong 

conditions that Iran has set towards the

realization of an end to the situation.

 

The conditions include the definitive conclusion of 

whatever instance... of aggression against the 

Islamic Republic, a cessation of aggression 

on all fronts, removal of illegal sanctions,

 and the provision of compensation.

 

Rezaei, meanwhile, categorically ruled out rumours 

spread by the US and its allies concerning the 

health condition of the Leader - describing 

him as "young, healthy, and energetic," 

and asserting that he "is managing 

the country’s affairs......

through prudence."

 

The Islamic Republic, he added, is resolved to exact 

revenge on the adversaries - for the martyrdom
of 
Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei's 

predecessor, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali 

Khamenei, who was targeted

---- in the early stages of 

the aggression.

 

"The revenge for the martyred Leader remains in 

place and will not be fulfilled - except with the 

elimination of Israel."

 

The advisor concluded his remarks by noting that 

the aggression had proven certain realities, 

including Trump's having become
"a 
sacrifice - for Israel."

 

He was referring to the US's succumbing to pressure 

applied by the Israeli regime to join the aggression 

in order to try to realize Tel Aviv's ambitions.

 

Another reality emerging from the war - was that "Europe is 

separating its path from the United States," Rezaei said in 

reference to a refusal on the part of the US's European 

allies to directly contribute to the aggression... and 

their expressing doubt ...about Washington's 

ability to "protect" them.

 

 

______________________________________

 

 

Iran defies US blockade --- as national unity 

surges while crisis deepens in Washington

April 29th, 10:07pm

by Press TV Website Staff

 

A senior Iranian security source, speaking to Press TV, warned 

that the US “naval piracy and banditry” will soon face a

"practical and unprecedented response" - as millions 

filled the streets nationwide to reaffirm allegiance 

---- to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, 

Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, 

on the birth anniversary of Imam 

Reza (AS).

 

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stressed that 

the nation’s cohesion would once again defeat US plots to 

engineer division, while Islamic Revolution Guards Corps 

(IRGC) Navy officials said that - surprise tactics - await 

any new US' miscalculation.

 

At the diplomatic level, Iran condemned the US-Israeli attacks 

on civilian infrastructure as war crimes, and warned the UN 

of its full legal right -- to counter the illegal vessel seizures.

 

As Iran consolidates internal stability and asserts greater control 

over the Strait of Hormuz, Washington faces deepening political

 and economic strain.

 

US lawmakers grilled the war secretary, over the staggering $25 

billion cost of the failed war, gasoline prices hit a four-year high, 

and public approval of Donald Trump fell again.

 

Key developments on day 61 of the war, 

the twenty-second day of the ceasefire:

 

The continued US maritime piracy and banditry in the form of 

so-called "naval blockade" - will soon be met with “practical 

and unprecedented action,” a high-ranking security source 

told Press TV on Wednesday.

 

Millions of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran and other cities 

nationwide to renew their pledge of allegiance to the Leader 

of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, on the birth

 anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam.

 

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Qalibaf said the Iranian nation will 

once again defeat US plots aimed at sowing division in the 

country ....through unity ---- and faith.

 

The IRGC Navy's deputy for political affairs, Mohammad 

Akbarzadeh, said the naval force's "surprise tactics" 

await the US in the event of a fresh miscalculation.

 

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi condemned 

the US-Israeli strikes against 130,000 civilian facilities, houses, 

hospitals and non-military infrastructure during the recent war 

of aggression against the country as a war crime and a crime 

against humanity.

 

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, 

underlined that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to 

confront the US seizure of Iranian vessels as part of 

Washington's continued illegal blockade against 

the country.

 

Iravani also said that the “outlaw and terrorist” Israeli regime

 poses a significant threat to both regional and international 

peace and security.

 

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the Bahraini 

authorities for their decision to strip of citizenship, dozens of 

nationals ---- on the pretext of: "glorifying Iranian retaliatory 

operations" and "sympathising with" the Islamic Republic 

during the recent US-Israeli war of aggression.

 

The spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s Planning and 

Budget Committee, Abbas Ghodrati, asserted that the 

nation’s oil is now sold at twice the contracted price.

 

Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, citing human 

casualties and the widespread destruction of sports 

infrastructure in recent US and Israeli attacks, 

urged the International Olympic Committee 

(IOC) to take a firm stance, suspend 

Israeli sports activities, and 

investigate the damage.

 

Minister of Information and Communications Technology 

Sattar Hashemi ---- called on the International Tele-

communications Union (ITU) to condemn the

US-Israeli strikes ---- on Iran’s tele-

communication infrastructure.

 

Yemen's foreign ministry - warned against the adventurism and 

barbarism of the Trump administration in the Persian Gulf and 

declared Sana'a's support --- for Iran's measures in the Strait 

of Hormuz.

 

Head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society, Pir Hossein Kolivand, called 

on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to take 

a firm stance against US-Israeli atrocities against civilians in 

the country.

 

Members of Congress grilled US War Secretary Pete Hegseth 

over the enormous cost..... of the joint US-Israeli military 

aggression against Iran. The hearing on Wednesday 

came after the Pentagon revealed --- that the 

aggression against Iran has cost the US

 some $25 billion --- so far.

 

US President Donald Trump's approval rating - has fallen
to 34% from 36%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll -
as dissatisfaction 
grows over the cost of living
.....and the imposed war against Iran.

 

A US Senate hearing exposed concerns that US homeland 

missile defences ---- are dangerously misaligned with 

modern warfare, according to a report.

 

At least ten people, including three rescue workers, were killed 

in Israeli airstrikes targeting residential neighbourhoods in 

southern Lebanon, marking the latest violations of a 

ceasefire ....that began on April 16.

 

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the 

repercussions of the US-Israeli war against Iran could last for 

years..... as soaring energy prices continue to threaten 

global markets. 

 

According to the data from the American Automobile Association 

(AAA), the US is currently facing a significant spike in gasoline 

prices, with the average cost reaching its highest point in 

nearly four years.

 

A majority of Israeli settlers --- believe the occupying entity’s 

military has failed to achieve anything since October 2023, 

amid ongoing wars, internal divisions, and mounting legal 

pressure on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it will exit 

OPEC on Friday, ending decades of membership.

 

Crude prices surged after Trump signalled he may reject 

Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent 

crude for June delivery climbed about 2.8 percent,

 reaching $111.26 per barrel.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

Iran to soon unveil a weapon the enemy 

is -- 'deeply afraid of': Navy commander

April 29th, 10:09pm

(PressTV)

 

Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says

 the Islamic Republic will "very soon" confront the 

enemy with a weapon "it is deeply afraid of."

 

"And it is right next to them [too]," he noted on Wednesday 

in reference to the weapon in question, adding, "I hope 

they won't have a heart attack."

 

The commander noted how the enemies had wrongfully thought 

they would achieve the results thay had sought through their 

latest bout of unprovoked aggression against Iran "in the 

shortest possible time," adding, "That very assumption 

has now turned into a joke in military academies."

 

Referring to the Navy's retaliatory operations against enemy 

targets throughout the aggression, Irani cited as many as 

seven missile operations against the aircraft carrier 

Abraham Lincoln.

 

The retaliation, he added, prevented the United States from 

being able to launch aircraft or conduct air operations 

from the carrier ...for a period of time.

 

Facing the aggression that began on February 28, Iran's Armed

Forces staged at least 100 waves of decisive and successful

reprisal - against sensitive US and Israeli targets - across a 

large expanse of the West Asia region.

 

The commander said the United States' war efforts saw it deploy 

missiles against the Iranian soil from platforms based on naval 

units before engaging more missile platforms that required it 

to bring in more destroyers.

 

"Even so, they remain stalled," Irani stated.

 

Another part of Iran's retaliation - featured the country's closing 

the strategic Strait of Hormuz to vessels belonging to enemies

 and their allies. The Islamic Republic ------ then subjected the 

waterway to further restrictions, conditioning the passage 

of vessels to their securing permission from the relevant 

Iranian authorities. The latter move came after the US 

announced continuation of an illegal blockade it has

 been trying to impose on Iranian vessels and ports.

 

According to the commander, Iran has closed the Strait of 

Hormuz, from the Arabian Sea. "If they move any closer, 

we will take operational action without delay," he said.

 

Despite the blockade, he added, "some vessels have departed

 from our ports, and some ....have reached their destinations."

 

He also strongly condemned the US forces' illegal seizure of 

some Iranian vessels as part of the blockade, which he 

denounced as not only "piracy," but also condemned

as "hostage-taking."

 

"They have taken crew members and their families - hostage 

aboard ships," he stated. "The Americans are worse than 

Somali pirates --- because Somali pirates acted out of 

poverty, but these --- have added hostage-taking"
to
 their atrocities, Irani said.

 

However, the commander asserted that the Islamic Republic's 

Armed Forces were sworn to avenging the nation's martyrs 

"to the last drop of our blood."

 

"We will afflict a regret-inducing blow on them."

 

 

_______________________________________________




Hezbollah Lawmaker: It Would Be a Catastrophe


 If President Aoun’s Remarks Were Intentional


 April 29th, 9pm


(al Manar)


 


Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc MP, Ibrahim Al-Moussawi, on
Wednesday rejected comments by President Joseph Aoun, 


suggesting the November 2024 ceasefire agreement gave 


Israel freedom to attack Lebanon ---- calling it a “severe 


confusion” ---- requiring an immediate correction.


 


Responding to Aoun’s remarks before economic bodies regarding 


a US State Department statement, MP Moussawi said the Nov. 27, 


2024 ceasefire deal “did not grant the enemy any privileges or a 


free hand to attack Lebanon” and instead, affirmed Lebanon’s


 right to self-defense - under international law.


 


He called the US statement — which he said gives Israel the right 


to strike Lebanon — a “dangerous precedent,” demanding a 


clear public Lebanese rejection. “Internal statements are 


not enough,” he said.


 


MP Moussawi warned that ‘Israel’ could use Aoun’s comments to 


justify “daily killings and massive destruction,” portraying them 


as agreed upon with Lebanon. He urged a “clear and explicit 


position to refute the enemy’s claims.”


 


He also called for diplomatic mobilization at the UN Security 


Council ---- over the “systematic destruction of villages,” 


criticizing the Lebanese Foreign Ministry as negligent.


 


“We hope the President’s remarks resulted from unintentional 


ambiguities and can be corrected, because anything else 


would be an outright catastrophe,” the statement from 


Hezbollah’s Media Relations concluded.


 


 


Source: Al-Manar English Website


 


 


__________________________________________


 


 



More Israeli Soldiers, Merkava Tanks 


Hit by Hezbollah’s Unchallengeable 


Gliders
April 29th, 8:11pm


(al Manar)


 


In light of the Israeli confessions about the occupation army’s 


failure to confront Hezbollah gliders - the Islamic Resistance 


continued its attacks on enemy troops in southern Lebanon.


 


Hezbollah Military Media issued consecutive statements, 


to illustrate the Resistance attacks and their outcomes.


 


Statement 1


 


In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the 


“Israeli” enemy’s violation of the ceasefire and its attacks 


on villages and the demolition of homes in southern 


Lebanon, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted 


at 17:00 on Tuesday 28-04-2026, two Merkava 


tanks in Al-Qantara town with two loitering 


gliders, achieving confirmed hits.


 


Statement 2


 


In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the 


“Israeli” enemy’s violation of the ceasefire and its attacks 


on villages in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the 


martyrdom of a number of civilians, and injuries 


among others, the Islamic Resistance fighters 


targeted at 18:00 on Tuesday 28-04-2026, a 


gathering of “Israeli” enemy army soldiers


 in Al-Qantara town with a rocket barrage.


 


Statement 3


 


In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the 


“Israeli” enemy’s violation of the ceasefire and its attacks 


on villages in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the 


martyrdom of a number of civilians, and injuries 


among others, the Islamic Resistance fighters 


targeted at 19:00 on Wednesday, 29-04-2026, 


a gathering of “Israeli” enemy army vehicles 


and soldiers in Al-Bayyada town --- with two 


loitering gliders, achieving a confirmed hit.


 


Statement 4


 


In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the 


“Israeli” enemy’s violation of the ceasefire and its attacks 


on villages and the demolition of homes in southern 


Lebanon, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted 


at 18:00 on Wednesday 29-04-2026 two Merkava 


tanks near Al-Qantara town square with two 


loitering gliders, achieving a confirmed hit.


 


Statement 5


 


In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the 


“Israeli” enemy’s violation of the ceasefire and its attacks 


on villages --- and the demolition of homes in southern 


Lebanon, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted 


at 18:45, on Wednesday 29-04-2026, a Merkava 


tank near Beit Lif town with a loitering glider, 


achieving a confirmed hit.


 


 


Source: Al-Manar English Website


 


 


______________________________________




 

Iran leverages fragile ceasefire to

regroup, replenish, and ready 

itself.... for new battles

April 29th, 10:13am

by Mohammad Molaei

(PressTV)

 

The current extended ceasefire – since the 40-day war – 

has proven to be more than a momentary halt to the 

unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the 

Islamic Republic.

 

This period has served as an important re-evaluation and reset 

phase for Iran, enabling a swift assessment of the war's 

impact, operational recovery, and the consolidation 

of several key components of the country’s 

growing military profile.

 

A closer look at recent developments, alongside statements from 

the Iranian authorities, suggests that Tehran has used this time

 not only to sustain its recovery momentum from the 

"Ramadan War" but also to strengthen its 

capacity for a potential return to war.

 

The clearest sign of this accelerated recovery, has been 

the marked uptick in logistical operations... in the days 

immediately following the ceasefire earlier this month.

 

Increased military airlifts – including heavy-lift cargo planes 

arriving at key airbases – point to an intensified effort to 

replenish vital components, reinforce supply lines, 

and sustain weapons production even amidst 

the ceasefire that the US side 

extended unilaterally.

 

While these military transfers.. remain officially unconfirmed, 

the trend suggests that Iran is now executing its long-held 

strategies of logistical decentralization, allowing it to 

recover rapidly when put to the test, like in the 

recent unprovoked and illegal war.

 

Multiple supply channels, combined with domestic 

manufacturing capabilities, have enabled Iran to 

absorb losses .....far more readily than its 

adversaries might have anticipated.

 

Missile arsenal intact and growing

 

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this recovery 

concerns Iran's missile arsenal, the cornerstone of 

its deterrence strategy. Insights from the 12-day 

war in June last year underscored the critical 

role of missile technology in creating 

operational opportunities.

 

According to local analyses and military sources, 

missile production increased tenfold between 

the end of that war and the start of the 

Ramadan War.

 

Crucially, this growth did not stop; in fact, based on 

available evidence, production has continued to 

accelerate rapidly since the ceasefire was 

first announced in early April. Such a

momentum contradicts assertions 

by the United States and Israel 

regarding a supposedly 

crippled ------ Iranian 

missile program.

 

These statements ignore an essential architectural feature: 

much of Iran's missile production lines, storage sites, and 

supply chains are incorporated in heavily fortified 

underground facilities, often referred to as 

"missile cities".

 

These facilities, built in mountainous regions and fortified 

with multiple layers of protective measures, are capable 

of withstanding the effects of the most powerful 

bunker-busting explosives.

 

Interestingly, some are thought to be positioned at depths 

and geological settings that are beyond the penetration 

capacity of certain bunker-busting weapons (such as 

the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator).

 

As such, while surface targets may be prioritized, the bulk 

of Iran's missile manufacturing infrastructure remains 

unaffected and ready to continue production, even

 in the face of constant bombardment.

 

Prudent spending

 

The second key variable has been its demonstrated policy 

of prudent spending in the two recent imposed wars. 

There are indicators that Iran deliberately 

eschewed.. operating some of its more 

capable systems and configurations, 

instead opting to deploy its older 

missile stockpiles ----- in 

large quantities.

 

This strategy was multifaceted, used for both operational and 

potentially strategic purposes: first, it allowed the depletion 

of older stocks that had built up over decades; and second,

it provided the option to reserve some of the newer, more 

advanced assets for purposeful escalation in the event 

of a future war.

 

In this vein, reports suggesting minimal or no operational 

use of some of these platforms (such as double-launcher 

systems for the Kheibar Shekan missile) form a key 

point of attention. These systems --- which can 

double the missile firing rate, remain largely 

undeployed, suggesting that Iran has the 

potential to escalate the intensity of 

missile launches if it resumes 

operations in the event of 

any act of aggression 

in the future.

 

One critical aspect of this smart launch strategy - relates to 

inventory and storage considerations in Iran's underground 

missile silos. Bulkier, liquid-based missiles – like older 

versions of the Qadr missile series – require 

considerably more storage space than 

newer models such as the solid-

fuelled Kheibar Shekan.

 

In prioritizing the deployment of space-consuming systems 

during the early stages of war, it would appear Iran has 

been slowly but surely, clearing the way in its storage 

facilities for more compact, next-generation systems.

 

This upgrade not only aids in the system's survival capability but 

also maximizes the number of systems that can be deployed in 

protected areas. In turn, the sheer number of missiles used in 

previous wars may only be a small fraction of the available 

missiles in alternative scenarios.

 

Maritime power

 

In parallel, another aspect of Iran's deterrence strategy is the 

maritime sector. Observations of US naval deployments 

during the Ramadan war indicated a notable degree 

of caution.

 

Despite the superior numbers and capabilities of US naval 

assets on the scene, US aircraft carrier strike groups and 

accompanying maritime forces reportedly maintained a 

posture of standoff ...at a distance of roughly 300 kms 

from Iran.

 

This offshore distance is understood - to be correlated with the 

possibilities afforded by Iran's anti-ship capabilities, including 

next-generation cruise systems and ballistic anti-ship 

missiles from the Khalij Fars and Hormuz families. 

Such systems, incidentally, have not been 

widely used in past engagements, 

implying.... that they are part of

 Iran's "contingency arsenal".

 

The consequences of this restraint, are great. The use of 

such capabilities in possible new aggressions may bring 

about a fundamental change in the maritime balance, 

which has posed significant threats - to high-value 

naval assets like Arleigh Burke-class destroyers 

in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

 

The synergistic integration of warheads with high speed and 

manoeuvrability, terminal guidance systems, and saturation 

attack tactics may make defense difficult and put even 

modern naval platforms at greater risk. In such a way, 

even the mere fact that these capabilities exist – 

and have not been used to such an extent – is 

a potent deterrent, capable of influencing 

adversarial behaviour, without 

necessarily having to 

be deployed.

 

Statements from officials

 

The evaluation that the ceasefire period has been actively 

used to make strategic preparations is further supported 

by statements from senior Iranian officials.

 

A recent comment by Parliament Speaker and lead negotiator 

Mohammad Bager Qalibaf signals that Iran is ready to roll 

out new cards in the event of any future war, and this 

has been well understood as an indication that 

there are new capabilities that Iran is ready 

to unveil – ones it has hitherto not 

discussed, or perhaps, 

not used.

 

The exact workings of these systems... are still the subject of 

speculation, although the bigger picture appears to comprise 

increased missile capabilities, perfected launch principles, 

and perhaps novel operational concepts..... aimed at 

exploiting gaps noted in past interactions.

 

Collectively, the events that have transpired during the ceasefire 

period are leading toward one obvious conclusion: instead of 

shrinking Iran's military capacities, the declarations of war 

and the following resting period have spurred a process 

of change and solidification.

 

The combination of a larger manufacturing capacity, safe-

guarded infrastructure, discriminating use of resources, 

and conservative higher-end capabilities.. has placed 

Iran in an enhanced strategic position as compared 

to prior to the beginning of the imposed war.

 

In that regard, the balance of power has not been a frozen 

affair but redefined around the ceasefire – extended 

recently by the US president, unilaterally.

 

Should the aggression recur, the context in which they would 

be practiced would most likely differ considerably from the 

previous stages. Increased rates of missile production, 

higher density of launches, the possibility of rolling 

out hitherto unused systems, and implementing 

maritime denial capabilities would all equate 

to a more challenging, more complicated 

scenario ---- for any enemy coalition.

 

The psychological concept that previous strikes have essentially 

rendered Iran's deterrent force incapable of responding is thus 

hard to maintain when analyzed in contrast to the structural 

fortitude and adaptive options exhibited over the years.

 

Finally, the ceasefire window has highlighted a particular trend in 

contemporary warfare: to a certain extent, temporal lulls do not 

just freeze military action but give time to rejuvenate, innovate

and re-focus. In the case of Iran, it seems that this was a time 

wisely utilized, where short-term recovery was turned into 

long-term strategic benefit.



___________________________________________



 

Israeli attack kills five family 

members --------- in Lebanon

April 29th, 9:37am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

Five members of the same Lebanese family, a child, three 

women and an elderly man, died as a result of an Israeli

air attack on the city of Jebchit, in southern Lebanon.

 

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that - “the 

enemy carried out a new massacre” by bombing a building 

belonging to the Bahjat family in the Jabal neighbourhood, 

which caused its total destruction.

 

The victims were identified as Mohammad Jawad Bahjat, 

his wife Latifa, Amani Jaber, as well as Maryam Hilal 

Bahjat, and his son, Ali al-Rida Hilal Bahjat.

 

Rescue teams worked for hours to remove the debris 

and recover the bodies, while work continues in the 

affected area.

 

In parallel, Israeli airstrikes persisted today in various areas 

of southern Lebanon, resulting in civilian casualties and 

significant damage to homes and infrastructure, amid

 intense drone activity.

 

Additionally, shelling of homes in Shamaa and Naqoura 

was reported, as well as explosions in villages in the 

Tire district and drone flights over Bayada 

al-Mansouri and coastal areas.

 

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched more than 65 

attacks against southern Lebanon, resulting in at 

least 22 deaths and 84 injuries, according to 

media accounts.

 

Since March 2, the offensive left 2,534 dead, 7,863

 injured and more than 1,600,000 displaced.

 

Despite the entry into force on April 17 of a ceasefire, 

later extended until May 17, violations continue 

through bombings against towns in the south 

of the country.

 

In response, Hezbollah carries out limited rocket and 

drone strikes against Israeli positions in southern 

Lebanon and northern Israel.

 

Israel maintains a military presence in areas of 

southern Lebanon, some for decades, and has 

expanded its ground incursion in the context 

of the current offensive.

 

______________________________



More than 800 Palestinians murdered 

in Gaza ...since the start of the truce

April 29th, 3:55am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

At least 818 Palestinians have died from Israeli attacks in 

the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the ceasefire in the 

territory, on October 10 of last year, an official source 

denounced today.

 

The Ministry of Health of the coastal enclave specified in 

its latest report on the subject that the number of injured 

exceeded 2,300, meanwhile, since that date, 762 bodies

 buried under the rubble ....have been recovered.

 

According to the text, since the beginning of the war, in 

October 2023, 72,594 people lost their lives in that 

region while more than 172,000 suffered injuries.

 

He warned that many bodies are still under rubble or 

on the streets - because ambulance services and 

civil protection teams cannot reach them - due 

to the lack of machinery and fuel.

 

This week, the authorities of the Strip and Palestinian parties 

condemned the continuous Israeli massacres in the territory, 

in violation of the current truce.

 

Gaza's Ministry of the Interior and National Security criticized 

in a statement the attacks against civilians -- and police 

officers -- while they were carrying out their work.

 

In a joint statement, Palestinian factions also rejected 

such incursions, considering them “an extension of 

the US-backed war of extermination”.

 

 




Image: Day of Remembrance, for All Victims of Chemical Warfare

 

Today, April the 29th, is the United Nations'




 Day of Remembrance, for All 

Victims of Chemical Warfare

 

The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare,

is an annual event held on November 30, as a "tribute to the 

victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the 

commitment of the Organisation for the Prohibition 

of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination 

of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby 

promoting the goals of peace, security, 

and multilateralism."

 

 It is officially recognised by the United Nations (UN) and has 

been celebrated since 2005. On the 2013 observance day, 

the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gave a speech 

where he stated:

 

On this Remembrance Day, I urge the international community 

to intensify efforts to rid the world of chemical weapons, 

along with all other weapons of mass destruction. 

 

Let us work together, to bring all States under the Convention 

and promote its full implementation. This is how we can best
honour past victims and liberate future generations from
the 
threat of chemical weapons.










FIFA World Cup boycott ‘self-evident’

 under Trump’s ‘racist, vile’ regime: 

Activist

April 14th, 9:03am

by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas

 

The United States is no longer a safe or credible host for a global 

sporting event ----- with sweeping travel bans, rising internal
repression, and an increasingly aggressive foreign policy, 

making a boycott of the 2026 World Cup -- not radical: 

but inevitable, according to an activist and artist.

 

In an interview with the Press TV website, Willie Dowling, an 

activist .....who also happens to be a multi-instrumentalist, 

singer and composer, said there were "enough reasons" 

for the world to boycott the FIFA World Cup to be 

co-hosted by the US before the announcement 

of recent restrictions placed on travel.

 

Dowling’s case begins with borders - and who is allowed to cross 

them. Even before new restrictions were announced in January 

2026, he noted that 19 countries were already subject to full 

entry bans to the US, with another nineteen ----- facing 

partial restrictions.

 

“Without exception, all of the nations banned 

or partially banned ....have mostly non-white 

populations,” he told the Press TV website.

 

“The extraordinarily rapid decline of the United States ---- into an 

even more racist, authoritarian nation --- than it has historically 

been should be reason enough not to go there for the football.”

 

The bans, he believes, are not bureaucratic hurdles but warnings. 

“This should serve as a warning to everyone that it is not safe 

to go to the US, particularly if you are non-white.”

 

These concerns are no longer theoretical. Campaigns urging fans, 

players, and national associations to stay away from the US-

hosted tournament have gained momentum across Europe, 

Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia.

 

The possibility of a direct boycott by a competing nation 

has also become a reality in the wake of the Trump 

regime’s acts of aggression abroad.

 

Iran could essentially boycott the World Cup in response to the 

unprovoked US-Israeli war of aggression ---- which began on 

February 28 and targeted the country's nuclear facilities,

schools, hospitals, and bridges, as well as its

sports infrastructure. 

 

Pointing to the "malicious actions carried out against Iran," 

Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated recently,  

"Our players do not have security, and fundamentally 

the conditions for participation do not exist."

 

The US government - has also restricted Iran's participation. While 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed -- that the Iranian team is 

"welcome to compete," the US president warned that the Iranian 

team’s "life and safety" would be at risk ------- if it participated in 

the event. 

 

Trump administration has also barred travelers from Iran and 

three other World Cup-participating countries, and multiple 

Iranian delegates already had their visas denied before 

December’s group-stage draw.

 

Activist groups cite visa denials, expanded anti-immigration 

policies, internal security crackdowns, and US military 

aggression abroad. Some governments.. have quietly 

raised concerns about whether fans and journalists 

can enter — and remain — safely.

 

Dowling sees a boycott as leverage. “Nor is it wise to give 

Trump and his regime --------- anything they can use as a 

successful publicity event,” he noted.

 

Individual choices matter, he argued, because - they scale. 

“As individuals, we can’t do much to help bring down this 

vile regime, but little actions by millions of people — like 

not buying US goods --- or not travelling to the US — will 

start to hit the US economy and thereby affect Trump’s 

standing with his own MAGA zealots,” he stated.

 

The argument extends well beyond immigration. Dowling 

pointed to foreign policy and to broken promises. “Let’s 

remember Trump campaigned to win the Presidency 

on a policy of ‘No more foreign wars’ and ‘No more 

regime changes’.”

 

The reality, he added, looks very different. “And yet in 

under a year he has bombed several countries, and 

militarily threatened five others, including long-

standing allies.”

 

In Dowling’s view, these actions are not just aggressive but 

also unlawful. “All of his military interventions fly in the 

face of International Law and Human Rights."

 

Against that backdrop --- the idea of hosting the world’s biggest 

sporting event in the US, feels absurd to him. “In light of this, 

it seems almost extraordinary to me - that there is even a 

question about boycotting the World Cup in the US.”

 

He drew a direct comparison. “The existential threat coming 

from the US far exceeds that of any other nation on the 

planet, and since Russia has experienced a boycott, 

it seems perfectly logical - if not blindingly obvious

that the USA should be boycotted, internationally 

isolated and sanctioned.”

 

For Dowling, the issue is credibility. “What good is ‘rules-based 

order’ if the most powerful nation in the world consistently 

flaunts any rule they choose to?”

 

The danger, he hastened to add, is not only external, but 

domestic. “Incidentally, it’s interesting that Trump said: 

‘No more foreign wars’ - because it looks increasingly 

likely that he’s going to spark a civil war in the US.”

 

Dowling believes internal unrest - may be politically useful. 

“I suspect he’s continually provoking dissent and protest 

in the US in order to declare a national emergency and 

invoke the Insurrection Act, thereby cancelling the 

midterm elections --- which he would otherwise 

lose and then face immediate impeachment 

and probably jail.”

 

And.. he sees a longer game. “And should he succeed in 

cancelling the midterms, he’ll undoubtedly seek a way 

to cancel the 2028 election.”

 

The implications, he noted -- are chilling. “This increasingly 

authoritarian grip and the casual willingness of the Trump 

regime to either censor, jail, extradite, or even murder 

those of a different colour, or those in opposition to 

them are reasons enough to boycott the football.”

 

Some calls to stay away have come from inside football itself. 

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and several European 

officials recently suggested fans would be safer 

watching from home .....rather than going all

 the way to the stadiums in the US.

 

Dowling’s criticism sharpened - when it 

turned to FIFA’s conduct under Trump.

 

He cited “the ludicrous ‘Peace Award’ the football governing 

body presented to Trump, only days before he bombed 

Venezuela to steal their oil.”

 

The timing, he added, came “long after the US 

military assaults on other nations in the 

previous months of 2025.”

 

“The idea of Trump qualifying for any award in the name 

of peace is laughable,” Dowling said. “And FIFA 

inexplicably made themselves part of that 

ridiculous hypocrisy.”

 

At the heart of the boycott argument is exclusion. “The ban on 

travel and the visa policies imposed by the US extend almost 

exclusively to nations that have predominantly non-white 

populations,” Dowling stated.

 

“This is typical of the Trump regime … of course, they 

consistently deny their racism, but one only needs 

to observe their actions: to see that they don’t

 match the rhetoric.”

 

He described a governing style built on misinformation, referring

 to the Trump administration. “This is a regime that has adopted 

lying --- as its key strategy.” He invokes a phrase popularized by

 Trump’s former adviser. “As Steve Bannon said — with strong 

echoes of Joseph Goebbels — ‘Flood the zone with shit’.” 

The goal, Dowling argues, is distraction.

 

“I suspect they might have been even further down the line with 

their objectives had they not started to attack their own white 

population in democratic states, particularly recently --- in 

Minnesota,” he added, pointing to the recent violence.

 

The standard, he said, is racial. “The US and indeed the Western

world -------- tends to be more tolerant towards murder -------- if it’s 

non-whites that are being killed.”

 

Which brings him back to football. And to first principles. “How 

can a sporting event be described as ‘global’ ....if 39% of the 

world’s nations ---- are exempt from the racist whims of

 the Trump regime?”

 

For Dowling, the conclusion needs no embellishment. 

“Taking all of the above into account.... I’d suggest 

that the moral case for a boycott is self-evident.”



Image: No thanks to Israeli goods App

The world and her daughter are calling for a boycott
of the genocidal colonial apartheid state of Israel.

Place yourself on the right side of joy and sorrow
by joining the world's boycott - say ''no'' to evil!


Keir Hardie - Britain's first Labour MP - opposed World War One.

His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.



VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV




ROGER WATERS
TO MUSICIANS:-
"BOYCOTT ISRAEL"


Roger Waters formerly of Pink Floyd, in an open letter,
 calls on his fellow musicians --- to boycott the Zionist
Israeli regime and follow the example of the cultural
boycott against the ex S. African Apartheid regime.

“Given the inability or unwillingness of our governments
 [to act] …. I write to you now, my brothers and sisters …
 to ask you to join with me, & thousands of other artists
 around the world, to declare a cultural boycott
on Israel,” 
Roger Waters says in his letter.

Waters says the Zionist regime has been found guilty of
 major breaches of human rights and international law
 by international organizations, UN officials and the
International Court of Justice.


He touches on two such cases, saying the regime has been
 identified as perpetrating the “crime of Apartheid”, including
 in a statement on March 9th, 2012 by the UN Committee on
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the “crime of
ethnic cleansing” including in East Jerusalem (al-Quds).

Waters adds that he has been a member of the Boycott,
 Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the
 Israeli regime’s occupation of the Palestinian lands and
 Tel Aviv’s violations of Palestinian human rights for 7
 years, and now wants other musicians to also join
the
anti-Israeli front.


“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global
 civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in
 Israel & occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform
 or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from
 any institution linked to the government of Israel, until
 such time as Israel complies with international law
and
universal principles of human rights.” 


The former Pink Floyd Musician also says he has recently
 faced a boycott by the US media after his November 29th,
 2012 address at the UN on behalf of the Russell Tribunal.

In the address, he sought accountability for the Zionist
 regime’s violations of the international law and the lack
 of United Nations resolve that prevents the Palestinian
 people from achieving their inalienable rights,
especially 
the right of self-determination.



____________________




AT THE FACTORY


Tickets from


www.wegottickets.com/thefactory

www.ticketweb.co.uk

browse venues in Wales

www.ticketlineuk.com

02920 230130

Cash tickets from:

The Factory, Porth
Instrumental Music, Penygraig
Spillers Records, Cardiff


For more details visit


www.factoryporth.com
www.facebook.com/TheFactoryVenue
Twitter @TheFactoryPorth
01443 687080


***********************************************



Daytime Delights...

Starts at 1pm

The Parc & Dare, Treorchy


Lunchtime Concerts in the Lounge Bar.


Indulge in a delicious cake and a cup of tea
while enjoying music and sing-along songs
from fantastic Welsh musicians.


Ticket information:

The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:

08000 147 111
or book online at

www.rct-arts.co.uk 


 
*************************************************



Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...


7pm - 9pm


Tonyrefail Comprehensive School
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club

has been running for over 30 years.

We meet on a regular basis

& enjoy making models for display.

We encourage both Gentlemen

and Ladies to attend,
and also young people aged 12+.

However, Young people under 16,
must be accompanied by an adult.



Ticket information

£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free


Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658



************************************************



 Comedy In The Laughter Lounge


The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.


COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE


Join us once a month in the intimate setting
of the Laughter Lounge for some
top notch comedy with some of the
biggest and brightest

rising comedians on the circuit.

Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!



Hilarious - TimeOut.



www.rct-arts.co.uk







Rhondda Records exists to express the Rhondda's
vision --- when it was confident, powerful, caring,
and socialist.

A Rhondda very aware
of the media's poisonous
tricks -- how they con working class people into
attacking each other, or racial groups, or, often,
even their best allies and friends... instead of
seeing their real enemies:--- an elite who hate
the very idea that working people can think,
create, or achieve a fairer society.

Thatcher said her proudest achievement was
Blair and New Labour - who parachuted in
careerists and expenses fiddlers - to stop
local Labour members having a say, and
who made genuine socialist MPs leave
the Labour party in disgust and many
members and voters to despair...
and the young to stop voting.

Jeremy Corbyn was always attacked because
he was trying to reverse all that New Labour
corruption --- that's why membership was
flooding in all over the UK.


______________________________________


Get Involved!

– If you feel you’ve been ‘purged’,
take this online survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/857YMDK


or this one:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0du5YuhPZ8ahI
oxC_b6pvBprm
GA4XFdG-0r2dOVYyc4UNFg/viewform?c=0&w=1



– Request all your own data that
the Labour Party holds on you:

http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/privacy


_______________________________________




IF - YOU THINK you HAVE
BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:


“Any member who is suspended & intends
to appeal the decision should throw in a
 ‘Subject Access Request in accordance
with the Data Protection Act’ --- for ALL
 data that the Labour Party hold on them.

The Labour Party are Data Controllers and
 therefore have to, by law, provide you with
 all material/information they hold on you.”

If anyone is in contact with anyone who
was barred from voting --- please can
you pass this info on:

The Labour leadership election was under the
jurisdiction of the electoral reform services.

If you were unfairly deprived of your vote you
can call them on 0208 365 8909 and lodge
 your complaint, and inform them of your
Data Protection request.

https://www.electoralreform.co.uk

The notification letters barring new members
did not give a clear reason, or information on
how to appeal, so Vox Political suggests that
 anyone in this situation, could also contact
 Liz Davies here: http://www.whycantivote.com

She is a barrister --- who can
advise members on what to do.




**************************************


PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?

A huge drop in working-class Labour MPs,
caused a massive drop in support among
 voters with similar backgrounds, reveals
 research seeking to explain why support
has dwindled in the party’s heartlands.

The study says past leaders like Kinnock
 and Blair made a concerted effort to pick
 “more and more middle-class candidates
to run for office, during the 80s and 90s,
 as part of an effort to rebrand” -- which
had initial successes at the ballot box.

But this “conscious electoral strategy”
stored up problems, as working-class
 voters who initially, just didn’t vote in
response, now seek an alternative.

The solution? Trust each constituency to put
forward its own candidates, and don't impose
 ‘party-approved’ choices who can't do the job.


Now, unfortunately, there are "entryist"  MPs who, for
decades, have been groomed by CIA cold war relic
organisations -- like the Atlantic Council -- and are
now trying to misdirect the Labour Party towards
cuts, a militarised police, and a US war agenda...

- and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.


‘How Can I Deselect My Labour MP?’ A Short Guide
to Reselection and Democratic Accountability
by Eric Sim, excellent free advice here:

http://novaramedia.com/2016/07/13/how-can-i-
deselect-my-labour-mp-a-short-guide-to-
reselection-and-democratic-accountability/


CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS'

LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!

Chris Bryant, the Rhondda's dodgy MP,
was on TV -- as soon as the PLP coup
started -- telling us that Jeremy MUST
go, because it was the ONLY way to
act in the Labour Party's interest...


Chris Bryant's voting record:
from TheyWorkForYou.com

On Tuition Fees:

On 27 Jan 2004:
Chris Bryant voted in favour of university tuition
fees increasing from £1,125 per year, to up to
£3,000 per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees
 to increase from £1,125 per year, to up to £3,000
 per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted for the introduction of variable
university tuition fees (top-up fees) of up to £3,000
per year in place of the previous fixed fee of £1,250
per year.

On 31 Mar 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to allow university tuition fees
to increase from £1,125 per year to up to £3,000
per year, and to make other changes to higher
education funding and regulation arrangements.

On 14 Sep 2004:
Chris Bryant voted against: the immediate abolition
 of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance
grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income
homes, and changes to the country's higher
education system.

On 14 Sep 2004:
Chris Bryant voted to reject the Liberal
Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees.

On 25 May 2016:
Chris Bryant was absent for a vote on Queen's
Speech - Forcing Schools to Become Academies
- Further Rises in University Tuition Fees


On Human Rights:

Consistently voted for introducing ID cards

Almost always voted for requiring the mass
retention of information about communications

Generally voted for mass surveillance of
people’s communications and activities


On the Environment:

Generally voted against greater regulation
 of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract
 shale gas


On Special Interests:

Almost always voted against limits
 on success fees paid to lawyers in
no-win no fee cases

Generally voted against a
statutory register of lobbyists


On War or Peace:

Generally voted for use of UK military
 forces in combat operations overseas

Consistently voted for the Iraq war

Consistently voted against an
 investigation into the Iraq war

Generally voted for replacing Trident
 with a new nuclear weapons system

On 2 Dec 2015:
Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria
[without UN authorisation]

On 2 Dec 2015:
Voted to support UK airstrikes in Syria
[without UN authorisation]


On Independence:

Generally voted for more EU integration

____________________________
   

Chris Bryant Labour MP
From Wikipedia

(aka 1962-1986: Mr Christopher John Bryant
1986-1991: The Reverend Christopher John
Bryant, 1991-2001: Mr Christopher John
Bryant, 2001-: Mr Christopher John
Bryant MP.)

Born in Cardiff, to a Scottish mother & a Welsh
 father, Bryant grew up in Cardiff, Wales (where
 his father worked for 5 years), and Cheltenham.

He was educated at Cheltenham College, an
independent school for boys in the spa town
of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, where he
was captain of the school swimming team,
and Mansfield College at the University of
Oxford, where he graduated in 1983, with
 a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English.
 This was later promoted to a Master of
Arts degree (MA (Oxon)), as per tradition.

After completing his first degree, Bryant began
 training to be a priest in the Church of England
at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire.
There, he obtained a degree in theology.

Although a member of the Conservative
 Party, and an elected office-holder in the
 Oxford University Conservative Association,
he joined the Labour Party in 1986, after
leaving Oxford.

He was ordained deacon in 1986 and priest in
1987. He served as a Curate at the Church of
 All Saints, High Wycombe, from 1986 to 1989;
then as a Youth Chaplain in Peterborough,
as well as travelling in Latin America.

In 1991 Bryant left the ordained ministry, after
deciding that being gay and being a priest,
were incompatible. Statements made by
 Richard Harries, then Bishop of Oxford,
 also influenced his decision.

After leaving the priesthood in 1991, Bryant
worked as the election agent to the Holborn
 and St Pancras Constituency Labour Party,
 where he helped Frank Dobson hold his seat
 in the 1992 general election.

From 1993, he was Local Government officer
for the Labour Party; he lived in Hackney and
 was elected to Hackney Borough Council in
1993, serving until 1998. He became Chair of
the Christian Socialist Movement.

 He is both a member of the Labour Friends
 of Israel and Labour Friends of Palestine &
 the Middle East. From 1994 to 1996 he was
 London manager of the leader-grooming
 "charity", Common Purpose.

 He was Labour candidate for Wycombe, in the
 1997 general election (he lost by 2,370 votes),
and Head of European Affairs for the BBC,
from 1998.

His selection for the very safe Labour seat of
Rhondda, South Wales in 2000, shocked many
 people given Bryant's background – gay, an ex-
Anglican vicar, and someone who was a Tory,
while studying at Oxford, and a member now,
of the Henry Jackson Society 'think tank' ---
 described by The Guardian newspaper as
 'neoconservative'. It is pro-US, pro-NATO
and pro-military intervention, as well as
being fundamentally anti-socialist.

 Fifty-two people applied for the candidature
and a local councillor was hot favourite to
 win, before Bryant was parachuted in.

In 2004, a photograph of Mr Bryant in his
 underpants, which he had posted to a gay
 dating website, was published in 'papers.

When an interviewer suggested he was
 a 'disgrace to the Rhondda', he replied:
"They can't get rid of me."


His pay, allowances and some expenses:

The basic annual salary for an MP, from
April 1st, 2016 is £74,962.  MPs also get
 expenses: to cover the costs of running
 an office, employing staff, having some-
where to live in London, plus, in their
constituency and travelling between
 Parliament and their constituency.


His MP's expenses story:

Chris Bryant changed second home
 twice to claim £20,000: the deputy
leader of the House of Commons,
 "flipped" his second home twice,
 in 2 years, allowing him to claim
 almost £20,000 for renovations
 and fees.

Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, split over
 £92,000 of expenses between 3 properties
 in Wales and London --- within five years.

In 2004, he attempted to claim £58,000 to
 overhaul his second home in Wales, after
allegedly complaining that properties in
his constituency were "terrace or mine
 owners' houses".

Mr Bryant, a former Church of England clergyman,
wanted the money for a new bathroom & kitchen,
 and to demolish his conservatory. He'd bought the
 detached house for £97,500, under a year earlier.

 He submitted a claim to the Commons fees office for
 £58,493.26 --- almost 3 times the annual maximum.
 He noted that the claim exceeded his allowance.

His alleged justification was disclosed... in
 correspondence between Commons officials.
 By email, an official wrote: "He had problems
finding a suitable property because in the
Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced
 property or mine owners' houses." When
approached by the Daily Telegraph,
Mr Bryant said: "I have never said
 or thought anything of the sort".

 In all, he successfully claimed over £13,000
 for renovations, repairs & appliances, in 2004.
Along with other bills, his annual claim was
 £20,902.

In April 2005, he flipped his expenses to his flat in
 west London, which he bought for £400,000 in April
 2002. He also claimed £630 a month for mortgage
 interest, along with other bills. After claiming over
 £3,600 over 3 months, he sold the flat in July 2005
 for £477,000.

Mr Bryant used his profits to buy a more expensive
 flat in west London, which was valued at £670,000.
 He immediately flipped his second home expenses
 there, claiming almost £6,400 in stamp duty, legal
fees and mortgage fees, incurred in the purchase.

He then began claiming interest of £1,000 a month
on the mortgage. He also claimed a further £6,000
 a year for the flat's service charge and ground rent.

In all, he claimed £92, 415 in second
home expenses, from 2004 to 2009.

Mr Bryant said at the time: "I moved flat in
 London, so as to be closer to Parliament."

Research by Channel 4 News in 2015 found that
at least 46 MPs had this kind of system in place
– a move one Labour backbencher described as
“a new fiddle”. Channel 4 reported then:

“Our investigation found that many of the MPs
 bought their London properties with the help of
the taxpayer, when a previous expenses system
 allowed them to claim back mortgage payments.
But when those claims were banned, following
 the expenses scandal, they switched to letting
out their properties, in some cases for up to
 £3,000 a month. They then started claiming
 expenses for rent and hotels in the capital.”

Among those identified was Chris Bryant, shadow
leader of the House of Commons. He had already
 bought a penthouse in London back in 2005 and
 claimed around £1,000 a month in mortgage
claims under the old system.

But after the expenses scandal, he started renting
the property out. It’s since been advertised by estate
 agents as having a private lift and a porter, with rent
 at about £3,000 a month. Meanwhile, Bryant moved
 into a new flat;- claiming his own rent on expenses.


Image: Russian scientists and Scottish ones



Russian/Scottish scientists hail long-range
secure quantum communication system.

A group of scientists from ITMO University
 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has developed
a new
approach to constructing quantum
communication
systems for secure data
exchange.


 The experimental device based on the results of the
 research is capable of transmitting single-photon
 quantum signals across distances of 250 klmtrs
 or more, which is on par with its cutting edge
analogues, the ITMO press-service says.

"Now researchers are on a mission -- to create
 a fully-fledged quantum cryptographic system,
that will generate & distribute quantum keys
 and transmit useful data simultaneously",
 ITMO says.

Information security is becoming more and more
 of a critical issue not only for large companies,
banks and defense enterprises but even for
small businesses and individual users.

But the data encryption algorithms we currently
 use for protecting our data are imperfect - in the
 long-term, their logic can be cracked. Regardless
 of how complex and intricate the algorithm is,
 getting around it, is just a matter of time.

Unlike algorithm-based encryption, systems
 that protect information, by making use of
 fundamental laws of quantum physics, can
make data transmission totally immune to
 hacker attacks, in the future.

Information in a quantum channel is carried
by single photons that change irreversibly
 if an eavesdropper tries to intercept them.
The legitimate users will instantly know
 about any kind of intervention.


Researchers at the Quantum Information Centre
 of the International Institute of Photonics and
 Optical Information Technology at ITMO Uni.,
Russia, along with their colleagues from the
Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, have
 devised a new way to generate and
 distribute, quantum bits.

This makes it possible to share quantum signals
--- via optical fibres --- 250 kilometres in distance.

"To transmit quantum signals, we use the so-
called side frequencies," says Artur Gleim,
head of the Quantum Information Centre, 
at
 ITMO University,

 "This unique approach gives us a number
 of advantages -- such as a considerable
simplification of the device architecture
 and the large pass-through capacity of
the quantum channel. In terms of bit rate
 and operating distances, our system is
comparable to absolute champions in
the field of quantum communications."

According to Robert Collins, research associate
 at the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences
 at Heriot-Watt University, and one of the authors
of the study, this may become a pivotal point for
 the whole field of quantum communication and
 cryptography:

 "Down the track, this new approach can enable
 smooth coexistence of numerous data streams
 with different wavelengths in one single optical
 cable. On top of it, these quantum streams can
 be fed into the already existing fibre optic lines
 --- along with conventional communications."

The research paper is published
in the Optics Express journal.


Scottish universities are to be
congratulated for their strong
& growing links with Chinese
and Russian universities....

What a shame, that Wales is
lying low --- with academics
too scared to break from
US 
military research.


Image: BRICS

Image: March 26 London anti cuts demo




KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES


Did you know that each time a local authority

closes a care home for the elderly, within 8

months, around half the residents are dead?

Campaigners liken the cuts and their effect
to euthanasia of the UK's elderly.
What to do?


We can start by urging our MPs to sign EDM 2251:

EDM 2251: The contents


This House notes with deep concern the worsening
crisis for elderly care as growing numbers of local
authority and private care homes face closure

Acknowledges concerns that the loss of elderly
people's care homes causes fear, anxiety and,
in many cases, a higher mortality rate, when
vulnerable, elderly people are forced to
leave their homes

Further notes that the Southern Cross crisis
will increase needs for local authority care

And therefore calls on the government to
hold a public inquiry into the deaths after
closures, of local authority care homes,
and impose a moratorium on the closure
of local authority care homes, until that
inquiry publishes its results, to ensure
that vulnerable, elderly people's lives
are not put at further risk.


************************************************


MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES


Households across three more English areas
will be able to access superfast broadband
in the latest phase of a Government scheme
to connect rural homes and businesses.

The £50 million funding package for Devon and
Somerset (£30 million), Norfolk (£15 million)
and Wiltshire (£4 million) will aid the roll- out
of superfast broadband services unable to
be reached by the market alone.

Areas will also receive financial support from
their local authorities and private investors,
the Department for Culture, Media and
Sport says.


So it's Broadband Heaven for England...

and crapola for Wales' broadband - the

slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!


Lib Dems in Scotland might have received a
pummeling for Clegg and his betrayals, yet,
in Scotland, their campaign centred on it
becoming the "most connected country in
Europe," to massively boost their economy.


In Wales, which political party is now
willing to put into practice scientists'
recommendations:  that Wales' hilly
topography requires establishing

free 'wireless' broadband?

It could connect the people of Rhondda and the
world, boosting Wales' economic regeneration,
like no
other move.
Wireless technology is now
supplying
free broadband to an entire island
off New Zealand's coast.




Come on; if New Zealand can do it - so can we !!!



Image: China's rapeseed blossoms this Spring.

Western China has embraced "green-mode
development"
- with painful changes
from which, Wales could well learn.


Eastern China has seen fast growth and
urban mess.
The West, a mining and
agricultural area, has not.


Xi'an Chan-ba Ecological District, is a model
for
reclaiming old mining areas.


It took six hard years, but now Xi'an is showing
the world how best to change, by turning a
badly
polluted rubbish landfill site, into an all
new
environment-friendly development.


As China's economic focus moves from east to
west,
it's using the lessons learned during 30
or more years of rapid industrial development.


The green way for China's west, is to combine
green industrialization & green urbanization.

The western region's strategy is to adopt
effective energy-saving and environmental
protection technologies... AND to extend
its industry through science and products
unique to China's West, together with strong
vertical growth in agriculture and all its
ancilliary economic & professional spin-offs.

In undertaking this industrial revolution, the
western region will keep a sharp eye out - to
avoid all polluting non-sustainable industries.


*********************************************


A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!


Spring is beekeeping and honey-processing
season
in Yunnan province, in China.


Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.

Local beekeepers and many from other places,
such as Sichuan and Fujian provinces - set up
their base
in tents among the rapeseed farms.


The 430,000 hectares of rapeseed blooms in
Luoping
attract myriads of bees, which
produce 15 -
20 million tons of honey a year.

Local people
now look to brand their county
as a honey
production base & increase sales
to outside markets.


Luoping Tianyuanmiyu Bee Industry Co Chair,
Zhu Hongkun,
founded his enterprise in 2009.

It mainly
produces honey, propolis and
propolis powder.


His company works with 270 plus beekeepers,
who each earn 80,000 yuan a year on average.

Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.

Who says beauty endowed by nature isn't worth a fortune?

The whole of the uplands of south Wales could
be as
beautiful & productive, if used wisely!



Image: retirement China style




CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD

As the Tories threaten a "bonfire of the Quangos",
perhaps Wales should take note. Now extracting
all our
mineral wealth has been stopped (apart
from sand
and rock) we find ourselves "in" the
1st World
of the UK, but with a 3rd World
economy, only just
kept going by quangos
which promise much... but
deliver little...
and rely on weak public support.


We could WAKE UP & understand that we either
do something, or stay as begging bowl cases.

China's premier points the way forward for Wales:

"Industrial restructuring is the key... only by
developing energy-efficient, indigenous innovative
and high value added products can our companies
and economy, achieve sustainable development."


*************************************************


WHILE FRANCE, GREECE, IRELAND, ETC, STRUGGLE TO
STOP THE PENSION AGE RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER...

An online survey on qq.com, a popular Chinese
news portal, finds that 91% of its
over 800,000
respondents, are against raising
the current
official Chinese retirement age.


745,123 of those surveyed say they oppose
raising retirement ages --
72,456 support it.


China's scholars & the public have been debating
whether to raise the retirement age, for the past
few years, but the issue rose to prominence after
remarks by an official.


Wang Xiaochu, the official vice minister of the
Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security,
said at a press conference that the government
was "studying the matter"...

The retirement age in China is generally set
at 60 for men and 50-55 for women.

Wow! Bet you didn't know that !!!



Image: unemployment in Wales


FARMING AND SCIENCE

COULD REGENERATE WALES



A new UN General Assembly report warns
"vast areas" of cultivated land are lost each
year, and that this could lead to unrest.

 The report says up to 30 million hectares,
 an area the size of Italy, is lost each year
to environmental degradation, industry &
 urbanization - the growth of cities - and all
because of speculative building and greed.

 The UN special rapporteur Olivier De Schutter,
 gives the example of eastern Africa, where
the
amount of cultivated land has declined
by half ---
in just one generation! "


As rural populations grow and competition
with
large industrial units increases, plots
cultivated
by smallholders are shrinking
year after year,"
says De Schutter.


 "Farmers are often relegated to soils that
are arid,
hilly or without irrigation."


 The UN officer also mentions India as another
example,
where the average landholding fell
from 2.6 hectares
in 1960 to 1.4 hectares in
2000. A cut of nearly half
in 40 years!


He says 500 million small farmers suffer
from hunger, partly because their right to
land
is being violated.


The expert warns of the devastating
consequences,
as foreign investors
compete for larger and larger areas of
the
world's land for "their" agriculture.


 Rhondda Records says Wales could rebuild
its new
economy by basing it on a fresh
approach to high-value
added products,
using science and agriculture... such as

 the Altzeim project in Gwent.

 What have we got to lose?




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