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Journalist:To end war ------
prosecute UK, US officials
who wage(d) it illegally
October 22nd, 10:12pm (PressTV)
The world must finally put an end to the impunity of war
criminals, by holding US and UK officials responsible
for launching the illegal war on Iraq, done without
the approval of the UN Security Council, and
prosecuting them --- under the Nuremberg
principles, US journalist Don DeBar said.
DeBar made the remarks in an interview with Press TV while
commenting on a report which has revealed that the British
military inquiries into abuse against Iraqi nationals... have
been closed without a single prosecution being brought,
even though the credibility of many "shocking and
shameful incidents" during the war in the Middle
Eastern country, have been confirmed.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement
this week that the Service Police Legacy Investigations,
which was looking at claims of abuse in Iraq, had now
"officially closed its doors."
In March 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant
violation of international law and under the pretext of
finding WMDs; but no such weapons were ever
discovered in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed - as the result of
the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq
--- according to the California-based investigative
organization, Project Censored.
The US war in Iraq cost US taxpayers $1.7 trillion with
an additional $490 billion in benefits owed to war veterans, expenses that could grow to more than $6 trillion over the next four decades counting interest, according to a study called Costs of War Project --- by the Watson Institute for
International Studies at Brown University.
DeBar told Press TV that the Iraq war
was illegal from the very beginning.
"It is illegal for a nation to make war on another nation if it
does not have the approval of the UN Security Council, if
any of those nations are signatories to the original UN
Charter. And it’s been adopted - that happened with
the US, as a charter member of the UN -- and it was
approved by the US Senate in the 1940s.
Consequently, the US involvement in Iraq from the beginning, and the UK involvement in Iraq from the beginning, was illegal,” he said.
“And under the Nuremberg standards, which would then
apply, each and every death consequent – intentional
or not - to either US or UK military action there, or
condoning of the US action there, by the media
or public officials, or any act facilitating that,
is an individual war crime. And, by the way,
there’s a death penalty for that,” the
journalist noted.
“No one will prosecute these people. That’s why I started
with the word impunity. And we might bookend with that
because that’s the problem. And until the world puts an
end to that impunity, until the world sees the major
contradiction in all international relations, is US,
UK, and EU imperialism, then it’s going to
continue until this eats our species,”
he stated.
A damning White House memo had revealed details of the
so-called “deal in blood” forged by former British Prime
Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush
over the Iraq war.
The document, titled “Secret... Memorandum for the
President”, was sent by then-US Secretary of State
Colin Powell to President Bush --- on March 28th, 2002, a week before Bush’s summit with Blair at his Crawford ranch in Texas.
The sensational memo, revealed that Blair had agreed to
support the war a year before the invasion even started
while publicly, the British prime minister was working to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The document also disclosed that Blair agreed to act as a
spin doctor for Bush and convince a skeptical public that
Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had Weapons of Mass
Destruction, which actually did not exist.
In response, Bush would flatter Blair and give the
impression that London was not Washington’s
poodle but an equal partner in the
“special relationship.”
Powell told Bush that Blair “will be with us” on the
Iraq war, and assured the president that “"the UK
will follow our lead in the Middle East."
Blair has always denied the claim that he and Bush
signed a deal “in blood”, at Crawford, to launch a
war against Iraq that began on March 20th, 2003,
that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.
The Powell memo, however, showed how Blair and
Bush secretly prepared the Iraq war plot behind
closed doors at Crawford.
Powell told Bush: “He will present to you the strategic,
tactical and public affairs lines, that he believes will
Cuba is improving the infrastructure of the Nickel Company
Commander Ernesto Che Guevara with the assembly of a
new sedimentador manufactured in China, a key
investment to optimize the processing of ore,
it was revealed today.
The installation of the equipment unifying leaching and washing,
will modernize the flow of technology from one of the industries
most strategic to the country ---- in the mining area of the municipality of Moa, in the eastern province of Holguín,
which has significant reserves of nickel, one of
Cuba's many key exports.
The general director of the factory, Alexander Garces, told
the local press that this investment will result in greater
operational efficiency and a more rational use
of resources.
The implementation of this technology in the referred to mining
entity responds to a programme-oriented development to
upgrade the industrial infrastructure of Cuba, based on
international cooperation ....and the efforts of local
specialists, pointed out the portal Radio Angulo.
According to technical reports, the proper functioning of
the particular ---- is crucial in the process of leaching
carbonate-ammonia.
Previous studies indicate that the efficiency in this phase
has a direct impact on the recovery of metals --- and the
reduction of losses of valuable material in the process.
The nickel industry in Cuba is facing challenges related to the
supply of fuel and wear and tear of the infrastructure, which
makes these investments even more necessary - in order
to sustain the levels of production, said the source.
The modernization of the Company Commander Ernesto Che
Guevara, over three decades in operations, is seen by
experts as a step essential for the competitiveness
of the sector.
Image: People hold up a banner as they protest against Israel at the entrance of the International Criminal Court.
Pakistani defense minister blasts
Israel over genocide in Lebanon
April 10th, 2:04am
(PressTV)
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif ---- has
blasted the Israeli regime as “evil and a curse for humanity,”
slamming its ongoing genocide against innocent civilians
in Lebanon .....while diplomatic peace efforts are underway in Islamabad.
Taking to the social media platform X on Thursday, the senior
Pakistani politician drew a clear line --- between the Zionist
entity’s bloodletting and any pretense of pursuing peace,
stating: “Israel is evil - and a curse for humanity, while
peace talks are underway in Islamabad -- genocide
is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens
are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran
and now Lebanon, this bloodletting ----
continues unabated.”
Asif further described the Zionist regime as a “cancerous state”
forcibly implanted on Palestinian land, underscoring that its
very existence has brought nothing but destruction and
instability to the region - and the wider world.
The remarks come as the Israeli occupation army escalates its
barbaric assault on Lebanon, killing hundreds of civilians in
blatant acts of aggression that have drawn widespread
international condemnation.
This latest wave of Israeli crimes follows the regime’s long
genocidal campaign in Gaza — which has left tens of
thousands of Palestinians dead, mostly women
and children — and its aggression against
Iran on February 28.
Pakistan has long stood firmly with the Palestinian people and
the Lebanese resistance in their legitimate struggle against
the Zionist occupation and expansionism.
Asif’s statement reflects the principled position of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, which rejects the legitimacy of the
Israeli entity --- and demands an immediate end to its
reign of terror.
Since February 28, when Israel and the US began their large-
scale and unprovoked military campaign against Iran --- the
occupying regime has ramped up its assaults on Lebanon.
Before the war, Israel carried out numerous violations of a 2024
ceasefire deal it signed with Hezbollah, under which Tel Aviv
was expected to end deadly attacks on Lebanon.
Iran and the US announced a 15-day ceasefire on Wednesday
based on Iran's 10-point proposal. One of the agreed points,
as confirmed by the mediator Pakistan, has been..... a
ceasefire in Lebanon.
________________________________________
Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei:
'Resistance front is
one unified entity'
April 9th, 11:09pm
Al Mayadeen English
In remarks highlighting regional alliances, Sayyed Mojtaba
Khamenei emphasized the cohesion of the Resistance
Front, describing it as a single coordinated force
across multiple actors and fronts.
The Leader of the Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement marking forty
days since the martyrdom of Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei,
addressing recent developments in the “imposed war", &
emphasizing the need for the continued presence of the
Iranian people on the frontlines, as demonstrated
throughout the past forty days.
Sayyed Khamenei stated that “at this stage of the Third Sacred
Defense, it can be said with full confidence that the people
have been the true victors in the field,” noting that forty
days have passed - since “one of the greatest crimes
committed by the enemies of Islam and Iran,” and
“one of the most profound tragedies in the
history of this nation.”
He described the occasion as the anniversary of the “tragic
martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution, the father
of the Iranian nation - the leader of the Islamic Ummah,
and the Imam of truth-seekers" ..and the anniversary
of "the master of Iran’s martyrs and the resistance
front, the great Khamenei,” affirming that his soul
now resides “among the righteous, the truthful,
and the martyrs.”
Rise of Iran
Sayyed Khamenei added that “alongside the martyr, or treading
his path --- many supporters, leaders, fighters of Islam, and
citizens, from infants to elderly individuals, have attained
the divine grace of martyrdom,” emphasizing that the
followers of “the great Khomeini, the beloved
Khamenei, and the adherents of Islam”
remained present in the field, on the
streets, and on the frontlines -
throughout the forty days
and nights.
He went on to say that despite the blows and losses resulting
from the “brutal enemy aggression,” the Iranian people
succeeded in transforming the “Third Imposed War”
into an “epic", asserting that - despite the deep
grief over the loss of their “martyred Imam",
they turned this tragedy into a source of
strength and resilience.
The Iranian leader noted that the “heavily armed enemy was left
stunned and incapacitated,” adding that the steadfastness of
the Iranian people “has inspired admiration among the free
people around the world.” He further stated that the
“ignorance and folly of the arrogant powers” have
made the month of Esfand 1404, the beginning
of....... a new chapter in the rise of Iran and
the Revolution.
He affirmed that “the banner of Islamic Iran now flies not only
across the country’s geography, but deep within the hearts
of the truth-seekers around the world,” stressing that all
achievements and distinctions.... are the result of
“special divine grace” and adherence to the
path of the Imams.
To Gulf states: Choose your position
Addressing the Gulf states, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei said that
“Iran’s southern neighbours are witnessing a miracle,” urging
them to “observe carefully, understand what is unfolding,
choose the right position, and beware the false
promises of deceitful powers.”
He added - that Tehran.. “continues to await an appropriate response” from these countries “to manifest brotherhood
and goodwill,” emphasizing --- that this, will only be
achieved - by "abandoning the arrogant powers
that seize every opportunity ....to humiliate
and exploit them.”
He stressed that Iran “will not allow the criminal aggressors
who attacked the country to go unpunished,” affirming that
it will “undoubtedly -- seek compensation for every harm
inflicted,” whether to the nation, the blood of the
martyrs, or its veterans.
He also emphasized efforts to “enhance the management of the
Strait of Hormuz,” reiterating that Iran “has not sought and will
not seek war,” but “will not relinquish its legitimate rights
under any circumstances,” adding that “the resistance
front ---- is a unified entity.”
The path of martyred Sayyed Ali Khamenei
In a related context, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei noted that the
life of Sayyed Ali Khamenei included phases that were not
widely known to the public. In one instance he recalled,
Sayyed Ali Khamenei ...made use of “opportunities
along the path of duty,” away from the hardships
of struggle against the Pahlavi regime.
He pointed out that at an early stage in his life, the martyred
leader chose to step away from the conventional path of
academic advancement in the city of Qom, dedicating
himself instead to serving his father, guided by his
trust in divine grace.
He said this decision marked a turning point, as Sayyed Ali
Khamenei rose “like the sun rising from Khorasan” before
the age of thirty ---- quickly establishing himself as a
prominent intellectual and revolutionary figure.
Sayyed Khamenei explained that this defining quality, combined
with a deep reliance on divine mercy, is what distinguishes
those who stand under the banner of truth, from those
who gather under the banner of falsehood.
He added that following this path “opens the gates of heaven,”
bringing about “divine support", from the blessings of mercy
--- to ultimate victory over the enemy.
He also noted that many are now embracing a “civilizational
outlook”, shaping their identity based on present realities
and a forward-looking vision, rather than illusion.
He pointed out that, until recently, this trait was limited to a
select few, with the martyred leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei
at its forefront.
Finally, he emphasized that any observer can recognize
the scale of the rapid growth as “miraculous”, being
experienced by the Iranian people.
The great people of Iran, alongside
Iran’s defenders, wrote an epic:
Ghalibaf
Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,
shared a statement on the 40th day commemoration
of Iran's martyred leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
Ghalibaf said that "forty days have passed since this great man
left us, yet the fruit of his struggle has transformed into a
'40-day pride' for our beloved Iran."
He added that the great people of Iran, alongside Iran’s
defenders, wrote an epic in the streets and on the
battlefield ...that amazed the world.
"How can a country stand firm against the greatest apparent
and material powers and defeat them? The answer is faith
in God, in the people, and in oneself," he said.
Pezeshkian: Iran reshaped power
balance ---- after 40 days of unity
On his part, marking the occasion... Iranian President Masoud
Pezeshkian stated that the Iranian people have reshaped the
balance of power over the past 40 days and that the current
state of stability is the result of strong cohesion between
the people, the government, and the armed forces.
Pezeshkian noted ---- that the ceasefire was achieved through
the Iranian people’s ability to impose their will on the enemy,
stressing that Iran is not at war with any nation and that its
reply to aggression has been strictly defensive in nature.
He added that Iran is not a platform for the destructive ambitions
of hostile actors, emphasizing that the Iranian people represent
the country’s most vital asset in ensuring security and national
strength. He further stated ------- that Iran will overcome its
challenges through national unity and cohesion, from
the battlefield, to the diplomatic arena.
Source: Agencies
______________________________________________
April 9: Hezbollah’s operations against Zionist
regime -------in response to truce breach
April 9th, 9:47pm
(Press TV Website Staff)
Hours after Iran and the United States announced a ceasefire ending 40 days of aggression against the Islamic Republic, the Israeli regime violated the truce on Wednesday by launching devastating strikes on civilian areas across Lebanon.
In response... the Hezbollah resistance movement carried out a series of retaliatory strikes on Thursday, targeting multiple Israeli military and strategic installations.
Since early March, Hezbollah's operations have been primarily focused on Israeli military sites in the occupied territories ---- inflicting heavy and irreparable blows on the Zionist enemy.
The movement's actions ---- come in response to both the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei ---- and the Israeli regime's relentless ceasefire violations over the past year.
The cessation of Israeli-American attacks on all fronts, including in Lebanon, was a key component of the 10-point proposal that Washington agreed to as part of the ceasefire.
Iran has warned of severe retaliation if the Israeli attacks against Lebanon continue.
Below ----- is a list of operations carried out by the resistance
movement in Lebanon against the Zionist regime on April 9:
Targeted the "Manara" settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted a "Namer" vehicle in the town of Taybeh
with a guided missile, achieving a direct hit.
Targeted an Israeli gathering inside a house
in the Taybeh project with an attack drone.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement
with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" and "Metulla"
settlements with rocket barrages.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement
for the third time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at
the Al-Marj site with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" and "Metulla"
settlements with rocket barrages.
Targeted the "Avivim" settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the Hadabat Al-Ajal position north of the
"Kfar Yuval" settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the fifth time.
Targeted the "Shomera" settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Shlomi" settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement
for the sixth time with a rocket barrage.
ITargeted the "Avivim" with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement
for the seventh time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in
the "Yesod HaMa'ala" settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted a gathering of "israeli" enemy army soldiers in
the "Misgav Am" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.
Islamic Resistance fighters are engaged in heroic clashes
at point-blank range with light and medium weapons and
rocket-propelled grenades against a mechanized Israeli
force that attempted to advance towards the market of
the city of Bint Jbeil, and the clashes are still ongoing
as this statement ---- is being issued. Concurrently
with the heroic clashes, the Islamic Resistance
fighters are targeting gatherings of vehicles
and soldiers of the Israeli army -- in the
vicinity of the Musa Abbas complex
and the Liberation Triangle and the
Vocational School -- in the city of
Bint Jbeil, with rocket barrages
and artillery fire.
Targeted an Israeli D9 military bulldozer
with an attack drone.
Targeted the "Manara" settlement for the
second time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Al-Assi" site opposite the town
of Mays Al-Jabal with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement
for the eighth time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Hunin" barracks opposite the
border town of Markaba with a rocket barrage.
Targeted a Merkava tank on Taybeh-Deir Siryan
road near the school --- with an attack drone.
Targeted the "Misgav Am" settlement for
the second time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Nahariya" settlement
with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Shlomi" and the "Nahariya"
settlements with a swarm of attack drones.
Targeted the "Shlomi", "Nahariya", and
"Kabri" settlements with rocket barrages.
Targeted infrastructure belonging to the
Israeli military in the "Ma'alot Tarshiha"
settlement with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Malkiya" settlement
with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Misgav Am" settlement for
the third time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted the "Metulla" settlement for
the third time with a rocket barrage.
Targeted an Israeli military "D9" military bulldozer
in the town of Rashaf with a guided missile.
Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in
the town of Shamaa with artillery shells.
Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in
the town of Rshaf with a rocket barrage.
Targeted infrastructure belonging to the
Israeli army in the occupied city, Haifa,
with a barrage of qualitative missiles.
Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in
the vicinity of the Khiam municipality
with rocket barrages.
Targeted Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the
"Site 17" area on the outskirts of Bint Jbeil city.
Targeted Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of
the Liberation Triangle at the outskirts
of the city of Bint Jbeil.
Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers
in the town of Ainata.
Targeted Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the
Mousa Abbas complex and Shamran Hill on
the outskirts of the city of Bint Jbeil.
Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the
vicinity of Mays Al-Jabal Hospital with
a rocket barrage.
In defense of Lebanon and its people, the
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a
gathering of Israeli soldiers in the
town of Maroun Al-Ras with
a rocket barrage.
____________________________________________
Qalibaf: ‘Time running out’ for US-Israel
to honour ceasefire, stop attacks
on Lebanon
April 9th, 9:38pm
(PressTV)
Speaker of Iran’s Parliament Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has
warned the United States and the Israeli regime that “time
is running out,” stressing --- that any attempt to exclude
Lebanon or the Axis of Resistance from the recently
brokered ceasefire -------- will meet a firm and
decisive response.
Posting on X on Thursday night, Qalibaf quoted Iran’s official position paper ---- that leaves no room for misinterpretation or backtracking.
The document, part of a 10-point proposal underpinning the ceasefire, explicitly states:
1. Lebanon and the entire Resistance Axis, as Iran’s
allies, form an inseparable part of the ceasefire.
2. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly and clearly
stressed the Lebanon issue during the Islamabad talks; there
is no room for denial or backtracking.
3. Ceasefire violations carry explicit costs and STRONG
responses. Extinguish the fire immediately.
Iran’s parliament speaker’s message comes as the Israeli regime
continues its aggressive bombing in Beirut and other Lebanese
areas, in flagrant breach of the agreement mediated with the
involvement of regional and international actors,
including Pakistan.
Tehran has consistently maintained that the ceasefire covers not
only direct Iranian interests but the full security of Lebanon and
the broader Axis of Resistance. Any selective interpretation or
attempt to carve out Lebanon from the deal, Iranian officials
insist, constitutes a dangerous violation ------- that will not
go unanswered.
“Time is running out,” Qalibaf wrote, underscoring the
urgency and Iran’s unwavering commitment to its
allies and to regional stability.
Iran, which played a pivotal role in shaping the 10-point proposal,
has repeatedly warned that it will stand shoulder-to-shoulder
with the Lebanese people and the Resistance Axis against
any aggression or attempt to undermine the ceasefire.
Iranian leaders have described the current provocations
as a desperate bid by the Zionist entity to escape the
consequences of its military failures and to test
the resolve of the resistance front.
The US and Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran
on February 28, assassinating the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along
with several senior officials ---- military
commanders, and hundreds
of civilians.
In retaliation, Iran launched its decisive Operation True
Promise 4. Hundreds of ballistic - and hypersonic -
missiles and drones ------ have pounded US
military bases across West Asia and
Israeli positions throughout the
occupied territories.
Throughout the war, Iran continued to target Israeli and US
assets in occupied Palestine, and US military bases and
interests in the Persian Gulf, maintaining its resilience
even after about six weeks of fighting.
___________________________________________
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
''In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to
begin direct negotiations with ‘Israel’,
I ---- directed the cabinet yesterday
to begin direct negotiations with
Lebanon as soon as possible.''
April 9th, 4:47pm (al Manar)
__________________________________
Iran delayed retaliation as US
pushed 'Israel' on Lebanon:
Khatibzadeh
April 9th, 3:37pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
Iran has delayed a planned retaliation after
US-mediated messages sought to rein in
"Israel’s" aggression on Lebanon.
Tehran came close to launching retaliatory action overnight
in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon,
but deliberately held back after diplomatic exchanges
involving the United States, Iran’s Deputy Foreign
Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated on Thursday.
Speaking to ITV News.. in an interview with international editor
Emma Murphy in Tehran, Khatibzadeh described the situation
as “very critical", stressing that Iran had been left with “no
option” but to respond to new “atrocities” carried out by
the Israeli occupation... before last-minute messages
temporarily shifted the trajectory.
“Last night was a very critical night because we had no option just
to respond to these new atrocities,” he said, adding that “a few
back and forth” communications were relayed through
Pakistani intermediaries - as regional actors sought
to contain the fallout of the aggression.
Khatibzadeh said Tehran chose to pause its response - after
receiving indications that Washington was pressing "Israel"
to halt its attacks on Lebanon. “We hope, that America
can control its ally and this time honour their words,”
he said, signaling cautious expectations that US
assurances ....would translate into tangible
restraint on the ground.
He noted that both Iran and the US are working toward a potential
meeting in Pakistan, part of an ongoing diplomatic track aimed
at reaching a broader settlement. “We hope that we can meet
soon in Pakistan to wishfully reach a settlement and
agreement ...for permanent peace in the whole
Middle East,” he said.
Lebanon central to ceasefire
The Iranian official stressed that Lebanon remains at the core
of any meaningful ceasefire, warning that excluding it would
effectively legitimize continued Israeli aggression and
render any agreement unsustainable.
“Lebanon is included in the ceasefire,” Khatibzadeh said,
reaffirming that peace cannot be selectively applied
while attacks persist against one front.
He framed Iran’s position as principled and consistent, arguing
that Tehran does not enter negotiations lightly but remains
committed once agreements are reached. “Iran has
shown to everybody that it rarely negotiates,
but when negotiating --- honours its
word,” he said.
Khatibzadeh also pointed to decades of destabilization driven
by Israeli policies, arguing that the root cause of recurring
crises in the region lies in the occupation’s conduct.
“Nobody can think of a peace in the Middle East, lasting peace
in the Middle East, unless there is an inclusive agreement for
everyone involved,” he said, adding that ensuring Lebanon’s
inclusion is a “responsibility for everybody” engaged in the
current diplomatic efforts.
Lebanonunder fire
The remarks come as Israeli aggression against Lebanon
Just hours after the ceasefire was announced --- between Tehran
and Washington, "Israel" launched its largest wave of airstrikes
since the start of the war, striking over 100 locations across
Beirut, the Bekaa, South Lebanon, and Mount Lebanon,
killing over 250 people and wounding over 1,000.
Earlier today, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced
this position in diplomatic contacts, stressing that any path
toward de-escalation hinges on full adherence to the
ceasefire across all fronts, warning: that selective
implementation would only prolong instability.
He further signaled.... that maritime transit through the Strait of
Hormuz remains conditional and coordinated, stating that “no
vessel can simply pass without coordination” - and that safe
passage is tied to compliance with ceasefire commitments.
Araghchi also described recent US-led actions as “wholly
unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” while reiterating in
parallel discussions with regional counterparts that
Lebanon must be included in any comprehensive
settlement - to prevent a further escalation.
Source: ITV News
_________________________________________
New poll says most US people
want Congress to impeach
Trump over Iran war
April 9th, 7:19am
(PressTV)
Most Americans want Congress to impeach US President Donald
Trump over his war on Iran ---- and other controversial policies,
according to a new poll, more than 40 days after a US-Israeli
military coalition ---- launched an unprovoked war of
aggression against the Islamic Republic.
In a survey published Wednesday, 52 percent of registered voters
supported impeaching Trump, compared to 40 percent opposed,
Newsweek reported.
The figures come as the US president is increasingly losing
support in Congress over his so-called “Operation Epic
Fury” — now widely referred to as “Epic Failure.”
The costly and illegal operation has already consumed tens
of billions of dollars and raised concerns about the strain
on US weapons stockpiles.
A total of 790 people took part in the survey, which was
commissioned by two groups opposed to Trump’s Iran
war and other policies: the progressive advocacy
organizations --- Impeach Trump Again, and
Free Speech for People.
The findings also showed.... that one in seven
Republicans supported removal proceedings.
According to the report, the poll was conducted by John Bonifaz,
president and co-founder of Free Speech for People, for veteran
progressive pollster Celinda Lake’s firm. It has a margin of
error of 3.9 percent.
“This is an unprecedented result this early in a presidential
term,” Bonifaz said, during an April 6 press conference.
Voters have turned against Trump far earlier than they opposed
former President Richard Nixon — the only other two-term
president to see majority support for impeachment.
The House of Representatives impeached Trump twice during
his first term, but the Senate rejected conviction both times.
The second impeachment, for inciting the January 6
Capitol riot, received 57 Senate votes --- including
seven Republicans. However, it occurred after
Trump had left office and fell short of the
two-thirds threshold.
Trump’s war on Iran, which began on February 28, has
further fueled Americans’ anger, intensifying calls
for his impeachment and removal.
The unprovoked aggression - has already escalated into a
regional conflict that is reshaping the political landscape
both on Capitol Hill and among voters.
The war has also carried a considerable
political cost .....for Trump’s favorability.
His approval rating dropped to 39 percent in early April,
down from 42 percent in late February before the war
began, with 53 percent disapproving — marking the
lowest rating of his second term.
Inside Congress, Democrats supported impeachment
by 84 percent to 8 percent, with 78 percent strongly
backing removal. Republicans, however, opposed
impeachment by 81 percent to 14 percent, with
77 percent of GOP foes strongly opposed.
Independents swung toward
impeachment, 55 percent
to 34 percent.
In the House, lawmakers need only a simple majority
to impeach Trump, but Democrats lack the majority.
Senate conviction requires a two-thirds vote in a chamber
that remains firmly Republican. Currently, no votes for
removal exist on either side of the chamber.
Image: Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson's Birth Day
Today, April the 9th, in 1898,
Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson,
actor of film and stage, professional athlete, writer,
multi-lingual orator, lawyer, and basso profondo
concert singer who was most celebrated by
the world (excluding the USA) --- for his
social justice activism, and belief
in true socialism,
is born.
''Films - make me into some cheap turn. You can bet they'll
never let me play a part in a film where a Negro is on top.''
''In the early days of my career as an actor, I shared what was then
the prevailing attitude of Negro performers - that the content and
form of a play or a film scenario was of little importance to us.
What mattered, was the opportunity, which came so seldom
to our folks… Later --- I came to understand that the Negro
artist ---- could not view the matter simply in terms of his
individual interests ----- and that he had a responsibility
to his people --- who rightfully resented the traditional
stereotyped portrayals of Negros on stage & screen.''
''For the first time since I began acting ----- I feel that I've found my
place in the world, that there's something out of my own culture
which I can express and perhaps --- help others preserve.... I have found out now that the African natives had a definite culture a long way beyond the culture of the Stone age ......an integrated thing, which is still unspoiled by western influences. I think the Americans will be amazed to find ------ how many of the
modern dance steps are relics of African heritage.''
''I am the son of an emancipated slave -- and the stories
of my old father are vivid on the tablets of my memory.''
''The artist must elect to fight for freedom or for slavery. I have
made my choice. I had no alternative. The history of the
capitalist era is characterized by the degradation of
my people: despoiled of their lands -- their true
culture destroyed... denied equal protection
of the law, and deprived of their rightful
place in the respect of their fellows.''
''If the American Negro is to have a culture of his
own ------ he will have to leave America to get it.''
''From what I have already seen of the workings of the Soviet
Government, I can say: that any terrorist who lifts his hand
against it, ought to be shot! It is the government's duty to
put down any opposition to this really free society with
a firm hand, and I hope they will always do it... for I
already regard myself at home here. This, is home
to me. I feel more kinship to the Russian people
under their new society ---- than I ever felt
anywhere else. It is obvious, that there
is no terror here, that all the masses
of every race, are contented and
support their government.''
''If the United States and the United Nations truly want peace
and security let them fulfill the hopes of the common people
everywhere – let them work together to accomplish on a
worldwide scale --- precisely the kind of democratic
association of free people which characterizes
the Soviet Union today.''
''I am truly happy that I am able to travel from time to time
to the USSR — the country I love above all. I always have
been, I am now and will always be - a loyal friend of the
Soviet Union.''
''Today in Korea—in Southeast Asia—in Latin America, and the
West Indies, in the Middle East—in Africa..... one sees tens of
millions of long oppressed colonial peoples - surging toward
freedom. What courage, what sacrifice, what determination
never to rest until victory! ..And arrayed against them, the combined powers of the so-called Free West - headed by
the greedy, profit-hungry, war-minded industrialists and
financial barons..... of our America. The illusion of an
“American Century” blinds them for the immediate
present to the clear fact ---- that civilization has
passed them by, that we now live in a people’s
century - that the star shines brightly to the
East of Europe ...and of the world.''
''Could I say that the reason that I am here today, you know,
from the mouth of the State Department itself, is: I should
not be allowed to travel ...because I have struggled for
years for the independence of the colonial peoples
of Africa.''
''You want to shut up every Negro --- who has the courage to stand
up and fight for the rights of his people, for the rights of workers
...and I have been on many a picket line for the steelworkers.
In Russia I felt for the first time like a full human being. No
colour prejudice like in Mississippi, no colour prejudice
like in Washington. My father was a slave --- and my
people died to build this country -- and I am going
to stay here, and have a part of it, just like you.
And no Fascist-minded people will drive me
from it. Is that clear?''
''I am here - because I am opposing the Neo-Fascist cause, which
I see arising here in these committees. Whatever has happened
to Stalin, gentlemen, is a question for the Soviet Union. You are
responsible, and your forebears, for 60 million to 100 million
black people -- dying in the slave ships and on the
plantations, and don’t ask me - about anybody,
please. You - are the non-patriots, and you
are the un-Americans, and you - ought
to be ashamed of yourselves.''
“I was not prepared for the happiness I see on every face in Moscow. I was aware.. that there was no starvation here,
but I was not prepared for the bounding life; the feeling
of safety and abundance and freedom that I find here,
wherever I turn. I was not prepared for the endless
friendliness..... which surrounded me from the
moment - that I crossed the border. I had a
technically irregular passport - but all of
this ....was brushed aside by the eager
helpfulness of the border authorities.
And this joy and happiness..... and
friendliness - this utter absence
of any embarrassment - over a
‘race question’ is all the more
keenly felt by me because of
the day I spent in Berlin - on
the way here, and that was
a day of horror —— in an
atmosphere of hatred,
fear and suspicion.”
''As Americans --- while preserving the best of our traditions ------ we have the right ---- nay, the duty ---- to fight for our participation in the forward march of humanity. We ------- must join with the tens of millions all over
the world who see in peace our most sacred responsibility. Once we
are joined together in the fight for peace - we will have to talk to
each other --- and tell the truth about each other. How else can
peace be won? I have always insisted - will insist, even more
in the future on my right to tell the truth as I know it about
the Soviet peoples: of their deep desires and hopes for
peace, of their peaceful pursuits -- of reconstruction
from the ravages of war, as in historic Stalingrad;
and to tell of the heroic efforts --- of the friendly
peoples in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,
Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, the great, new
China and North Korea --- to explain, to
answer the endless falsehoods, of a
warmongering press, with clarity
and courage.''
''In this framework we can make clear what co-existence means.
It means living in peace and friendship ....with another kind of society - a fully integrated society where the people control
their destinies, where poverty and illiteracy have been
eliminated and where new kinds of human beings
develop ....in the framework of a new level of
social living.''
''The telling of these truths, is an important part of our work in building a strong and broad peace movement -- in the United States. At home in the United States we found a continued
and an increased persecution, firstly of the leaders of the
Communist Party, and then --- of all honest anti-fascists.
But the deep desire for peace... has remained with the
American people. We know how Truman betrayed the
American people in their hopes for peace --- how he
betrayed the Negro people in their thirst for equal
rights, how he tore up the Bill of Rights - and
subjected the whole American people - to
a reign of FBI-terrorization.''
''The Korean war ----- has always been an unpopular war among the
American people. We remember the unforgivable trickery in the
use of the UN -- to further the purposes of “American century” imperialists in that land - quite comparable to the taking of
Texas from Mexico, the rape of Cuba, the Philippines,
Puerto Rico and Hawaii... today the Negro people
watch Africa and Asia - and closely follow the
liberation struggles, of the rising peoples in
these lands. We watch the United Nations
and see the U.S.A... join with the western
imperialist nations to stifle the liberation
struggles. Yes, peace can and must be
won --------- to save the world from the
terrible destruction of World War III.''
''Yes, all Africa remembers that it was Litvinov who stood alone beside Haile Selassie in Geneva, when Mussolini's sons flew
with the blessings of the Pope, to drop bombs on Ethiopian
women and children. Africa remembers ---- that it was the
Soviet Union which fought the attempts of the Smuts, to
annex Southwest Africa to the slave reservation of the
Union of South Africa... if the peoples of the Congo
refuse to mine the uranium --- for the atom bombs
made in Jim Crow factories in the United States;
if all these peoples demand an end to floggings
and an end to the farce of 'trusteeship', in the
former Italian colonies...... they will find that
the Soviet Union is the friend of the African
and the West Indian peoples.''
''Vast quantities of U.S. bombers, tanks and guns have been sent against Ho Chi Minh and his freedom-fighters; and now we are
told that soon it will be 'advisable' to send America GI's into
Indo-China --- in order that the tin, rubber and tungsten of
Southeast Asia be kept by the "free world" -- meaning
white Imperialism.''
China labels Israeli-occupied lands
as‘high risk area,’bans all new
investments: Report
February 5th, 7:41pm
PressTV)
A Chinese investment fund has revealed that the Beijing
government has imposed a ban on all new investment
in Israeli-occupied lands due to the regime’s brutal
aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip.
The news emerged in Israeli media outlets, amid a lawsuit filed
by members of Kibbutz Hanita against Ballet Vision, a Chinese
-controlled fund that holds an 80% stake in Hanita Lenses, an
intraocular lens manufacturing plant located in the northern
part of the occupied lands near the Lebanese border.
Israeli settlers from the kibbutz have filed a lawsuit against the
fund, which controls 80 percent of an intraocular lens plant
located in the northern settlement.
A lawsuit filed in the Tel Aviv district court shows the kibbutz is
seeking approximately $11 million, accusing the fund of failing
to exercise an option to purchase their remaining shares, as
stipulated in a prior agreement.
According to a response letter from Ballet attached to the
lawsuit... the Chinese government has classified Israeli-
occupied lands as a "high-risk area" or "red category"
due to the ongoing situation in the West Asia region,
specifically since Oct. 7, 2023.
“Since the outbreak of the fighting, the Chinese government
has classified Israel as a high-risk zone (red category) and
prohibited any new Chinese investment in the Israeli-
occupied lands,” it said in the letter.
The letter further says that until the restriction
is lifted, the transaction.... is not feasible.
“As long as this restriction remains in place, there is no
practical operational ability to exercise the option,”
it added
Aside from the Chinese government's ban on investing in
Liu Yuxiao, a director of Ballet Vision and CEO of the lens
manufacturing plant, earlier said that Hanita Lenses
sustained losses of around $15 million over a
period of three years --- as well as a
$4 million debt. This resulted in
severe financial issues.
Yuxiao said he became the CEO in March last year to try
to prevent total collapse, and added that the company
may now break even in 2026.
The developments also come as ties between the two sides
were deteriorating over the self-ruling island of Taiwan,
which has been looking to the Zionist entity for
increased military cooperation.
China has already warned Israel against providing military
expertise and technology to Taiwan under the guise of
civilian programs.
Tel Aviv is reportedly assisting Taipei with integrating
elements of its Green Pine and Arrow systems in
order to develop the Tian Gong-4 missile
system, which will be part of the
T-Dome network.
The military cooperation comes despite ongoing Chinese
warnings that it would not tolerate Israeli ties with the
island, which it considers a renegade province.
Taiwan wants to deepen its ties with Israel and its
administration has refrained from condemning
the Tel Aviv regime's crimes in the besieged
Gaza Strip ---- and the other occupied
Palestinian territories.
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 - opposedWorld 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
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.ukÂÂ
*************************************************
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:
– 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.
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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.
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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."
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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.