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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 


strengthen global support for our common cause.”


 


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President in charge values 

January 23 rebellion

 in Venezuela

January 23rd, 7:34am GMT 

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The president in charge of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, today
represented the historical value of the events of the civil-

military rebellion of January 23, 1958, when the people 

rose up ---- against the Marcos Jiménez dictatorship.

 

“68 years after #23Jan, we claim the hope of the people 

who raised their voices for freedom”, the president 

wrote on her Telegram account.

 

Rodríguez highlighted that that popular rebellion “imarked 

our history and today this is reborn in the national union 

to consolidate the peace and prosperity of Venezuela”.

 

In the audiovisual that accompanies the message, Commander 

Hugo Chávez stated that on January 23, ending the decade of

the 50s of the 20th century, “the Punto Fijo pact had already

been cooked .......and they had managed to stop the 

revolutionary impetus of the masses”.

 

The Bolivarian leader indicated that Fabricio Ojeda arrived then, 

leader of that military rebellion “which woke up the men and 

women who took the rifle and went to the mountains to 

fight against the dictatorship of (Rómulo) Betancourt, 

from (Raúl) Leoni and (Rafael) Caldera”.

 

Constitutional President Nicolás Maduro also expressed that the 

spirit of January 23 was the greatest hope that a generation 

had «that now the day had come to take back the glorious

flags  of the liberators, that the day had come - to know 

what democracy and freedom are”.

 

Maduro pointed out that when that date arrives and “we see 

that sun over our city of Caracas we remember the 

luminosity of the thought, of the morality of that

 great martyr Fabricio Ojeda».

 

Regarding the date, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela 

called this Friday - for a large march of its militants and 

other revolutionary and Chavista forces, which will 

have as its central demand the release of 

President Nicolás Maduro and the

 first combatant Cilia Flores.

 

Both were kidnapped on January 3 during the attack by US

 military forces on four territories of the country, including 

Caracas, which left more than a hundred dead, among 

them 32 Cuban combatants, and damage --- to civil

 and military infrastructure.

 

_________________________________







 
China hits US with economic 

counteroffensive .... after 

Maduro’s abduction: 

Report

January 22nd, 10:08am

 (PressTV)

 

China has responded to the abduction of Venezuelan 

President Nicolas Maduro by the United States with 

coordinated economic force, delivering a direct 

blow to US power and signaling a decisive 

shift toward a multipolar world order, 

a report says.

 

China sharply condemned the January 3 abduction of 

Maduro and the violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, 

concluding: that Washington was attempting to 

''weaponize'' control over Venezuelan oil - to 

curb China’s presence in South America - 

and obstruct its long-term development

....the German-language service of 

Russian broadcaster, RT said

 in a report.

 

According to the report, Beijing treated the aggression 

against Venezuela as an attack on BRICS countries 

and on the very idea of a multipolar world, and 

within hours of the news of the kidnapping, 

President Xi Jinping - had convened an 

emergency meeting of the Politburo 

Standing Committee that lasted 

120 minutes --- with no public 

statements afterwards.

 

Instead, China activated what its strategists call an 

“integrated asymmetric response” --- designed to 

counter the aggression against its partners, in 

the Western Hemisphere including Venezuela

seen as China’s strategic gateway to Latin 

America, which Washington considers...
its own backyard.

 

The first phase began on January 4, when the People’s 

Bank of China discreetly suspended all US dollar 

transactions with companies linked to the US 

defense sector, with Boeing, Lockheed 

Martin, Raytheon..... and General 

Dynamics, seeing their China-

related transactions frozen 

without warning.

 

Later that day, State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) 

announced technical reviews of contracts with US 

suppliers of electrical equipment --- signaling a 

deliberate decoupling from US technology.. 

as China National Petroleum Corporation 

reorganized its global supply routes, 

canceling oil delivery contracts to 

US refineries worth $47 billion 

annually ---- and redirecting 

supplies... to India, Brazil, 

South Africa.. and other 

Global South partners.

 

As a result, oil prices surged 23 percent in a single 

trading session, underscoring the message: that 

China can strangle US energy security without 

firing a shot.

 

China then targeted global logistics --- with China Ocean 

Shipping Company, which controls roughly 40 percent 

of global shipping capacity, rerouting operations 

away from US ports, causing Long Beach, Los 

Angeles, New York, and Miami to lose 35 

percent of their container traffic 

almost instantly.

 

The disruption --- rippled through US retail giants such as 

Walmart, Amazon, and Target, whose China-dependent 

supply chains partially collapsed --- within hours. The 

synchronized timing of these measures produced a 

systemic shock, overwhelming Washington’s 

ability to respond.

 

That same day --- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offered 

immediate preferential trade terms to dozens of countries 

willing to refuse recognition of a Venezuelan government 

installed by US coercion. Within 24 hours, 19 countries - 

including Brazil, India, South Africa, and Mexico -

accepted, forming an instant anti-US bloc 

driven by economic incentives.

 

The final escalation came on January 5 ----- when China 

expanded its cross-border interbank payment system - 

to fully accommodate transactions seeking to bypass 

the US-controlled SWIFT network.  This ....created 

a functional alternative to the Western financial 

system that is 97 percent cheaper and faster.

 

In the first 48 hours, $89 billion in transactions were 

processed, and central banks from 34 countries 

opened operational accounts, accelerating 

de-dollarization ...and weakening a key 

pillar of US power.

 

Simultaneously, China imposed temporary export 

restrictions on rare earths, on countries that 

supported Maduro’s abduction --- alarming 

US tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, 

Google, and Intel. China, is the largest 

producer of these rare-earth metals, 

as it accounts for at least 60% 

of them globally.

 

Rare earth materials ------------ are essential for 

semiconductors and electronic components.

 

As the report asks, “What is China doing for
Venezuela?” The answer, it concludes, is
China is acting without declaring war.

 

Every step China has taken, strikes 

at the economic heart of the US 

empire, the report concluded.










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

 People hold up a banner as they protest 


against Israel at the entrance of the 


International Criminal Court


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Six-month-old boy freezes to death in Gaza 


amid Israel's inhumane blockade


January 23rd, 3:53pm


 (PressTV)


 


Another Palestinian infant has died due to extreme cold in the 


southern Gaza Strip, as displaced families continue to suffer 


harsh winter conditions combined with the ongoing impacts


 of a two-year Israeli genocidal war.


 


Youssef Omar Abu Hammala, a six-month-old baby boy, died 


as a result of extreme cold in his family's displacement 


tent in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis on Friday. 


 


With the death of Abu Hammala, the number of children who 


have died in the besieged Palestinian strip from extreme 


cold since the beginning of the season has risen


 to eleven. 


 


Several Palestinians, most of them children, have been killed in Gaza 


due to severe cold, as displaced families continue to endure harsh


 winter conditions compounded by the ongoing impacts of the 


genocidal war and siege against the narrow strip.


 


Civil defense and ambulance services say -- low temperatures are 


severely affecting children, the elderly, and those who are unwell.


 


The incidents reflect the dangerous humanitarian conditions in the 


Gaza Strip, especially for children and displaced families living in


 weak tents that are not suitable for cold weather.


 


Families in Gaza are suffering from a lack of shelter and medical 


care, and the absence of heating due to fuel shortages caused


 by the Israeli blockade.


 


Most of the more than 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip have 


already been displaced multiple times; the biting cold and 


torrential rains are not just a seasonal change, but 


ultimately a threat to survival.


 


A series of winter storms has recently caused widespread 


flooding in low-lying areas and displacement camps.


 


For many, the nightmare is compounded by the collapse of 


buildings already weakened by hostilities. With no 


alternative shelter available, many displaced 


families have moved into structurally 


unsound buildings, where down-


pours and high winds increase 


the risk of sudden collapse, 


turning these spaces into 


life-threatening refuges 


rather than places 


of protection. 


 


According to data from the Government Media Office, Israel’s 


genocidal war has caused massive destruction, affecting 


90% of the Gaza Strip’s civilian infrastructure.


 


At least four Palestinian babies also died of hypothermia 


at the al-Mawasi refugee camp in southern Gaza.


 


Israeli shelling pounds multiple areas of Gaza


 


Israeli forces carried out renewed artillery shelling and gunfire 


across several areas of the Gaza Strip on Friday, in continued 


violations of the ceasefire agreement.


 


Israeli military vehicles opened fire in areas east of Deir al-Balah, 


while artillery shells targeted eastern parts of al-Bureij refugee 


camp in central Gaza.


 


Israeli forces also shelled areas east of Khan Yunis in the south 


of the besieged region. Witnesses also confirmed random 


gunfire by Israeli military vehicles east of Khan Yunis.


 


Israeli artillery ------- struck multiple locations east of 


Gaza City, within areas under Israeli military control.


 


Additional shelling was reported in the northern parts


of Rafah, which stays fully occupied by Israeli forces.


 


Palestinians are suffering a worsening situation, amid Israel’s 


failure to meet its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, 


which entered its first phase on October 10, 2025, including 


opening border crossings and allowing the agreed 


quantities of food, relief, medical aid, and 


shelter materials to enter the strip.


 


Israel’s brutal war has killed more than 71,500 people — 


most of them women and children — and injured over 


171,000 others since October 2023.


 


At least 464 Palestinians have been killed and 


nearly 1,280 others injured in Israeli attacks 


since the ceasefire.


 


 


_____________________________________________


 


 


Netanyahu regime runs defamation campaign


 against Doctors Without Borders: Report


January 23rd, 2:13pm


 (PressTV)


 


The medical charity organization Doctors Without Borders 


(Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) has said that the 


defamation campaign launched against it, is


 a propaganda offensive funded and 


sponsored by Israel.  


 


Declassified UK --- a British investigative journalism and media 


organisation, revealed that the Israeli regime's prime minister, 


Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an anti-MSF defamation 


campaign in the UK in an effort to stop the medical 


charity from providing humanitarian assistance to 


Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, ravaged by the 


Israeli regime's genocidal war. 


 


Declassified UK reported on Friday that as part of the defamation 


campaign, the Tel Aviv regime is paying for an advertisement to 


appear as the top result on Google search when users search 


for information about MSF.


 


The Israeli-paid advertisement shows a report released by Tel Aviv, 


which accuses the MSF of alleged “grave misconduct” in Gaza.


 


The report — which is titled the “Systematic Conduct of Médecins 


Sans Frontières” and is authored by an “Inter-Ministerial Team” in 


Israel and dated December 2025 — claims the conduct of MAF, 


including the behaviour of its international and local staff in 


hospitals, “contradicts the fundamental ethics of 


international humanitarian action.”


 


Tel Aviv claims the MSF is authoring the release of 


“official publications.. that far exceed the bounds 


of legitimate criticism.”


 


It adds ------ that the MSF is deliberately making an "effort to


undermine and deny the legitimacy" of the Tel Aviv regime.


 


The Israeli regime's defamation campaign against the MSF 


comes as Tel Aviv seeks to limit the scope of activities of 


the MSF & other international humanitarian organizations 


operating in Gaza, carrying out life-saving operations 


there - on a daily basis.


 


The move is seen as part of the regime's wider efforts to 


dismantle the humanitarian organizations providing 


crucial life-saving services for Palestinians.


 


Under this pretext, the Tel Aviv regime has refused to renew 


MSF’s permit to operate in Gaza and the West Bank --- 


since the start of January.


 


Now, the medical aid organisation says it might be forced 


by March 1 to stop its humanitarian operations in the 


Palestinian territories.


 


The hapless Palestinian patients.. who are dependent on the 


MSF for aid in Gaza have responded to the news with horror.


 


“If MSF stops working -- people will lose 


their lives,” one Palestinian pointed out.


 


In the meantime, MSF has issued a statement giving assurance 


to the Palestinians that the medical charity group remains fully 


committed to its humanitarian obligations towards patients 


in need of relief.


 


“We remain committed to providing assistance to Palestinians 


in Gaza and the West Bank and call on the Israeli authorities 


to reverse their decision… and to put in place acceptable 


operating conditions,” MSF said in its statement.


 


MSF has provided crucial medical aid to Palestinians, caring for 


the defenseless Palestinians cut off from the rest of the world 


throughout the Gaza genocide by providing international and


local staff working in hospitals across the besieged strip.


 


 


_______________________________________


 


 



IRGC: Enemy command room 


of 10 intel agencies targeted


 Iran after 12-day war


January 23rd, 11:40am


 (PressTV)


 


The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization 


has issued a statement, outlining the “scene of struggle” against a 


“foreign evil enemy” and detailing its countermeasures during 


recent riots.


 


The statement issued Friday coincided with the Islamic month 


of Sha’ban and the observance of Pasdar Day, which honours 


members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. It also 


expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs of 


the "recent US-Zionist sedition."


 


“These terrorist incidents were designed in continuation of the 


12-day war and influenced by the strategic failures of the 


ruling global powers, carried out hastily,” 


the statement said.


 


It added that part of the US-Zionist grand plan, which Iranian 


security agencies - and the vigilance of the Iranian people - 


thwarted, involved the creation of an “enemy command


 room” immediately following the 12-day war.


 


This command room, it said, consisted of ten hostile intelligence 


services -------- tasked with executing terrorist actions in Iran.


 


The review of documents and information obtained from this 


command room showed that internal unrest, military 


intervention, and group movement activity were 


the three axes of operations all designed to 


create a moment --- of existential threat 


against Great Iran, the statement said.


 


In response, the IRGC Intelligence Organization said it launched 


“cognitive intervention and a set of intelligence operations to 


prevent and manage the intensity, depth, and scope ------ of 


potential threats and unrest.”


 


From June 26 to the beginning of December, the organization said 


it implemented a targeted operational plan to address the two 


components it identified as central to the unrest: internal 


turmoil and group activity.


 


The organization said the operations resulted in the arrest 


and summons of hundreds of individuals linked to anti-


security networks and the guidance of thousands 


more vulnerable persons.


 


It reported raising awareness among social groups, professional 


guilds, and populations at risk --- and confiscating hundreds of 


illegal firearms, including both military and hunting weapons.


 


The statement added that the IRGC had identified and utilized


 46 members .....of a network collaborating with foreign 


intelligence services.


 


The IRGC described the recent unrest as a weak and redesigned 


form of combined operations by foreign enemies --- against the 


Islamic system and the unity of Iran’s identity and geography.


 


It said the field trajectory of the unrest, codenamed “Operation 


Lightning Strike,” included blending rioters with protesters, 


the direct support and involvement of foreign political 


and security figures, manipulation of social media 


algorithms and satellite network content... to 


incite violent acts, and the use of criminal 


elements ---- such as thugs, convicted 


armed robbers, and traffickers.


 


It said the unrest also involved... the killing of civilians, 


security forces, law enforcement, and Basij members 


through violent and bloody encounters.


 


The statement outlined ongoing priorities 


within the IRGC Intelligence Organization.


 


These included tracking and infiltrating the communication 


infrastructure used by rioters to coordinate with foreign 


network leaders, operational surveillance over key 


elements of enemy networks along border areas, 


and the use of misguided individuals, involved 


in the recent unrest within enemy networks.


 


The statement also described cognitive operations against the 


designers and executors of combined operations through 


infiltrated agents and the continued identification and 


decisive action against networks supplying street-


level mobilization support, in cooperation with 


citizens and social groups.


 


The IRGC expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the 


Commander-in-Chief and with the cooperation of the country’s 


intelligence community and the people, Iran would prevail 


over the designs of foreign adversaries.


 


“We are confident that with the grace of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten 


His reappearance), under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-


in-Chief & with the synergy of the country’s intelligence community 


and the tireless cooperation of the dear people, just as we 


disappointed the enemy of victory in the military battle, 


we will prevail over its malicious design in the terror 


and separatist war against Islam and dear Iran, 


God willing,” the statement said.


 


In a related announcement, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence said 


16 individuals described as thugs and criminals active in the 


December terrorist incidents in Tehran - were arrested.


 


The ministry said the arrests occurred within the past 24 hours 


in a joint operation by the Tehran Intelligence Organization 


and the Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic 


of Iran.


 


Eight of the individuals were detained in the Sattarkhan, Marzdaran, 


and Golestan Shahr districts, with one reportedly intoxicated with 


alcohol, clashing with security forces and being shot in the leg.


 


Authorities said the eight suspects were among the main 


perpetrators in attacks on security personnel and in 


setting fire to government and private vehicles.


 


They said security forces had confiscated more than 40 cold 


weapons, including blood-stained machetes, clothing stolen 


from police and Basij forces, ammunition for military 


weapons, narcotics, and a high volume of 


alcoholic beverages.


 


The ministry also reported that some of those arrested 


were financially well-off, including one factory owner.


 


Tehran’s intelligence forces detained eight additional individuals 


involved in manufacturing and deploying homemade bombs, 


setting vehicles on fire, and attacking security forces in 


eastern, southern, and southwestern Tehran, 


particularly in the Baharestan district.


 


The ministry said the arrests reinforced the IRGC Intelligence 


Organization’s message - that operations against networks 


coordinating the foreign-backed unrest, remain ongoing.


 


 


____________________________________


 


 


US threat to Iran's Leader
will ignite entire region:

Hezbollah


January 23rd, 11:15am


 (PressTV)


 


The political wing of the Hezbollah resistance movement 


in the Lebanese Parliament ---- has warned that the US’ 


rhetorical threats against Iran and Leader of the 


Islamic Revolution ---- Ayatollah Seyyed Ali 


Khamenei -- risk escalating tensions 


in West Asia.


 


In a statement released on Thursday, the Loyalty to the Resistance 


Bloc raised the alarm at Washington’s aggressive policies towards 


regional countries, blasting US President Donald Trump for 


threatening to annihilate nations and change 


their governments.


 


“US aggression against the nations and people in our region ---- has


 reached a level of arrogance, threatening the life of the supreme 


religious leader of millions of Muslims, Leader of the Islamic 


Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” it said.


 


“This threatens to ignite the entire region, adding to threats against 


the Iranian people, who have stood firm against US and Zionist 


attempts to undermine their security and stability.”


 


Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different 


Iranian cities over economic grievances, which are directly linked 


to the unilateral, illegal US sanctions.


 


The demonstrations, however, were steered... toward violence 


after public statements by US and Israeli leaders encouraged 


vandalism and disorder.


 


Officials said that some of the rioters were armed, trained, and 


recruited by US and Israeli spy agencies --- to damage public 


property, and kill civilians and members of security forces.


 


During the unrest, Trump repeatedly threatened to attack Iran


and change its leadership as part of a broader psychological 


warfare campaign against the country.


 


The Hezbollah parliamentary bloc emphasized that


 it stands by Iran, its people, and its leadership.


 


It also hailed Ayatollah Khamenei for his “wise and brave 


leadership,” saying it gives hope to oppressed nations 


in their efforts to confront injustice worldwide.


 


It further praised Iranians’ “courageous and united million-


strong” demonstrations on January 12 that foiled the 


enemies' plot to destabilize the country.


 


Iranians proved “once again that they are unbreakable and that 


no force can crush their will or undermine their independence.


 The Islamic Republic is today a model for oppressed people


 rejecting US domination,” it added.


 


Additionally in its statement, the Hezbollah parliamentary bloc 


said that the Lebanese people’s choice to resist the Israeli 


occupation has proven effective in liberating their land 


and thwarting aggression.


 


“The only option for the Lebanese is to preserve their strength, 


primarily the unity of the army, people, and resistance, and to 


unite against surrounding dangers,” it noted, stressing that 


confronting Israeli aggression ---- remains Lebanon’s 


national priority.


 


It further said that there can be no stability in Lebanon 


while the enemy targets and occupies the country, 


and kills civilians.


 


Meanwhile, it urged the Lebanese government to confront


the Israeli violations of the country’s sovereignty.


 


Despite the ceasefire reached in November 2024 after 


more than a year of fighting between Israel and 


Hezbollah, Israeli forces.. have continued to 


carry out near-daily attacks on Lebanon.


 


Israeli troops also remain deployed at five locations 


along the border despite provisions in the truce 


requiring a full withdrawal.


 


 


________________________________________________



New wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon 
as US suspends ceasefire mechanism

January 23rd, 3:18am

by Mariam Saleh

Press TV, Beirut

 

 With Israel’s blatant non-stop aggression on Lebanon, observers

 warn that the continuous Israeli violations of the ceasefire 

agreement in Lebanon could destabilize the region. 

 

The fresh shelling of residential areas comes 

as the US has cancelled meetings for 

the ceasefire committee.

 

 

_____________________________

 

 

The Israeli regime - kills three 

more Palestinian journalists

January 23rd, 3:18am

by Ghada Ebrahim

Press TV, Deir al-Balah

 

In another violation of the ceasefire, and in another
bloody day across the strip, Israel has killed three
more Palestinian journalists in Gaza ------- in a 

direct strike on their vehicle.

 

This raises the journalists’ death toll since October 

2023 to be 260, with nearly 60 of them killed
after the US-brokered ceasefire.

 

 

_____________________________





Israeli media: Rafah crossing operation 

arrangements ----- nearly finalized

January 23rd, 3:16am

(Al Mayadeen English)

 

Israeli media report that plans to operate the Rafah crossing

 are nearly finalized, as the Israeli Security Cabinet 

prepares to discuss the issue amid ongoing 

ceasefire violations in Gaza.

 

Israeli media reported early on Friday that the Israeli Security 

Cabinet is expected to discuss the issue of opening the 

Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip 

and Egypt.

 

According to these reports, arrangements for operating the 

crossing have been “practically finalized,” including the 

establishment of an additional crossing under Israeli 

oversight and the implementation of remote 

security checks.

 

Despite a ceasefire agreement taking effect on October 11, 

2025, "Israel" continues to violate the terms, maintaining

 a crippling siege on the Gaza Strip. These violations 

have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian 

crisis, limiting access to essential goods, 

fuel, and medical services - for over 

two million Palestinians.

 

Local and international humanitarian organizations have 

repeatedly warned that the blockade, along with the

continued military activity, is pushing Gaza’s 

civilian population deeper into crisis.

 

Rafah crossing to reopen next week,
Gaza official confirms

 

Head of the Palestinian National Committee for Gaza 

Administration, Ali Shaath, announced that the 

Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is 

scheduled to reopen next week. 

 

The statement was made via video during the signing 

ceremony of the so-called "Board of Peace" held

 in Davos, Switzerland.

 

Shaath described Rafah as a "lifeline" for the people of Gaza, 

underlining the critical importance of the crossing for the 

entry of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and 

necessities. In response, a source in the 

Israeli military told Army Radio that 

the occupation’s forces - have not

 received any directive regarding

 the reopening of the crossing.

 

Separately, a source from the Israeli security and military 

establishment told i24NEWS that the matter remains a 

political decision and is still under consideration by 

the higher political leadership.

 

Obstructed aid

 

On humanitarian access, the office said only 25,816 aid, 

commercial, and fuel trucks had entered Gaza out of
a planned 60,000, a compliance rate of 43%. 

 

This included 15,163 aid trucks (59%), 10,004 commercial 

trucks (39%), and 649 fuel trucks, representing just 13% 

of the 5,000 fuel trucks that were supposed to enter. 


The average daily entry stood at 261 trucks, 

compared with the agreed 600 per day.

 

The Gaza Government Media Office said that the continued 

violations amount to a dangerous attempt to circumvent 

the ceasefire and impose what it described as a policy 

of subjugation, starvation, and coercion.

 

It held "Israel" fully responsible for the ongoing deterioration 

of the humanitarian situation and called on US President 

Donald Trump, the agreement’s sponsors, mediators, 

guarantors, the international community, and the 

United Nations to enforce full compliance with 

the deal, ensure civilian protection, and 

guarantee the immediate and safe 

flow of humanitarian aid, fuel, 

and shelter materials into

 the Gaza Strip.

 

 

Source: Agencies

 

 

______________________






 US-backed riots: suffered humiliating

 defeat in Iran: Yemeni leader

January 22nd, 7:27pm

 (PressTV)

 

The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement, 

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, says the US suffered serious 

blows and a humiliating defeat ---- and failed to 

accomplish any of its vicious objectives --- 

after igniting terrorist riots inside Iran. 

 

In an address on Thursday, al-Houthi said that the 

conspiracy of the US against the Islamic 

Republic of Iran has been extensive, 

but it was completely defeated 

and Washington suffered a 

severe defeat.

 

“The American targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran 

was intense but failed completely, and the criminal 

gangs collapsed,” he said. 

 

He criticized US tactics, suggesting that they are adept 

at creating narratives that lead to crises, which they 

then exploit for their own interests.

 

What began... late last month as peaceful protests in 

Tehran’s Grand Bazaar – a call for economic reform 

amid spiraling inflation and currency depreciation 

– was quickly hijacked. Agents trained by the 

CIA and Mossad infiltrated the crowds 

------- to agitate protesters and 

incite violence.

 

Al-Houthi further emphasized that both the US and Israel 

seek to exert control over the entire West Asia region.

 

He pointed out that the relentless aggression 

against Yemen was indeed engineered by 

the US, UK and Israel.

 

He stated... that Yemen’s oil wealth and its strategic 

location make it a focal point for imperial ambitions.

 

“Had the Americans, British, Saudis, and their allies fully 

occupied our country, they would have exploited its 

strategic location for military bases and their 

ambitions, and looted its vast untapped 

resources,” al-Houthi said. 

 

He emphasized that “the targeting of Yemen continues 

in all forms due to Yemen’s stance in support of the 

Palestinian people ------- and against the Zionist 

assault on Gaza.”

 

Al-Houthi stated that Israeli forces have continued 

deadly attacks across Gaza --- despite a US 

announcement ...about the launch of 

the second phase of the Gaza.

 

The Israelis, with the Americans, give no weight to 

ceasefire agreements or other deals, even those 

with guarantees and clear terms and clauses, 

he said.

 

“Trump's so-called board - seeks domination, bullying, 

tyranny, amassing wealth, and seizing the interests 

and resources of the Palestinian nation,” 

al-Houthi said. 

 

He denounced extensive Israeli incursions into southern 

Lebanon -- and the Israeli control over southern Syria.

 

He stressed that the US “targets the entire region within 

the Zionist project and seeks to ensure that those in 

high office serve US and Israeli interests.”

 

The Yemeni noted that “no Arab regime can replace Israel 

as America’s primary regional agent, regardless of how 

much it offers in money or services.”

 

In the speech, al-Houthi explained that the US has targeted 

Venezuela and other countries in Latin America... for 

decades through oppression, looting resources, 

and interference in all their affairs.

 

The Americans are becoming more blatant 

in their bullying than ever before, he said.

 

He explained that the US seeks to control Greenland, 

despite already having bases there and open 

access for economic benefits.... through 

Denmark and the island’s residents 

and authorities.

 

“America is not satisfied with presence 

and access - it wants a full takeover.” 

 

 

Image: Know About the Legacy of Subhash Chandra Bose - on Parakram Diwas

 

  Today, January 23rd, is

 

Parakram Diwas, in India,

 

and on this day, in 1897, 

 

Subhash Chandra Bose,

 

is born.

 

Know About the Legacy of Subhash 

Chandra Bose - on Parakram Diwas

 

Subhas Chandra Bose is known for his courage, leadership skills

and extraordinary oratory skills. He inspired many to join the 

Indian National Army and fight for India’s independence. 

Popularly known as Netaji, Subhas Chandra Bose 

formed the Azad Hind Fauj to fight the British

and served as congress president from

1938 to 1939.

 

He was imprisoned 11 eleven times during 1921-1941

 

The Narendra Modi government has renamed Ross Island, 

one of the three islands of the Andaman and Nicobar 

Islands, as Subhash Chandra Bose Island.

 

 Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897

 in Orissa. His birthday is celebrated as Subhash Chandra 

Bose Jayanti. Since 2021, his birthday has also been 

celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas‘.   

 

The slogan of Jai Hind given by him has become the national slogan 

of India. The slogan “You give me blood, I will give you freedom” 

was also his slogan which came into vogue at that time. 

The people of India refer to him as Netaji.

 

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, was born in Cuttack, Odisha, to a 

Hindu Kayastha family. His father’s name was Janakinath Bose, 

and his mother’s name was Prabhavati. In all, there were 14 

children, including 6 daughters and 8 sons. 

 

Subhas Chandra Bose joined the Indian National Congress (INC) under 

the guidance of Chittaranjan Das, his political mentor. Das’s vision for 

Swaraj (self-rule) deeply influenced Bose. He worked closely with 

Das in Bengal and quickly rose to prominence -------- due to his 

organizational skills and passion for India’s independence.

 

In 1923, Bose became the President of the All India Youth Congress 

and Secretary of the Bengal State Congress. During this time, he 

emphasized self-reliance, industrial growth, and complete

 independence for India, which set him apart from 

many leaders who sought gradual reforms 

under British rule.

 

Subhas Chandra Bose’s outspoken nature and commitment to 

independence led to multiple arrests by the British 

government. His first major imprisonment 

occurred in 1925 during a crackdown 

on revolutionaries. Despite being

imprisoned several times, his 

resolve remained firm.

 

During his time in prison and exile, Bose’s health deteriorated, 

yet he never wavered in his mission. He spent time in Europe, 

building relationships with international leaders and seeking 

support for India’s independence.

 

In 1938, Subhas Chandra Bose was elected as the President of the 

Indian National Congress. During his presidency, he focused on 

industrialization, workers’ rights, and military preparedness. 

However, his differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other 

Congress leaders.... became evident. While Gandhi 

advocated non-violent resistance, Bose saw

 that armed struggle was necessary

 to achieve independence.

 

In 1939, after being re-elected as Congress President, Bose resigned 

due to ideological conflicts. He later formed the Forward Bloc, a 

faction within the Congress, to unite leftist and radical forces

 for the freedom movement.

 

When World War II began, Subhas Chandra Bose saw an opportunity to

 use the global conflict to India’s advantage. In 1941, he escaped from 

house arrest in India and traveled to Germany via Afghanistan and 

the Soviet Union. In Germany, he met Adolf Hitler and sought 

support for India’s independence.

 

In 1943, Bose moved to Southeast Asia, where he took charge of the 

Indian National Army (INA), originally formed by Indian prisoners of 

war and expatriates in Japan. Under his leadership, the INA 

became a formidable force, fighting alongside Japanese 

troops against the British in the Burma campaign.

 

Bose’s slogan, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” motivated 

thousands to join the INA. The INA fought bravely in battles like 

Imphal and Kohima, but their efforts were hampered by 

limited resources ---- and Japan’s defeat in the war.

 

In a mark of respect and remembrance of Netaji’s selfless service to 

the nation, the Government of India has decided to celebrate his 

birthday as ‘Parakram Diwas’ on 23rd January every year. 


The purpose behind celebrating Parakram Diwas, is 

to inculcate a sense of patriotism in the people 

of the country, especially the youth, in the

 face of adversity - just like Netaji. 

 

Every year, the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose

 is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country, 

...especially in West Bengal. Parades and special 

programs are organized to sensitize people 

about Subhash Chandra Bose, as he 

played an important role ---- in

 India’s independence.

 

During World War II, he formed the Azad Hind Fauj
in collaboration with Japan - to fight the British.  

 

On July 5, 1943, as the Supreme Commander in front of Singapore’s 

Town Hall, Netaji addressed the army with the slogan “Dilli Chalo!”

 and along with the Japanese army, formed a fierce front against 

the British and Commonwealth Forces together in Imphal and 

Kohima, including Burma.

 

On October 21, 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose, as the Supreme 

Commander of the Azad Hind Fauj, formed a temporary 

government of independent India, recognized by the 

governments of 11 countries, including Germany, 

Japan, the  Philippines,  Korea,  China, Italy,  

Manchuco and Ireland. 

 

In 1944, the Azad Hind Fauj attacked the British again and liberated 

some Indian territories from the British. The Battle of Kohima was 

a fierce war fought from April 4, 1944 to June  22, 1944. The 

Japanese army had to retreat in this war and that proved 

to be ...a turning point.

 

On July 6, 1944, he released a broadcast at Rangoon Radio

 Station seeking Mahatma Gandhi’s blessings for victory

 in this decisive war.

 

There is still a controversy over Netaji’s death. On January 16, 2014 

the Calcutta High Court ordered the constitution of a special bench 

to hear a PIL, seeking to make public... intelligence documents 

related to Netaji’s disappearance. 

 

Mahatma Gandhi was first given the title of Father of the Nation 

by Bose. He reportedly called Gandhiji the Father of the Nation 

on radio in 1944.   

 

Netaji nspired millions of youths to join the freedom struggle.

and was appreciated everywhere, during this time. 

 

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is remembered for his 

powerful slogans that inspired millions of Indians

 to join the struggle for independence. Here are 

some of his most famous slogans:  

 

 “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”

 

 “Jai Hind” (Victory to India) 

 

 “Ittehad, Itmad aur Qurbani” (Unity, Faith, and Sacrifice)  

 

 “Freedom is not given; it is taken.” 

 

“No real change in history has ever 

been achieved by discussions.” 

 

These slogans, deeply rooted in Netaji’s revolutionary spirit, 

continue to inspire generations and symbolize his fearless 

dedication to India’s independence.

 

“We should have but one desire today – the desire to die so 

that India may live – the desire to face a martyr’s death, 

so that the path to freedom may be paved with the 

martyr’s blood.”

 

“It is only on the basis of undiluted nationalism and of 

perfect justice and impartiality, that the Indian Army 

of Liberation can be built up.”

 

“The secret of political bargaining - is

 to look stronger than you really are.”

 

“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, 

after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”

 

“When we stand, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a wall of granite; 

when we march, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a steamroller.”

 

“Forget not that the grossest crime is to compromise with injustice 

and wrong. Remember the eternal law: you must give, if you want 

to get.”

 

“Soldiers who always remain faithful to their nation, who are 

always prepared to sacrifice their lives, are invincible.”




How do we celebrate Netaji birthday?

 

His birthday is celebrated by hoisting the national flag, 

garlanding his statue, and cultural programs are 

organised in many schools and colleges.

 

 

source: SA NEWS




 

Spain acts against Israel's illegal settlements, 

orders platforms to remove listings

December 30th, 3:10pm

 (PressTV)

 

Spain has ordered seven major online platforms to remove 

more than 100 holiday-rental listings located in Israeli-

occupied Palestinian territories, marking Madrid’s 

latest move to condemn Israel's settlement 

activity, deemed illegal under 

international law. 

 

Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Tuesday that it 

had identified 138 listings on platforms operating in Spain 

and notified the companies to “immediately remove or 

block” the content.

 

Authorities warned that failure to comply could result in further 

government action, though the penalties were not specified.

 

The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pablo Bustinduy, condemned the 

listings, saying they help “normalize and perpetuate a colonial 

regime considered illegal under international law.”

 

The move is a part of measures introduced by Prime Minister 

Pedro Sanchez’s government to support Palestine and hold 

Israel accountable for its genocidal aggression in Gaza.

 

Sanchez has repeatedly denounced the international community 

for oscillating --- between “indifference” and “complicity” with 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

This latest move builds on a series of measures Spain has adopted

in recent months ---- to confront Israel over its illegal settlement 

enterprise and military aggression.

 

In September 2025, the Spanish government banned imports 

of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the 

occupied Palestinian territories.

 

Sanchez said the goal is “to stop the genocide in Gaza, pursue

 its perpetrators -------- and support the Palestinian population.” 

 

The Spanish government has prohibited ships and aircraft 

carrying weapons directed towards Israel from entering 

its ports or airspace.

 

The country has said that it will ----- deny entry to 

anyone directly involved in the atrocities in Gaza.

 

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank -- are considered 

illegal under international law, a position upheld by the United 

Nations and the majority of the global community.

 

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a 

landmark advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation of 

Palestinian territories illegal -- and calling for the removal 

of all settlements from the West Bank and East al-Quds.

 

Since recognizing the Palestinian state - in 2024, Spain 

has been one of Europe’s most vocal critics of Israel’s 

genocide in Gaza.

 

Israel has so far killed more than 71,000 Palestinians since

launching the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, 

before a ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, 

was reached in the strip last October.



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_b6pvBprmGA4XFdG-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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