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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.”


 




 

Photos: Roberto F. Campos (FotosPL)

 

Cuba at the gates of Turnat 

with attractive nature

March 11th, 10:17am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Cuba is today a great tourist attraction in its nature 

--- and excursions in places that delight those who 

want active travel.

 

This criterion is reproduced on all the guides, from the travel 

agency Ecotur, which is charged on the island, precisely, to 

organize these trips, related to nature-based tourism, 

adventure and rural idylls.

 

And it is the case that in September another version of the 

International Event of Nature-based Tourism (Turnat) 

which every two years - has housed a different 

scenario of the island, when such attractions 

prevail -- in spite of the bloody country's 

economic problems.

 

Turnat prepares to celebrate its 15th edition in September of 

2026, consolidating itself as the most important event of its 

kind in Cuba and a meeting point for professionals of the 

sector --- at the global level.

 

Organized by the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), and the travel 

agency Ecotur SA, the event will take place from 7 to 14 

September, having as its main headquarters the Zapata 

Swamp, in the western province of Matanzas, along

 with the neighbouring region of Mayabeque.

 

This biennial event returns to one of the most iconic 

and spectacular scenarios ----- in the country.

 

The Zapata Swamp, which is considered the largest and 

best-preserved wetland of the Caribbean islands, is a 

treasure trove of cuban biodiversity.

 

Declared a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Site, this vast 

region is home to unique flora and fauna --- with a high 

degree of endemism, and an exceptional geological 

heritage ....making it an ideal natural laboratory 

for sustainable tourism.

 

For its part, Mayabeque, one of the younger provinces of 

Cuba, provides for places of touristic interest, cultural 

and historical, as well as its important agribusiness 

hub, enriching the offer with experiences linked to 

agro-tourism and a rural life.

 

The history of Turnat is a commitment to Cuban natural 

heritage... dating back to the start of the 20th century.

 

Over more than 20 years, the event toured the most varied 

landscapes of the island, from Pinar del Río and Viñales 

valley, to the east with the Sierra Maestra, and 

Baracoa, passing through Cienfuegos, 

Sancti Spíritus and South-

Central Cuba.

 

The first event of this kind was in 2000 in

 the Valley of Vinales, in the western

 cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

 

In each of its editions, Turnat allows tour operators, travel 

agents and specialized press from all over the world... to

enjoy in the first person, sites declared world Heritage 

of Humanity.

 

Also the attendees flock to national parks, biosphere 

reserves and communities, always with a focus on 

conservation and respect for the environment.

 

For the 2026 edition in the Zapata Swamp, the organizers 

are preparing a programme that promises immersive, 

and unforgettable experiences.

 

In a world where travellers looking to reconnect with nature 

and to contribute to its preservation, Turnat 2026 presents 

itself -- as an unmissable event.

 

The choice of the Zapata Swamp reaffirms the willingness 

of Cuba to position your tourism beyond the traditional
combination of sun and beach, showing the world 

a green, authentic, destination, committed to

true sustainability.

 




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












 



 


 



 


IRGC: Resistance groups strike 


down US Air Force KC-135 


aircraft in western Iraq


March 13th, 1:30am


(PressTV)


 


Iraq's resistance groups have struck down a US 


Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, a symbol of 


US overreach and aggression.


 


The spokesman for the Central Headquarters of the Holy 


Prophet (PBUH) of Iran stated on Thursday night that 


the US military refueling plane, was shot down by a 


missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. 



All of its crew were killed. Six service members 


were aboard the downed tanker.


 


The Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolution 


Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement, that the air 


defense systems of the Resistance Front., succeeded in


targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it 


was refueling an aggressor fighter jet, killing six of its


 crew members


 


The aircraft plummeted from the skies in a blaze of righteous 


retribution, claiming the lives of its crew... who had dared to 


infringe upon sovereign lands.


 


The United States acknowledged - that one 


of its aircraft had crashed in western Iraq.


 


According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the incident 


involved two aircraft, with one going down in friendly 


airspace and the other landing safely in Israel.


 


CENTCOM confirmed the crash in a statement, claiming


 that it was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.


 


 "US Central Command is aware of the loss of a US KC-135 


refueling aircraft," the statement read. "The incident 


occurred in friendly airspace... during Operation 


Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing."


 


The aircraft was downed amid heightened US military 


activity in the region as part of the US and Israeli 


military aggression against Iran.


 


The KC-135, a workhorse of the US Air Force since the 


1950s, plays a critical role in extending the range of 


fighter jets and bombers by providing mid-air 


refueling, which has been essential for 


sustained airstrikes over Iran and 


surrounding areas.


 


On February 28th, the United States and the Israeli 


regime - started their unprovoked military assault 


on Iran. Following the aggression, Leader of the


Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali 


Khamenei ...was assassinated.


 


Iran - began to swiftly retaliate against the criminal 


aggression by launching barrages of missiles and 


drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories, 


as well as on the US bases in regional countries.


 


Iran has repeatedly emphasized, that it only targets 


US positions and bases in the region and does not 


seek conflict with Arab countries.


 


 


_____________________________________






 


IRGC Navy’s strike - damages US


aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln


March 13th, 1:01am


 (PressTV)


 


Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has 


targeted the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln 


with missiles & drones, rendering it non-operational 


and forcing its retreat from regional waters.


 


According to an official statement from Iran’s Central 


Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the 


precision operation... involved advanced 


missiles & drones striking the vessel 


approximately 340 kilometres from 


Iran's maritime borders, in the 


Sea of Oman.


 


The IRGC's action underscores Iran's unwavering 


commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty 


against foreign aggressors.


 


Following the strike, the Abraham Lincoln and its 


accompanying strike group were observed 


fleeing the area at high speed.  


 


Earlier on Thursday. IRGC launched a devastating 


missile and drone strike on the US Navy's Fifth 


Fleet base in Mina Salman, Bahrain, shortly 


after the first message from the new 


leader of the Islamic Revolution, 


Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba 


Khamenei, emphasized


---- Iran's "determined 


and regret-inducing


defense efforts.


 


The IRGC's public relations office announced that 


the attack took place on Thursday, with two 


waves of missile and drone strikes 


hitting the base.


 


The statement said that key facilities at the base, 


including anti-drone defense systems, storage 


and maintenance areas for drones, support 


equipment, and fuel tanks ---- were all 


targeted with precision missiles 


and drones.


 


According to the IRGC, the strike successfully 


hit US military gatherings, causing 


significant damage.


 


The strike --- highlights the superior capabilities 


of Iran's naval forces, in countering advanced 


threats, sending a clear message --- that any 


attempts to intimidate the Islamic Republic 


will be met with resolute resistance.


 


Iranian military officials have reiterated their 


readiness to defend national interests, 


ensuring peace and stability in 


the region, on Iran's terms.


 


 


__________________________







 

Statement 26:

 

Islamic Resistance fighters launched an air attack 

with swarms of attack drones on the Sharagha 

and Yiftah barracks

March 12th, 10:32pm

(al Manar)

 

 

____________________________

 




Statement 25:

 

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering 

of Israeli enemy soldiers at the sites of Hadbat 

al-Ajel and Qibl al-Qamh, north of the Kfar 

Yuval settlement, with a rocket barrage. 

March 12th, 10:30pm

(al Manar)

 

 

________________________

 

 

 

Statement 24:

 

In response to the warning issued by the Islamic 

Resistance to the settlement of Kiryat Shmona, 

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted it, at 

9:30pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 

with a rocket barrage. 

March 12th, 10pm

(al Manar)

 

 

_____________________________





The IRGC has threatened to set fire 


to the Middle East's oil and 


gas infrastructure - if
theirs is hit


by Maxim Makarychev


March 12th, 9:02pm


(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 


 


To share


 


The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned 


that ...if Iran's energy facilities and ports are attacked,
they 
could "set fire to the region's oil and gas."


 


"We warn the aggressor government and all its allies that the 


slightest attack... on the energy infrastructure and ports (of 


Iran) will be accompanied by our crushing and destructive 


response," the IRGC said in a statement quoted by the 


official television of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 


 


"In the event of such aggression, the entire oil and gas 


infrastructure of the region, in which the United 


States and its Western allies have a personal 


interest, will be burned and destroyed," 


the IRGC said.


 


Iran has been actively launching missile and drone strikes on


 cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy 


trade, according to CNN. In response, the United States has 


launched more than 5,500 strikes against Iran since the 


start of the war, including the destruction of over 60 


ships...... according to the U.S. Central Command.


 


More than a dozen ships have been attacked in the Persian 


Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the 


war in the Middle East  -- according to the UK Maritime 


Trade Operations Centre. The fear of further attacks


 has effectively stopped traffic through this corridor.


 


Dangerous waters. Iran, is mining the Strait of 


Hormuz and promises a $200 per barrel of oil.


 


 


________________________________________________________



Larijani: Iran will not back down 

until it makes the US regret

 its serious mistake

March 12th, 5:09pm

(RT.ru)

 

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security 

Council, stated --- that Tehran will not back down in the 

conflict in the Middle East until it makes Washington 

"regret a serious mistake."

 

"Trump says he wants a quick victory. While it's easy to start

 a war, it's impossible to win it with a few tweets," he wrote

 on social media X.

 

Earlier, Larijani urged the US leader to “take care of himself” 

after threats of increased attacks on the Islamic Republic.

 

 


___________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Fars reports: that the widow of the 

assassinated Iranian leader,

Ali Khamenei, is
still alive.

by Alexey Rybin

March 12th, 4:32pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

To share

 

The widow of the deceased Iranian Supreme Leader 

Ali Khamenei survived, and the information about 

her death was erroneous. This was reported
by 
the Fars news agency.

 

"The wife of the assassinated revolutionary leader is alive,

 and the initial reports of her death were incorrect," 

the statement said.

 

The fact that Ali Khamenei's wife died from injuries sustained 

in the air strikes on the Ayatollah's residence was reported 

by the Iranian TV channel Al Alam and the Mehr news 

agency on March 2.

 

According to their information, the woman 

was in a coma before her death.

 

 

____________________________________





IRGC -- launches new wave of 

heavy missiles on US-Israeli

 targets

March 12th, 3:37pm

 (PressTV)

 

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announces the 

commencement of Wave 42 of Operation True Promise 4 

following the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

 

According to a statement released by the IRGC's official news 

outlet on Thursday, the operation was initiated moments 

after the publication of the first message from the 

Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah 

Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

 

The IRGC stated that the wave was carried out in honour of 

the martyrs of the holy month of Ramadan - and dedicated 

this phase of the operation to "the leader of the martyrs, 

the martyred leader of the revolution, and his 

respected family."

 

The statement detailed that the operation involved the launch 

of heavy missiles, including the Emad, Qadr, Khaibar Shekan, 

and Fattah, as well as explosive drones, striking targets in 

the heart of Tel Aviv and bases belonging to the "terrorist 

American army."

 

On February 28, the United States and the Israeli regime 

started their unprovoked military assault on Iran. 

Following the aggression, Leader of the Islamic 

Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei 

was assassinated.

 

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the criminal aggression 

by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on the 

Israeli-occupied territories as well as on the US bases in 

regional countries.

 

Iran has repeatedly emphasized - that it only targets US
positions and bases in the region and does not seek 

conflict with Arab countries.

 

 

_________________________________________

 

 

Ayatollah Khamenei Praises Resistance Front 

against Zionism, Calls on Regional States 

to Close US Bases

March 12th, 3:32pm

(al Manar)

 

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed 

Mojtaba Khamenei issued on Thursday his first statement, 

highlighting his attitude towards the latest developments 

of the US-Israeli war on Iran ...and his election.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei said ,”We are keen on friendly ties with 

regional states, yet we target US military bases exclusively.”

 

Recommending that the regional states close the US military 

bases, Ayatollah Khamenei affirmed that the Strait of 

Hormuz ...will remain closed.

 

His Eminence also praised the Resistance Front and the 

cooperation of its components, stressing that unified it 

will shorten the path to liberation - from the 

Zionist sedition.

 

The full text of the message from the Leader of the Islamic 

Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei:

 

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

“Whatever verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, 

We bring a better one or similar to it.” (Quran 2:106)

 

Peace be upon you, O caller to God and guardian of His signs,

Peace be upon you, O gate of God and judge of His religion,

Peace be upon you, O viceregent of God and supporter of 

His right,

Peace be upon you, O proof of God and indicator of His will;

Peace be upon you, O foremost and hoped-for one;

Peace be upon you with all the greetings of peace;

Peace be upon you, O my master, the Master of

 the Age.

 

At the beginning of my speech, I must express my deepest 

condolences to the Imam of the Age, may God hasten his 

noble appearance, on the occasion of the martyrdom of 

the great and wise Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. I also 

request his prayers.... for the well-being of every 

individual of the great Iranian people -- indeed 

for all Muslims in the world, and for all those 

who serve Islam and the revolution -- and
for 
the martyrs of the Islamic uprising 

-- especially in the recent war, as 

well as for this humble servant.

 

The second part of my speech is addressed 

to the great Iranian people.

 

First, I must briefly explain my position regarding the decision 

of the esteemed Assembly of Experts. This servant of yours, 

Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei.. learned of the result of the 

voting in the Assembly of Experts at the same time as 

you -- through the state TV of the Islamic Republic. 

Sitting in the place where the two great leaders 

of this nation, Imam Khomeini & the martyred 

Khamenei sat, is a difficult task for me. This 

platform has witnessed the presence of a 

man who, after more than sixty years of 

struggle in the way of God .......and 

sacrificing all kinds of pleasures, 

and comfort -- became a shining 

jewel and distinguished figure

not only in our era but in the 

history of the rulers of 

this country.

 

His life and the nature of his death, were intertwined with 

greatness and dignity ..stemming from reliance on truth. 

God granted me the opportunity to visit his body - after 

his martyrdom; what I saw was a mountain of solidity, 

and I heard that his uninjured hand was clenched in 

a firm fist.

 

As for the various aspects of his personality, knowledgeable 

people should speak about them at length. In this context,

 I will suffice with this brief mention and leave the details 

for other occasions.

 

Hence, the difficulty of taking on the position of leadership 

after such a man; filling this gap can only be achieved 

with the help of God and the support of the people.

 

It is necessary here to emphasize a point directly related to 

the essence of my speech, which is that one of the arts of 

the martyred Leader and his great predecessor - was to 

involve the people in all fields - to enlighten and make 

them aware, and to practically rely on their strength. 

In this sense, they embodied the reality of “the 

people” and “the republic,” and they were 

believers in it from the depths of 

their hearts.

 

The effect of this was clearly evident in these few days when 

the country was without a leader and without a supreme 

commander of the armed forces; the great Iranian 

people’s awareness, steadfastness, bravery and 

presence in the recent incident --- amazed the 

enemy and earned the admiration of friends.

 

You, the people, are the ones who have led the country and 

ensured its strength. The verse with which I began this 

speech means that no verse of God is abrogated or 

forgotten... but that God brings a better one, or 

similar to it. The purpose of citing this verse 

is not to suggest that this servant is at the 

level of the martyred Leader, let alone 

better than him; rather, it is to draw 

attention to the great role of you, 

the dear people.

 

If that great blessing is lost, this system has been 

given the presence of the Iranian people with an 

‘Ammari spirit once again.

 

Knowing that if your strength is not evident in the field, 

neither the leadership nor any other institution of the 

state, whose true role is to serve the people, will 

have the required effectiveness.

 

To achieve this in a better way, it is necessary:

 

First: to regard the remembrance of God, reliance on Him, and 

seeking the intercession of the infallibles, peace be upon 

them, as the greatest elixir that guarantees all kinds of 

victories and certain triumph over the enemy, which is 

a great advantage you have and your enemies lack.

 

Second: to maintain the unity of the people and their various 

groups, which usually becomes clearer in times of hardship,

by overcoming differences.

 

Third: to maintain an effective presence in the field, whether 

as you have shown in these days and nights of war, or 

through active roles in social, political, educational, 

cultural, and even security fields. The important 

thing.... is that everyone should realize their 

correct role without harming social unity.

 

In this context, I remind you of the importance of participating

 in the Quds Day ceremonies for the year 1447 AH, where the 

element of breaking the enemy’s backbone ------- should 

be present.

 

Fourth: to not hesitate to help each other. This is one of the 

known characteristics of Iranians, and... it is expected to 

manifest more in these difficult days that some people 

may go through. I request the service agencies... to 

provide ---- all possible assistance to the affected 

individuals and to the people’s relief institutions.

 

If these matters are taken into account, the path will be paved 

for you to reach days of greatness and glory, and the closest 

example of this – God willing – is the victory over the enemy 

in the ongoing war.

 

The third part of my speech, is a sincere thankyou to our brave

 fighters who, in circumstances where our beloved country 

was subjected to an unjust attack by the leaders of the 

arrogant front, blocked the enemy’s path with their 

strong blows and removed the illusion of 

controlling this country or even 

dividing it.

 

O mujahid brothers! The will of the masses of the people - is to 

continue effective and deterrent defense. It is also necessary 

to continue using the card ---- of closing the Strait of Hormuz. 

Studies have been conducted on opening other fronts where 

the enemy lacks experience and is very weak, and this will 

be activated if the state of war continues ---- and as the 

circumstances dictate.

 

I also extend sincere thanks to the mujahideen of the 

resistance front. We consider the countries of the 

resistance front to be our best friends, and the 

issue of resistance is an integral part of the 

values of the Islamic Revolution. There is 

no doubt -- that the cooperation of the 

components of this front, together, 

will shorten the path to liberation

 from the Zionist sedition.

 

We have seen how brave and faithful Yemen - has not 

abandoned defending the oppressed people of Gaza, 

how Hezbollah has supported the Islamic Republic 

despite all obstacles, and how the resistance of 

Iraq has bravely followed this path.

 

In the fourth part, I address those who have been harmed 

in these days; whether they have lost loved ones to 

martyrdom, or have been injured, or their homes 

and workplaces have been damaged.

 

First, I express my deep sympathy with the families of the 

noble martyrs. This comes from a shared experience I 

have with them; in addition to my father, whose loss 

was a general affliction, I have also, lost my loyal 

and dear wife, my sacrificing sister who devoted 

herself to serving her parents and received her 

reward, her young child, and my other brother-

in-law, the noble scholar, to the caravan 

of martyrs.

 

But what makes patience in the face of calamities possible, 

even easy, is the certainty of God’s promise of great 

reward for the patient. Therefore, patience and 

reliance on God’s kindness are necessary.

 

Second, I assure everyone that we will not overlook revenge 

for the blood of your martyrs. This revenge is not limited to 

the martyrdom of the Leader of the Revolution; every 

individual of our people who is martyred by the 

enemy’s hand is a separate case in the file 

of revenge.

 

A limited part of this revenge has been achieved so far --- but it 

will remain open until it is fully achieved, especially regarding 

the blood of our children. Therefore - the crime committed by 

the enemy - deliberately - in the “Shajarat al-Tayyiba” school 

in Minab and elsewhere -- has a special place in this pursuit.

 

Third, the wounded of these attacks should receive 

appropriate treatment for free and benefit from 

some other privileges.

 

Fourth, as much as possible in the current circumstances, 

sufficient measures should be taken to compensate for 

the financial damages to private property. These two 

matters are a duty on the responsible authorities, 

and they should report to me on this.

 

I affirm that we will demand compensation from the enemy, 

and if they refuse, we will take from their assets as much 

as we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we 

will destroy their property to the same extent.

 

The fifth part, is addressed to the leaders of some countries in 

the region. We have land or sea borders with fifteen countries, 

and we have always wanted warm and constructive relations 

with all of them. But the enemy has established military and 

financial bases in some of these countries for years ------ to 

ensure its dominance over the region.

 

In the recent attack, some of these bases were used, and 

therefore – as we warned before – we targeted those 

bases only, without attacking those countries.

 

We will be forced to continue this if the use of those bases 

continues, while affirming our constant desire for friendly 

relations with our neighbours.

 

We advise these countries to quickly close those bases, as it 

has become clear to them that the United States’ claim of 

achieving security and peace was nothing but a lie.

 

Finally, I pray that the special divine care in these blessed 

days will encompass the Iranian people and all Muslims 

and oppressed people in the world.

 

In conclusion, I ask our Master, the Imam of the Age, may God 

hasten his noble appearance, to pray for our people in the 

remaining nights and days of Qadr in this blessed month 

for a decisive victory over the enemy --- and for glory, 

prosperity, and well-being, and that our martyrs 

may attain high ranks.... in the hereafter.

 

 

Source: Al-Manar English Website

 

 

__________________________________________

 

 


Hezbollah's Statement 16:

 

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli 

enemy soldiers at the newly established occupation site 

in Mount Blat, southern Lebanon, with a rocket barrage. 

March 12th, 3:31pm

(al Manar)

 

 

__________________________________________

 

 

 

Iran drone strikes - hit Israeli air bases 

- as well as the Shin Bet headquarters

March 12th, at 9am

(Al Mayadeen English)

 

Iran’s army says it launched drone strikes on the Israeli
Palmachim airbase, Ovda airbase, and the Shin Bet
headquarters in occupied Palestine.

 

Iran’s army announced on Thursday that it launched drone 

attacks over the past hours targeting several strategic 

Israeli military and security sites.

 

According to the statement, Iranian drones struck the control 

tower at Palmachim Airbase near Tel Aviv, a facility used for 

satellite launches and missile testing. The base is also a 

deployment site for air defense systems such as 

David’s Sling, as well as Hermes 900 UAVs.

 

Iranian forces also targeted Ovda Airbase, a strategic Israeli 

air force training base. The base has previously hosted 

US F-22 fighter jets.

 

In addition, Iranian drones attacked the headquarters of the 

Shin Bet, described as the operational hub of the Israeli 

regime’s internal security apparatus.

 

This facility is responsible for coordinating internal security 

operations and overseeing the protection of senior officials 

and critical infrastructure across the occupied territories.

 

Strikes in cooperation with Hezbollah

 

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced 

Wednesday that wave 40 of Operation True Promise 4 

was carried out under the call "Ya Amir al-Mu'minin", 

in coordination with the Islamic Resistance in 

Lebanon - Hezbollah.

 

According to the IRGC’s public relations office, the operation 

involved launching Qadr, Emad, Kheibar-Shekan, and Fattah 

missiles at over 50 targets in Tel Aviv, occupied Al-Quds, 

and Haifa, as well as US bases in the region, including 

Al-Azraq Air Base and Al-Kharj Air Base.

 

The IRGC, for the first time, declared that the strikes were 

carried out in joint coordination with the forces of the 

Islamic Resistance.

 

At the same time, Hezbollah announced Operation Devoured 

Straw by firing over a hundred rockets at northern occupied 

Palestine. The statement mentioned that Israeli media had 

acknowledged a noticeable increase in missile launches 

from Iran toward "Israel" over the past 24 hours, along 

with rising casualties.

 

Wave 39: US bases, Israeli intelligence targeted

 

Earlier on Wednesday, the IRGC announced wave 39 - in 

response to the US-Israeli aggression on its people and 

sovereignty, which was carried out in honour and in

memory of the fallen martyrs of Iran, including 

Martyr Amir Mousavi, and struck US targets 

across the region.

 

The IRGC said - the operation involved strikes against US 

military positions across the Gulf - using multiple types 

of ballistic missiles, including the multi-warhead Qadr, 

Khorramshahr, and Emad missiles. According to the 

statement, US bases in the Gulf were destroyed 

during the operation.

 

The IRGC also praised “the effective, heroic, and courageous 

attacks of the resistance forces” -- saying they complement 

the large-scale missile and drone operations carried out by

Iranian forces. The results, in addition to the destruction 

of the intended targets, included fear among the Israeli 

settlers, who have been living under the blaring of 

sirens for 11 days since True Promise 4 

was launched.

 

Meanwhile, the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under the

 control of Iran's naval forces. The IRGC has warned that 

"the US aggressors and their partners have no right to 

pass through."

 

 

Source: Agencies



















Image: Independence Day in Mauritius


Today, March 12th, is

 

Independence Day

in Mauritius

 

Mauritius was a British colony from 1810 and 

became an independent state on the 12th

day of March, in 1968.

 

Mauritius never had an indigenous population (!) and

after the British abolished slavery, the island was

flooded ....with migrants from China, India, and
many 
other lands. They have established a
multi-
cultural society, of various colours
which 
hold to their separate cultures..
yet join 
in unity and broad tolerance.

 

A competition was held to choose the best national anthem.
Jean Georges Prosper, popular poet, won the competition,
and "Motherland" was chosen as the national anthem. 

 

During the announcement of independence, the flag of the 

United Kingdom, was lowered by Lieutenant D.E. Wenn 

from the British side, and the flag of Mauritius was 

hoisted by Inspector Palmyre... of the Special 

Mobile Force, from the Mauritian side. 

 

"God Save the Queen", the national anthem of the UK, was 

played for the last time, and "Motherland" was played for

 the first time. It was followed, by the firing of 31 salvos
in
 the harbour ----- and a loud cheer from the crowd.

 

The Labour Party.. in various coalitions with the IFB, CAM and 

PMSD ruled Mauritius from the time of independence in 1968 

to 1982, even cancelling the 1972 elections in order to stay 

in power. The newly founded MMM, in coalition with Harish
Boodhoo's PSM, won the 1982 election... and looks set. 

 

 

Glory to you, Motherland

O Motherland of mine.

Sweet is your beauty,

Sweet is your fragrance,

Around you we gather

As one people,

As one nation,

In peace, justice and liberty.

Beloved Country,

May God bless you

For ever and ever.







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 


Israeli-occupied territories, Ballet says Hanita Lenses


 incurred significant operational losses.






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 - opposed World War One.

His namesake is stammering his way in the opposite direction.



VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV




ROGER WATERS
TO MUSICIANS:-
"BOYCOTT ISRAEL"


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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



____________________




AT THE FACTORY


Tickets from


www.wegottickets.com/thefactory

www.ticketweb.co.uk

browse venues in Wales

www.ticketlineuk.com

02920 230130

Cash tickets from:

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


For more details visit


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


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



Daytime Delights...

Starts at 1pm

The Parc & Dare, Treorchy


Lunchtime Concerts in the Lounge Bar.


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


Ticket information:

The Cultural Services Booking & Information Line:

08000 147 111
or book online at

www.rct-arts.co.uk 


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



Mid Rhondda Modelling Club...


7pm - 9pm


Tonyrefail Comprehensive School
Mid Rhondda Modelling Club

has been running for over 30 years.

We meet on a regular basis

& enjoy making models for display.

We encourage both Gentlemen

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

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



Ticket information

£1 contribution every week. Under 16's free


Telephone Mr. Davies on 01443 686658



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



 Comedy In The Laughter Lounge


The Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.


COMEDY IN THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE


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

rising comedians on the circuit.

Laugh? You'll snort like a pig!



Hilarious - TimeOut.



www.rct-arts.co.uk







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

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

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

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


______________________________________


Get Involved!

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

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


or this one:

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



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

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


_______________________________________




IF - YOU THINK you HAVE
BEEN UNFAIRLY BARRED:


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

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

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

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

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

https://www.electoralreform.co.uk

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

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




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


PONCY LABOUR MPS PROBLEM?

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

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

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

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


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

- and their anti-Corbyn slant is hobbling Labour.


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

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


CHRIS BRYANT - SUPPORT THE MEMBERS'

LEADERSHIP CHOICE & POLICIES - OR GO!

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


Chris Bryant's voting record:
from TheyWorkForYou.com

On Tuition Fees:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


On Human Rights:

Consistently voted for introducing ID cards

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

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


On the Environment:

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


On Special Interests:

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

Generally voted against a
statutory register of lobbyists


On War or Peace:

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

Consistently voted for the Iraq war

Consistently voted against an
 investigation into the Iraq war

Generally voted for replacing Trident
 with a new nuclear weapons system

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

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


On Independence:

Generally voted for more EU integration

____________________________
   

Chris Bryant Labour MP
From Wikipedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


His pay, allowances and some expenses:

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


His MP's expenses story:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Image: Russian scientists and Scottish ones



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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

The research paper is published
in the Optics Express journal.


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

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


Image: BRICS

Image: March 26 London anti cuts demo




KILLING THE ELDERLY BY CLOSING CARE HOMES


Did you know that each time a local authority

closes a care home for the elderly, within 8

months, around half the residents are dead?

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


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

EDM 2251: The contents


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

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

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

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


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


MAKING THE CONNECTION IN WALES


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

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

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


So it's Broadband Heaven for England...

and crapola for Wales' broadband - the

slowest, worst Broadband in the UK !!!


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


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

free 'wireless' broadband?

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




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



Image: China's rapeseed blossoms this Spring.

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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


A BIG DROP OF HONEY !!!


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


Waves of bees flit across vast fields of flowers.

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


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

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


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

It mainly
produces honey, propolis and
propolis powder.


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

Some earn 200,000 yuan annually, Zhu says.

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

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



Image: retirement China style




CHINA's PREMIER POINTS WAY FORWARD

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


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

China's premier points the way forward for Wales:

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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

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



Image: unemployment in Wales


FARMING AND SCIENCE

COULD REGENERATE WALES



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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

 the Altzeim project in Gwent.

 What have we got to lose?




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