Frostbitten: The West has cut off
all communication channels
with Russia in the Arctic
by Daniel Sechkin
& Semyon Boikov
February 12th, 9:01pm
(Izvestia.ru)
All cooperation tools have been destroyed, and NATO
.....has launched a new military mission in the region.
According to Alexander Grushko, Deputy Foreign Minister of the
Russian Federation, the peaceful instruments of cooperation
in the Arctic have been purposefully destroyed by Western
countries. According to him, the severance of ties is
being used to militarize the region and turn it
into an arena of direct confrontation.
On February 12, NATO defense ministers in Brussels discussed
the implementation of the Arctic Sentinel mission, which was
launched the day before. However, the increased military
presence in the region is not only an attempt to contain
Moscow and Beijing, but also a desire by Europeans
to protect Greenland from the claims of the
White House.
The Arctic is becoming an arena of confrontation
The peaceful architecture of the Arctic region, which has been
built over decades, is being dismantled. Western countries are
undermining years of constructive cooperation, Russian
Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Grushko,
told Izvestia.
"All peaceful instruments of cooperation are being purposefully
destroyed, and the work of the Arctic Council, which was the
main international platform for managing the situation in the
Arctic and establishing cooperation, has been effectively
blocked. In this region, international cooperation ---- is
more important than ever," Grushko emphasized.
According to the diplomat, the Northern Dimension program
also came under attack: cooperation between the Russian
Federation, the EU, Norway and Iceland, was carried out
along this line. The program ---- allowed the parties to
implement projects in various areas: from peaceful
development of territories -- and environmental
protection..... to transport partnerships,
and cultural exchanges.
"All of this - was man-made in order to demonize Russia and
militarize the region," Grushko said. "Suddenly, they're all
talking about how the Arctic --- is not a low-tension zone.
Now it's also being declared an arena of confrontation,
where they - I'm referring to NATO and the European
Union - want to confront, not only Russia, which is
allegedly militarizing the region, but also China.
Now the situation around Greenland has come to the fore,
although until recently, no one spoke about any threats
to the island's security. On February 12, a meeting of
NATO defense ministers ended in Brussels, the
central theme of which was the sharp
strengthening of the alliance's
position in the North.
To fulfill its tasks, NATO launched Operation Arctic Sentry
on February 11. As the commander of the US European
Command, General Alexis Grinkevich, explained, the
mission will allow "using the power of NATO" - to
ensure the security of the region in the face
of new challenges.
It is important to understand that Arctic Sentry is not a one-time
exercise, but rather a transition to a permanent "heightened
vigilance" format. NATO is taking on the role of a central
coordinator, with intelligence sharing, patrols, and all
major allied maneuvers in the region, falling under
the "one umbrella" of planning. This includes the
Danish Arctic Resilience series, which focuses
on Greenland.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated
that thousands of troops could be deployed to the island, but
it remains unclear whether this is related to the operation.
According to the Secretary General, the main goal of the mission
is to prevent Russia and China from gaining access to Greenland
and its economy. However, Moscow and Beijing have previously
emphasized that they have no territorial claims on the island.
Even in Greenland itself, there have been repeated calls for the
absence of foreign warships near its shores, meaning that
Nuuk does not feel any threat from either Russia or China.
Nevertheless, Washington insists that Greenland is a critical point
of control over routes in the North Atlantic and a necessary
"buffer" to deter Moscow and Beijing -- as well as a valuable
resource base. After returning to the White House, Donald
Trump set his sights on acquiring the island, initially
suggesting that it could be done by any means
necessary, including force.
In the context of transatlantic tensions and uncertainty between
the United States and other NATO members, leading European
powers of the alliance, like France, are seeking to increase
their symbolic military presence in Greenland. On the one
hand, they are playing into the hands of Trump --- who
claims that Russia and China pose a threat to the
island's security and need to be defended,
according to Nikita Lipunov, a junior
researcher at the Institute
for World Economy, and
International Relations
at MGIMO University.
"At the same time, the real motivation for the Europeans here is to
deter their main ally from taking military action and resolving the
Greenland issue by force. The Europeans want to show Trump
that they are truly committed to investing in Greenland's
defense. By increasing their military presence, they
are sending a clear message that the use of force
against an ally is unacceptable," the
expert emphasized.
It seems that the military scenario is no longer being seriously
considered in Washington. The United States, along with
Denmark and Greenland, has established a working
group.... to discuss the parameters of future
agreements. According to Washington's
version, the "deal" should grant the US
full access to Greenland -- as well as
involve the deployment of elements
....of the "Golden Dome" missile
defense system -- and provide
US firms ----- with expanded
access to critical minerals.
The potential expansion of the US military presence - particularly
its missile defense component, poses long-term risks to regional
and global security --- Lipunov emphasized. Russia's Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov recently warned, that if Greenland
is militarized and military capabilities are established
there against Russia --------- Moscow will take
"adequate countermeasures."
_____________________________________________
Zakharova: Ukraine.. is mentioned in
Epstein's files in a terrible context
February 12th, 8:44pm
(Izvestia.ru)
On February 12, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Ukraine was mentioned in
the files of US financier Jeffrey Epstein in a terrible context, as
a testing ground for various experiments.
"Ukraine is mentioned in these very Epstein files, and in a terrible
context. It is used as a testing ground for various experiments,"
she said in an interview with Natalia Lokteva, a member of
the Family Commission of the State Council of the
Russian Federation and director of the Institute
for Support of Children's Blogging, published
on the Telegram channel "Russia.
Children. Lokteva."
Zakharova also recalled that, in 2022, President
Volodymyr Zelensky “literally legitimized black
transplantation” by lowering the requirements
for cutting organs from people “to the limit.”
The Diary of Satan: Shocking
Facts from the Epstein Files
Terrible details about "parties" attended by "the
best people in the world" have been published.
On February 10, Zakharova said that the released Epstein files
showed that representatives of the liberal forces crossed all
the boundaries and consolidated anti-values. She clarified
that these files provided the global community with a
monstrous ---- but also fantastically rich basis for
discussion, during which terrible conclusions
could be drawn.
At the same time, she emphasized that European leaders
were doing everything possible not to investigate
Epstein's crimes .....but to conceal them.
__________________________________________
Meme's politician suggested that the EU
return frozen assets to Russia, instead
of providing a loan to Ukraine
by Yulia Ryabinina
February 11th, 9:45pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
Instead of providing a multibillion-euro loan to Ukraine, the EU
could return the frozen assets to Russia as part of a peaceful
settlement. This was stated by Armando Mema, a member of
the Finnish Freedom Alliance party, on the social media
platform X.
According to him, the EU ...could offer Russia to return its
frozen assets as a de-escalation measure in preparation
for peace talks to end the conflict, writes RIA Novosti.
Instead, Mema noted, Europe is claiming the right
to use Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.
The EU could get a seat at the negotiating table, but
nothing will come of it, and it continues its failed
strategy, the politician emphasized.
There is no doubt, Mema added, that the decision made
by ''Europe'' --- will bring even more suffering to the
Ukrainians, as well as an economic crisis
for Europeans.
Earlier, the European Parliament (EP) approved a €90 billion
''loan'' to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027. The EP vote was the
final step required for the final approval of this loan.
_______________________________________________________
Daily Mail: 18-year-old transgender man
---------------- shoots up school in Canada
February 11th, 8:42pm
(RT.ru)
An 18-year-old transgender* man, Jesse Strang, opened fire
at a school in western Canada, according to the Daily Mail.
“Jesse began identifying as a woman six years ago, at the age
of 12, and his home was repeatedly visited by the police due
to mental health issues,” the article said, citing the RCMP.
It is noted that Strang stopped attending school four years ago.
Earlier, it was reported that ten people were killed and
25 were injured ------ in the school shooting in Canada.
In August, there was a shooting at a Catholic school in
Minneapolis, USA, killing two children and injuring 17
people. The alleged shooter committed suicide.
According to the Daily Mail, he was 23-year-old
Robin Westman, who also identified
as transgender.
* The LGBT movement --- has been recognized as
extremist and banned in the Russian Federation.
__________________________________________________
Ukraine has started recruiting
------ for "language patrols"
by Andrey Prokopyev
(night line editor)
February 11th, 7:53pm
(Lenta.ru)
In Kharkiv began to appear ads, which tell of the recruitment of
inspectors in the so-called "language patrols". This was told to
journalists RIA Novosti, in Russian law enforcement agencies.
According to the source, the duties of such inspectors will
include monitoring compliance with the ''mou'' language.
In addition, the patrols intend to check organizations and
enterprises, for maintaining documentation in the
Ukrainian language. Violators will be recorded,
& administrative reports will be drawn up on
them, the agency's interlocutor specifies.
The residents of Kharkiv themselves were not happy
about the news, criticizing the initiative with the
phrase "Kharkiv will speak Kharkiv."
Earlier, the British publication Spectator wrote that the attempts
of Ukraine to cancel Russian culture -- are barbaric. “This is not
only wrong and disgusting, but also deeply divides society. It is
a poison in the root of Ukraine’s future, as according to official
Ukrainian government statistics, more than half of Ukrainian
schoolchildren speak Russian at home,” the author of the
article writes.
________________________________________________
British PM Keir Starmer
--- faces calls to resign
February 11th, 5:22pm
(PressTV)
The crisis erupted after Scotland's Labour leader, Anas Sarwar,
publicly urged Starmer to step aside, exposing open dissent
within the governing party, a day after Starmer’s Chief of
Staff, Morgan McSweeney resigned ----- over the
Mandelson Epstein revelations.
But after forcing public backing from his cabinet,
Starmer told Labour MPs ---- he would not resign.
UK PM faces call to quit --- over his
US ambassador’s links to Epstein
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure,
surviving internal rebellion but emerging politically weakened.
The reason behind the recent crisis, his appointment of ally
Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US over a year ago,
despite Mandelson 's close ties to the now dead child sex
offender Jeffrey Epstein, before and after his conviction.
I mean, this - is the most egregious example, I think, of his, of his
errors of judgment. If we can put it like that, I think it's probably
a bit more sinister than that, and -- as a consequence of that,
he's a dead man walking.
I mean, his days are numbered, and he's unlikely to last beyond
the Denton Gorton by-election at the end of the month, but if
he does survive that..... he won't last beyond the local
elections, in my opinion, which will be catastrophic
for the Labour Party.
Chris Williamson, Former MP
As Labour seems to implode, other parties get to gain.
The Prime Minister's approval ratings remain low.
His party trails in the polls, and his leadership is marked
by repeated policy reversals ------ and a foreign policy
alignment with Washington and Tel Aviv.
If there was a general election tomorrow, the two biggest
gainers would indeed be Reform and the Greens; quite
possibly, that would propel Nigel Farage, the leader
of Reform UK, into Downing Street.
Of course, Labour won't want to have an election until the last
possible moment. So I think we can be fairly sure, barring an
even bigger catastrophe, the next general election will still
be in 2029 but as well as having had a lame duck Prime
Minister, we're probably going to have a lame duck
Labour government in the interim.
Lembit Opik, Former MP
For now, the embattled prime minister is attempting to reassert
control by reshuffling senior roles in a bid to put the political
near-death experience behind him, but the cards seem
stacked against him.
It's been a deeply wounding week for the British prime minister,
and he is weaker, but -------- there is more jeopardy lying ahead.
There is a by-election in Manchester.. later this month, Scottish
and Welsh devolved elections, as well as English elections in
May, and possibly - an attempt by members of his own
cabinet and MPs to depose him; a stark reminder
that the consequences of recent events, are
far from over.
______________________________________________
Greece and Türkiye .....
open doors to dialogue
February 11th, 1:07pm
(Prensa Latina)
After years of tensions between Türkiye and Greece, a door to
dialogue emerges today after a brief conversation in this
capital between the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos
Mitsotakis, and the Ottoman president, Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.
Both leaders signed the implementation of a “positive agenda”
to advance bilateral relations between Athens and Ankara,
while betting on maintaining open channels.
After the meeting, Erdogan defended that ----- as neighbouring
countries, Türkiye and Greece must keep dialogue channels
open and base their relationship on cooperation, highlights
the local press.
Regarding the disputes between both countries in the Aegean
Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish president
indicated that they held talks “open and sincere”, and
that the differences “although complex, are not
irresolvable if there is a desire for dialogue”.
Mitsotakis for his part reiterated Greece's position that any
dispute over maritime delimitation, must be brought to an
international court “on the basis of the Law of the Sea”,
and called to iron out the rough edges in relationships.
The trip of the Greek leader to the Turkish capital for the
Supreme Cooperation Council included the signing of
different cooperation agreements, at a time of
strong bilateral tensions - due to territorial
disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The sealed initiatives include cooperation plans to promote
investments and the establishment of a new ferry route
between the Greek city of Thessaloniki and the
Turkish town of Izmir, with an eye toward
strengthening tourism.
Likewise, the two parties also agreed... to increase coordination
between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs within the framework
of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization.
Cooperation.. will also extend to earthquake preparedness
and cultural, scientific and technological issues between
the different ministries of both countries.
Greece and Türkiye noted that the package of agreements
seeks to deepen practical cooperation in different sectors
while maintaining political dialogue - to prevent tensions
between the neighbouring countries.
_________________________________________________
AI, ICTs and economics ------ on
Women & Girls in Science Day
February 11th, 8:34am
(Prensa Latina)
The links between artificial intelligence (AI), social sciences
and economics for an inclusive future for the female sector
is the focus of the global day for the International Day of
Women and Girls in Science, which is celebrated every
February 11.
We must ensure that all girls can imagine a future in the fields of
science, technology, engineering and mathematics and that all
women can prosper in their scientific career - is the message
from UN Secretary General António Guterres, for the date,
instituted since 2025.
Under the motto Take advantage of the synergies between AI,
social sciences, STEM (science, technology, engineering and
mathematics) and the financial system: building an inclusive
future for women and girls, the day calls for the fact that in
the face of increasing social inequalities --- there are four
pillars to accelerate inclusive sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools for data analysis,
health diagnoses, climate modeling... among many others.
However, without concrete measures in AI management,
there is a risk that its benefits will not reach women
and girls, the statement reflects.
Knowledge of the social sciences must be the basis for designing
equitable policies, encouraging community participation and
developing behaviour change strategies, thus ensuring that
innovations in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) and artificial intelligence
reach marginalized groups.
STEM disciplines provide the technical skills necessary to
develop, implement and maintain artificial intelligence
solutions, while promoting gender equality in
research teams.
For their part, financial mechanisms, such as impact investing,
blended financing and gender-responsive funds -- they free up
capital to scale up women-led innovations and to sustainably
fund education, research and development (R+D).
In the opinion of experts, if these four areas are combined,
existing barriers can be eliminated.... the gender gap in
digital skills can be reduced.. and emerging firms run
by women can be promoted, by promoting gender-
sensitive AI governance and mobilize funds
that include social inclusion... as a
performance indicator.
Currently, women represent less than a third of the research
community worldwide, according to UNESCO. Closing this
gender gap is not only a matter of justice, but essential
for the quality, relevance - and impact - of science,
technology and innovation. The day-long event
focuses on new emerging technologies and
their implications for gender equality.
The General Assembly declared February 11 International Day
of Women and Girls in Science in recognition of the key role
women play in the scientific community and technology.
In its resolution of December 22, 2015, the Assembly adopted a
resolution proclaiming this International Day and praising the
initiatives carried out by UNESCO, the United Nations Entity
for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN
Women), ITU) and other relevant organizations ------ to
support women scientists and promote women and
girls' access - to education, training and research
in the fields of science, technology, engineering
and mathematics.
__________________________________________________
Ukraine has voted to forcefully
evacuate children from
certain regions
by Marina Sovina
(night editor)
February 10th, 8:32pm
(Lenta.ru)
The Verkhovna Rada voted for the forced evacuation of
children from areas of active hostilities -- without the
consent of their parents. This was reported by the
Telegram channel "Politics of the Country".
According to Deputy Interior Minister Bohdan Drapyaty, if
parents refuse to evacuate their children, the police will
take them away without the parents' consent ------- and
transfer them to the guardianship authorities.
________________________________________________
A Finnish politician spoke about the
consequences of deteriorating
relations with Russia
by Marina Sovina
(night editor)
February 10th, 8:21pm
(Lenta.ru)
Finland may repeat the fate of Ukraine, said Armando Mema,
a member of the Finnish Freedom Alliance party, on the
social network X.
According to him, Finnish politicians - have destroyed relations
with Russia. As the deputy specified, the economy is suffering
from this, and the unemployment rate is the highest in Europe.
"This is a delicate moment, and there is a high risk that Finland
will become a second Ukraine. Militarization is intensifying,"
he warned ....about the potential consequences.
Earlier, Mema said that by sending a new aid package to Ukraine,
Finland ..would further worsen relations with Russia. He pointed
out ------ that the Finnish authorities are taking a very dangerous
path and aren't even aware of how irresponsible they are being.
______________________________________________________
The Foreign Ministry ---- made fun of
the EU's list of demands on Russia
Marina Sovina (night editor)
February 10th, 7:51pm
(Lenta.ru)
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry,
Maria Zakharova, in Telegram... commented on the
statement of the head of EU Diplomacy, Kajer
Kallas, that the EU should have its own list
of requirements for Moscow to resolve
the Ukrainian conflict.
"Let's not tell her what we're going to do with her list
of demands just yet. Hussars, be silent!" the
diplomat said, ironically.
Earlier, Kallas promised to prepare a list of demands on
Russia with concessions as part of the settlement of
the conflict in Ukraine.
“Everyone sitting at the negotiating table, including Russians
and Americans, needs to understand that the peace
agreement requires the consent of Europeans,”
the head of EU diplomacy --- emphasized.
___________________________________________
Greece and Malta oppose the EU's idea
of ''banning'' the transportation of
Russian oil - Bloomberg
February 7:02pm,
(Strana news)
The EU --- wants to replace the price cap on
Russian oil with a ban on its transportation.
Greece and Malta have blocked the EU's proposal to
replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on
services necessary for fuel transportation.
Bloomberg reports this, citing sources.
According to the agency's interlocutors, these two southern
European countries expressed concerns about this move
at a meeting of EU ambassadors on Monday, where
the latest package of sanctions against Russia
was presented.
They expressed concerns that such a replacement could
affect Europe's shipping industry and energy prices,
according to the sources.
Both countries also asked for clarification on proposals
to impose sanctions on foreign ports for processing
Russian oil ..and to increase the oversight of ship
sellers to reduce the number of ships entering
Moscow's fleet, the sources added.
A Greek government spokesman declined to comment.
Nestor Lajvera, a Maltese government spokesman in
Brussels, said the country was "participating in
technical discussions to ensure that the final
outcome can be implemented."
As a reminder -- the EU wants to approve new sanctions
by the fourth anniversary of Russia's SMO in Ukraine.
Initially.... the EU Commission was preparing to
announce a new sanctions package --- on
February 2nd, but last week.. EU High
Representative for Foreign Affairs &
Security Policy -- Cadger Callous,
stated that Brussels intends to
adopt the 20th package of
restrictive measures by
February 24.
___________________________________________
78 percent of weapons
seized in Mexico
come from
the US
February 10th, 1:56pm
(Prensa Latina)
Around 78 percent of the 18,000 long and short weapons seized
by law enforcement in the current administration come from
the United States, the Secretary of Defense of Mexico,
Ricardo Trevilla, reported today.
The owner said that during the government of President Claudia
Sheinbaum, which began in October 2024, the authorities
seized 215 50-calibre weapons, 20 40-calibre grenade
launchers, 13 rocket launchers and 273 machine
guns of different calibres.
When answering a question about a recent article in The New
York Times about cartels' use of weapons and ammunition
made for the United States military, Trevilla detailed the
number of 50 calibre cartridges seized.
“From 2012 to date, there are 137 thousand cartridges; of those,
47 percent come from that company (a North American army
cartridge plant), which have been marketed in gun stores
in the southern United States”, he noted.
In a recent editorial titled United States, drug gunsmith, the
prestigious newspaper La Jornada denounced that not
only private initiative, otherwise, the US government
is a supplier of weapons to the cartels that the
White House claims to persecute............
with all its power.
According to the newspaper of this Latin American nation, The
New York Times documented that in 2019, a convoy of armed
men “with a heavy and powerful machine gun, and 50 calibre
rifles” entered Villa Unión, Coahuila, and “opened fire ---- so
that it made the Earth tremble”.
When gathering shell casings from the scene where 19 suspected
criminals, four police officers and two civilians died, investigators
found that the ammunition was marked with the initials LC, used
by the US Army cartridge plant in Lake City, he noted.
According to what was disclosed, it is owned by the
federal government and the largest manufacturer
of rifle cartridges for Pentagon troops.
La Jornada mentioned that, although 50 calibre bullets are
so powerful -- that they are used to destroy vehicles and
even light aircraft, in the neighbouring territory they
are for free sale ------ as part of the well-known
debauchery ------ that characterizes the
marketing of firearms there.
______________________________
Lula announces million-dollar
investment ---- to produce
vaccines in Brazil
February 9th, 2:23pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
announced today an investment of 1.4 billion
reais (269 million dollars) ..to expand the
production of vaccines and serums
at the Butantan Institute.
In an event held at the entity's headquarters, in Sao Paulo,
the president reported - that resources will be allocated
to expand the infrastructure and productive capacity
of immunizers and pharmaceutical supplies for
the Unified Health System (SUS).
During the ceremony, service orders were signed --- for the
construction of two new factories and the modernization
of two other units of the institute, with the aim of
reinforcing the country's health sovereignty.
The plan includes the development of advanced technologies,
such as vaccines based on messenger RNA (mRNA), and the
national production of active pharmaceutical input (API),
the key to reducing dependence on imports.
In addition to the federal contribution, the Butantan Foundation
will allocate nearly 400 million additional reais to the works
(770 thousand dollars).
Among the planned projects are new plants for the production
of IFA, the expansion of serum packaging and freeze-drying
capacity, and a modernization of strategic industrial areas.
The announced investments also include the production
of vaccines against human papillomavirus, diphtheria,
tetanus and whooping cough.
By highlighting the importance of the role of the State in
investments in science, innovation and public health,
Lula maintained that supporting Butantan is helping
215 million people who need these investments.
The president, who was accompanied by his vice president,
Geraldo Alckmin, and several ministers, defended - that
possible productive surpluses could be allocated to
poorer countries in Latin America and Africa.
During the event, the Government confirmed the start of
vaccinations against dengue in all states, as part of a
campaign aimed at SUS primary care professionals.
The strategy is supported by a vaccine developed entirely
by the Butantan Institute, with a single dose --- and
protection against the 4 serotypes of the virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, the initial goal is to
immunize 1.2 million SUS workers who work on the
front line of care, with a view to which the first
650 thousand doses have already begun to
be distributed.
_________________________________
Mexico will recover more than
200 mining concessions,
says Sheinbaum
February 9th, 12:23pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, reported today
that the State will recover more than 200 mining
concessions currently in private hands.
“We are working because more than 200 mining concessions
are going to be returned to the Mexican State”, stated the
Chief Executive, who specified during her usual press
conference that these were not in production.
When announcing that other details will be disclosed later,
she mentioned that the companies agreed.... voluntarily.
After the agreement announced between Mexico and the US
to work on an action plan on critical minerals, Sheinbaum
clarified that “nothing has been signed yet”, talks are
about to begin and there will be no changes to the
legislation or the delivery of natural resources.
The action plan “speaks of sovereignty, that means that the
US investigates in its country, and we do our exploration in
our country. It is not joint. Everyone” in their territory, the
dignitary stressed from the National Palace.
“We are very clear – she pointed out - that natural resources
are not given away. We are very clear about it - and we are
not going to start a process of opening mines now either.
In fact, it's the opposite”, she said.
Last Wednesday, Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard,
announced.. that the administrations of Mexico and the US,
agreed to work on a joint action plan on critical minerals.
A statement from the portfolio detailed that the objective of
the initiative lies in ensuring the supply of essential inputs
for various key sectors of industry, through bi-national
cooperation, within a framework of respect ---- and
adherence to the legislation of both countries.
_______________________________________________
Epstein's brother claimed that
the financier was killed on
Trump's orders
by George Galoyan
February 6th, 4:05pm
(Gazeta.ru)
US financier Jeffrey Epstein was killed on the orders of US
President Donald Trump because he was going to "name
names." This was stated --- by the financier's brother
Mark Epstein, according to the newspaper Metro.
The publication noted that Trump has never been accused
in the case of Epstein's death, which was ruled a suicide.
It is noted that the FBI documents contain details of a call from
a Dallas limousine driver who claims to have overheard a 1995
phone conversation between Trump and a woman discussing
“abuse of some girl,” while mentioning the name “Jeffrey.”
On January 30, the US Department of Justice released a new
batch of documents in the Epstein case, the files included
photos of a man who looked like the younger brother of
King Charles III of the United Kingdom.
Epstein was accused of arranging visits to his New York home
and his private island for dozens of underage girls between
2002 and 2005. Investigators determined that the
youngest girl was 14 years old.
In August 2019, the financier was found in
a semi-conscious state in a prison cell,
and he could not be saved.
It was previously reported that Prince Andrew’s
daughters were “horrified” --- by Epstein’s
compromising photo' of their father.
_____________________________________
Gallup poll: US public in deep political
anxiety, gripped by economic stress
February 5th, 7:42pm
(PressTV)
New international polling by Gallup reveals - that the US
stands out globally for its intense anxiety over politics,
democracy, and economic insecurity, painting a bleak
picture of a country increasingly unstable compared
with its peers.
The survey of 107 countries showed that US citizens are
unusually fixated on politics and government as the
most serious problem facing their nation.
Roughly one-third of US citizens named politics and
government as the top issue, a level matched only
by Taiwan. While wealthier countries tend to
emphasize political concerns, the US is
exceptional ---- in how sharply these
worries dominate public opinion.
Gallup researcher Benedict Vigers said the US stands out
for its combined fear about democratic stability and
declining economic opportunity, noting that “It's
really unique in that regard.”
The survey, conducted from March to October 2025, comes
after decades of intensifying partisan polarization, the rise
of incumbent US President Donald Trump, the January 6,
2021 attack on the US Capitol, failed attempts to hold
Trump accountable during Joe Biden’s presidency,
and Trump’s return to office, all of which have
weakened confidence....... in the country’s
political and constitutional safeguards.
Economic anxiety, particularly among younger US citizens, is
another area where the US compares poorly internationally.
US citizens aged 35 and under are far more likely than older
adults to cite affordability and economic pressures - such
as food and housing costs - as their top concern. About
one-third of young US citizens did so, compared with
just 13 percent of those aged 55 and older.
This pattern mirrors trends in other English-speaking countries
facing housing crises, including Australia, Canada and Ireland,
which Vigers described as “It's a literally concrete example -
of young people being locked out of economic progress.”
Older US citizens, meanwhile, are far more preoccupied with
politics and government, with about four in 10 people aged
35 and over ranking it as the country’s most pressing
problem, compared with about two in 10
younger adults.
Gallup’s long-term tracking shows that concern about politics
has risen steadily since 2000 and remained near or above
Watergate-era levels since 2016.
Frank Newport of Gallup linked this trend --- to extreme
polarization, while political scientist Brendan Nyhan
warned of deeper consequences.
“A world where people aren’t optimistic about their
economic futures is one in which they’re willing to
destabilize institutions even further,” Nyhan said.
“Low trust .......is corrosive.”
A new poll indicates that a significant number of US citizens
believe political violence may be necessary to restore the
country’s course.
_______________________________________________
Russia and Brazil call for reform
of the UN Security Council
February 5th, 7:26pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Russia and Brazil consider the reform of the UN Security
Council to be necessary and support the inclusion of
developing countries from Latin America, Asia
and Africa. The provision is contained in the
joint statement of the parties following the
VIII meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High
-Level Commission for Cooperation,
published on February 5th on the
Russian government's website.
"We have agreed on the need to promote the reform of the UN
Security Council in order to make it more representative by
including developing countries from Latin America, Asia,
and Africa, in line with the realities of a multipolar
world," the document says.
It is emphasized that Russia has confirmed its support for Brazil
as a candidate for permanent membership in the reformed UN
Security Council. The statement reads: Moscow and Brasilia
believe that it is timely and appropriate to choose a
representative of Latin American and Caribbean
countries as the Secretary-General of the
United Nations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized on January
28 that Russia supports the transformation of the UN Security
Council. In particular, the minister pointed out that the body
should be made more democratic ---------- by increasing the
number of representatives from the Global South & East.
__________________________________________________________
Overchuk: Russia's Trade with Brazil
Has Doubled .......in Five Years
February 5th, 7:34pm
(RT.ru)
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk,
Russia's trade with Brazil has doubled in five years and now
stands at $10 billion.
"It was noted that, over the past five years, our mutual trade
turnover has doubled. At the same time, it is at the level of
$10 billion, which, of course, is much lower than the
potential of our two economies," RIA Novosti
quoted him as saying.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that Brazil
is Russia’s leading foreign economic partner in
Latin America.
_____________________________________________________________
Brazil highlights --- potential for
greater exchange with Russia
February 5th, 11:56am
(Prensa Latina)
The vice president of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, today highlighted
the possibilities of economic and commercial exchange with
Russia, which currently has relevant levels, but it is
still below the potential of both nations.
Alckmin made the assessment... by leading, together with the
Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, the VIII Meeting of
the High Level Commission on Brazil-Russia Cooperation, a
bilateral mechanism that was resumed, after more than a
decade, without formal meetings.
According to the Brazilian vice president, the trade volume
recorded last year (11 billion dollars) does not reflect the
real possibilities of cooperation between Brazil and
Russia, two economies with extensive industrial,
technological and scientific development.
In addition, he defended the expansion of Russian investments
in Brazil, especially in strategic sectors such as energy,
fertilizers, the chemical industry, infrastructure
and advanced manufacturing.
He also referred to the opportunities for Brazilian companies to
increase their presence in the Russian market, particularly
in areas such as processed foods, machinery, industrial
equipment, medical devices and technology -- linked
to agribusiness.
For his part, Mishustin expressed that his country is willing to
share with Brazil --- its achievements in the development of
nuclear energy technologies for peaceful purposes, and
to develop cooperation in areas such as artificial
intelligence, digital public services and
automated solutions.
The prime minister maintained that, for the successful
implementation of the common plans, it is necessary
to increase reciprocal payments in national
currencies, to develop direct banking
interactions, and more actively use
....an independent payments and
settlement architecture - form
modern transport corridors -
and create new production
logistics chains.
He highlighted ---- that the visit of the Russian delegation
to Brasilia - is carried out at the request of President
Vladimir Putin, who has highlighted both nations,
founders of the BRICS, as coherent and like-
minded allies when it comes to the
formation of a truly just and
multipolar world order.
For us, Brazil is the main external economic partner in Latin
America, and represents approximately half of the total
volume of trade in goods with the region, in addition
to maintaining leading positions in the national
market among meat and coffee suppliers,
he indicated.
For its part, Russia covers around a quarter of Brazil's import
needs for mineral fertilizers. «This mutually beneficial
cooperation allows us to jointly make a significant
contribution to ensuring food security”,
he highlighted.
According to Brazilian media, the bilateral mechanism that
meets this Thursday... will allow the establishment of
permanent working groups and a roadmap aimed
at expanding trade, investments and strategic
cooperation.... in the coming years.
_____________________________________
Cuba designs economic
transformations... with
popular participation
February 5th, 11:29am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, highlighted today
the importance ....of the deliberative spaces of the Party
and the government, and he announced a set of urgent
economic and social transformations, designed with
popular participation.
During a conference with both national and foreign media, the
president stated that the recent provincial plenary sessions
of the Communist Party of Cuba and its municipal organs,
have been spaces, not only for debate, but of
“consensus construction”.
Díaz-Canel defended 3 pillars for party and government work:
political and social communication, digital transformation
with artificial intelligence, and science and innovation
as a method to find solutions to complex problems.
When detailing the “necessary transformations” that must be
worked on more quickly, the president listed the consensus
that emerged........ from the popular debate for the
government program.
The first is an improvement of the economic management
system, seeking an adequate relationship between
centralized planning and certain market signals,
as well as.... between centralization
and decentralization.
Announced a new currency allocation
system for economic activity.
The second transformation... is a restructuring of the state,
government and party apparatus - to eliminate duplication,
reduce budget expenses in non-productive structures..
and increase efficiency, in the context of negative
demographic dynamics.
A central axis presented by the president ------ was
the “definitive autonomy of the state company”,
accompanied by a resizing of the business
sector at the municipal level.
Díaz-Canel emphasized the export role of companies, which
generate income in foreign currency and with it buy their
inputs and fuel..... without always depending on
central allocations.
This process, he noted, is intrinsically linked to a third
transformation: the autonomy of the municipalities.
The strategy, he explained, is to strengthen local production
systems - so that the territories can be fundamentally self-
sufficient, a vital concept in the face of fuel shortages.
“We are defending as a concept ---- that we are going
to eat what is produced in each place”, he stressed.
The head of state commented --- that this change entails a
review of the concept of the regulated basic basket and
announced other transformations -------- that include:
renegotiating the external debt, & strengthening
economic partnerships between the state
and non-state sectors.
Likewise, he urged taking advantage of flexibility for foreign
direct investment, stimulating the participation of Cubans
residing abroad, and prioritizing the energy
transformation already explained.
He insisted on the need to perfect tax and monetary policy,
clean up finances and modernize the banking system.
During his speech, the president also referred to the heroism
of the people in the midst of the complex situation and
defined the Cuban resistance as one of creation
and improvement.
Regarding young people, he stated: “there is no unity if young
people are not in that unity. There is no continuity without
young people”.
The president announced that in the coming days....... other
members of the Government and the Party will offer details
of the measures discussed, especially those related to
the critical energy situation.
_______________________________________
Hanoi Press, Radio and
Television Agency
established
February 5th, 7:28am
(Prensa Latina)
The brand new Hanoi Press, Radio and Television Agency was
formally established here today with the appointment of its
general director, Vu Minh Tuan, three deputy directors
and a seven-member Editorial Board.
At the founding ceremony, the secretary of the Committee of
the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in this capital,
Nguyen Duy Ngoc, it meant that the creation of this
Agency --- marks the beginning of a new stage for
the capital's press, responding to the demands
of the new era.
“The road ahead, is not without challenges, but I believe that
with courage, intelligence, dedication - and a spirit of unity -
this group will fulfill the assigned mission with excellence”,
duy Ngoc said, quoted by the Hanoi Moi newspaper.
For his part, the director of the new Agency, Vu Minh Tuan,
pointed out that it is not simply a fusion of media, but a
strategic requirement -- aimed at turning the capital's
press into a truly leading force in the dissemination
of information, the orientation of public opinion
and the creation of solutions.
Further, it will accompany the Party Committee, the
government and the people of Hanoi - on their
development journey - to become a global,
civilized and modern city, he stressed.
The Hanoi Press, Radio and Television Agency, arises from the
union of the newspapers Hanoi Moi, Kinh Te & Do Thi, Phu Nu
Thu Do, Lao Dong Thu Do and Tuoi Tre Thu Do, and the radio
and television station of this city.
The editor-in-chief of the newspapers Hanoi Moi, Nguyen Minh
Duc, & Kinh Te & Do Thi, Nguyen Thanh Loi, were appointed
as its deputy directors, and the general director of the
capital's radio and television station, Nguyen Kim
Khiem (born in 1975).
_________________________________________
India-Russia cooperation in
nuclear energy continues
to be active
February 5th, 2:17am
(Prensa Latina)
Cooperation between India and Russia in the field of
nuclear energy remains active today with periodic
talks, the department in charge of the sector of
the South Asian nation assured, in a letter
to Parliament.
According to a written statement by the Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE), exchanges are maintained with the Rosatom
State Atomic Energy Corporation, a multi-sector holding
company comprising assets in energy engineering,
machine building, and construction.
He noted that the meetings aim to strengthen bilateral
cooperation, included on the construction of large-
capacity nuclear power plants and small modular
reactors (SMR), with safety as the top priority
at all stages of construction.
The Indian entity noted that nuclear plants are built strictly
following the phased authorizations of the Atomic Energy
Regulatory Board (AERB).
He added that, among other aspects, the government
implements numerous initiatives around new sites
where projects are being built .........or in
existing operations.
According to the notification, numerous social welfare
programs have also been implemented, mainly in the
areas of education, infrastructure development and
sanitation, to benefit the populations surrounding
these facilities.
The 2025-2026 national budget outlines a significant
push towards nuclear energy as part of India's long
-term energy transition strategy.
The government has set an ambitious goal of 100 GW
of nuclear energy capacity by 2047, positioning that
source as a fundamental pillar of the national
energy matrix.
This development aligns with the country's broader long
-term development goals to ensure energy reliability
and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, according
to the Indian authorities.
To achieve this goal ---- strategic policy interventions and
infrastructure investments are made, with emphasis on
indigenous nuclear technology and public-private
collaborations, New Delhi explained.
Taking this into account, the government presented the
Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, with which
it aims to improve national nuclear capabilities,
promote private sector participation --- and
accelerate the deployment of advanced
technologies, such as Small Modular
Reactors (SMR).
__________________________________________
The BBC reported on the eviction
of former Prince Andrew from
Windsor Castle
February 4th, 1:02am
(Izvestia.ru)
Former Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, stripped of
his titles in connection with the Epstein case, moved
from Windsor Castle... to Sandringham estate in
Norfolk. This was reported on February 3
by the TV channel, BBC.
"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor .....has moved from his
home in Windsor to Sandringham House in Norfolk,"
the broadcaster added.
It is noted that this location is temporary, and
Andrew will live on Marsh Farm ...after
the repairs.
Earlier, on December 23, it was reported that ex-Prince Andrew
used Sandringham, one of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite estates
for at least one meeting with Epstein's convicted accomplice,
Ghislaine Maxwell. It was noted that Andrew hosted women
believed to be his mistresses at Sandringham, as part of
his interactions with Epstein and his inner circle.
The US Department of Justice --- started publishing Epstein's files
after US President Donald Trump signed a bill on November 19
to make them public. On December 20th, Russian Foreign
Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova joked about
the line of people... waiting to read the documents
that were declassified on the US Department of
Justice website.
The first part of the documents, which contained the names
of more than 150 people involved in the financier's case,
was published in January 2024. Among the materials
released were images of Bill Clinton, British Prince
Andrew, and Microsoft founder... Bill Gates.
____________________________________________
Senator Nikonorova spoke about
the mass protests in Ukraine
by Yulia Ryabinina
February 3rd, 10:44pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
Mass protests periodically occur in Ukraine due to serious
problems in the economic and social spheres. Natalia
Nikonorova, a DPR senator, told RIA Novosti
about this.
According to her, high tensions - in various areas,
including the critical state of the public utilities
in Ukraine, periodically lead to mass protests.
The country also faces -- major economic
and social challenges, the senator noted.
"There are -- big problems in the economic sphere, and
the state budget has long been bursting at the seams
in the social sphere," the agency's interlocutor said.
She also recalled the confrontation between Ukrainians
and territorial recruitment centres (an analogue of
military enlistment offices) that was provoked
by forced mobilization.
Earlier, it was reported that there have been increased
protests against the authorities in Ukraine. Anti-
government demonstrations have also been
sparked, by growing corruption in the
country and the lack of law and
order regarding the military
and their families.
____________________
Libyan media.. reported the death
of Seif al-Islam Gaddafi in Zintan
by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)
February 3rd, 6:53pm
To share
Libyan media outlets have reported the death of Seif al-Islam
Gaddafi, the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi,
during clashes in the Zintan region.
Al-Masar TV channel, citing Abdallah Osman, a representative
of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in the political dialogue, reported
that he had confirmed his death in a shootout in Zintan.
At the same time, Brigade 444 denied any connection to
the clashes in Zintan and the rumours surrounding
Gaddafi's death.
"We confirm.. that there are no forces or field deployments within
the city of Zintan or its geographical area, and we deny issuing
any instructions or orders related to the pursuit of Seif al-Islam
Gaddafi," the armed group's leadership stated.
Libyan media outlets, citing Abdallah Osman --- have reported
that Seif al-Islam Gaddafi was killed in his home. The attack
was carried out by four unknown individuals, according to
the source.
According to Gaddafi's advisor, the Libyan prosecutor general
has ordered a criminal investigation into the murder of the
Jamahiriya leader's son.
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi is the second son of Muammar Gaddafi,
born on June 25, 1972, in Tripoli. Until 2011, he was the de
facto heir to his father. During this time, he served as
the head of the Gaddafi Foundation and actively
participated in the negotiations.. regarding
Libya's nuclear program (2003-2004).
He also holds a PhD from the London School of Economics. In
2011, he coordinated propaganda and loyal forces during the
civil war, and in November, he was captured by rebels in
Obar, wounded.
From 2011 to 2017, he was under arrest in the city of Zintan,
and in 2015, he was sentenced to death in absentia in
Tripoli (the sentence was later annulled).
After his release, he lived in the southern regions of Libya
(Sebha/Obar) -- under the protection of Gaddafi's loyalist
forces. In November 2021, he announced his intention
to run for president.. and registered as a candidate,
but the General National Congress (the country's
legislative body) - rejected his candidacy, due to
a ''criminal record'' and an ICC warrant issued
in 2011..... for "crimes against humanity."
Recently..... Seif al-Islam has remained one of the most
influential informal figures in southern Libya, without
holding any official positions but maintaining his
influence through armed structures..... and
occasional statements through proxies.
[Rhondda Records adds: we grieve at the loss of
this very courageous man ------ who was Libya's
best hope of regaining its strength and vision.]
__________________________________________
Vietnam preparing for possible
US military aggression:
Leaked report
February 3rd, 3:44pm
(PressTV)
A leaked internal document shows Vietnam is preparing,
politically and militarily, for a potential US invasion,
casting Washington as a threat to the country’s
sovereignty rather than a reliable partner.
Just a year after bringing its ties with Washington to their
highest diplomatic level, Vietnam’s military leadership
has been preparing for a possible US "war of
aggression," --------- viewing the US as a
"belligerent power," according to a
report released on Tuesday, by
The 88 Project ---- a human
rights group monitoring
''developments''
in Vietnam.
The document underscores Hanoi’s deep concern that
Washington could try to destabilize the Vietnamese
government through a so-called "colour revolution,"
drawing parallels to Ukraine’s 2004 Orange
Revolution and the Philippines’ 1986
Yellow Revolution — both widely
viewed by Vietnamese officials,
as products of US interference.
“There is a consensus here across the government.... and
across different ministries … This is not just some kind
of a fringe element - or paranoid element - within the
ruling Communist party or within the government,”
said Ben Swanton, co-director of the 88 Project
and the author of the report.
The Vietnamese document, titled “The 2nd US Invasion Plan,”
was completed by the Ministry of Defense in August 2024
and outlines what officials see - as an escalating pattern
of US military behavior across multiple administrations.
Vietnamese military analysts... trace a pattern over three
US administrations, from Barack Obama through Trump’s
first term... to Joe Biden, noting that Washington has
steadily intensified its military and strategic
engagements .....across Asia.
“Due to the US's belligerent nature - we need to be vigilant
to prevent the US and its allies from ‘creating a pretext’
to launch an invasion of our country,” the plan says.
The document paints a dark picture of Washington’s intentions,
asserting that the US seeks to “spread and impose its values
regarding freedom, democracy, human rights, ethnicity and
religion” ....as a means.... to undermine and ultimately
dismantle Vietnam’s socialist political system.
Swanton writes that “The 2nd US Invasion Plan” -- offers a rare
and blunt insight into Hanoi’s foreign policy thinking, showing
that Vietnam views Washington not as a genuine strategic
partner but as an existential threat, and has no intention
of being drawn into a US-led bloc aimed at China.
Recent US military actions abroad have further reinforced
these fears. Washington’s ''operations'' in and around
Venezuela, including the abduction of Venezuelan
President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia
Flores on January 3 -- have intensified
Vietnamese distrust toward closer
engagement with the US.
Experts warn that any US military aggression against Cuba,
another close ally of Hanoi, would send shockwaves
through Vietnam’s military and political leadership,
severely disrupting --- the "fragile regional and
strategic balance."
____________________________________________
Díaz-Canel describes US measures: as
a genocidal blockade -- against Cuba
February 3rd, 1:56pm
(Prensa Latina)
President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced today, that the total
embargo signed by the United States 64 years ago against
Cuba has become a "genocidal blockade" and an
economic war ------------ due to the actions of
12 US administrations.
Through the social network X, the president recalled that on
February 3, in 1962, Democratic President John F. Kennedy
«signed and made official the policy of an economic siege
of Cuba», a policy that according to Díaz-Canel has been
turned into an instrument of extreme pressure.
«Twelve administrations from both parties - have been
transforming it into a Genocidal Blockade», stated
the head of state, who cited the historical leader
Fidel Castro, when specifying that «this -----
is called Economic War».
The president's statement coincides with the latest escalation
of US sanctions, marked by the executive order issued on
January 29 by Donald Trump that seeks to block the
supply of oil to the island through sanctions on
third countries.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez had previously described this
measure as an attempt to make «humanity complicit --- in a
terrible oil blockade» with unprecedented humanitarian
consequences for the Cuban civilian population.
__________________________________________________
US Secretary of the Interior:
Trump Uses Energy - as a
Tool of Global Pressure
by Vasily Fedortsev
February 2nd, 8:51pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
The administration of US President Donald Trump is using
energy control as a tool of political pressure on other
countries, and it intends to continue this policy in
the future. This was stated by US Secretary of
the Interior Douglas Burgum on the Fox
News channel.
Commenting on the situation around Cuba, which the US is
trying to deprive of oil supplies, Bergam pointed out that
"dominance in the energy sector leads to peace abroad
and prosperity at home." According to him, control
over oil allows the US to engage in "energy
diplomacy" and create additional levers
of influence. "Controlling oil means
controlling money ------ creating
leverage for diplomacy,"
Bergam said.
He also directly acknowledged, that Washington's goal in
exerting pressure on Cuba is to bring about a change of
power in Havana. "Absolutely," the US minister said in
response to a question about whether the Cuban
government could fall under the current
pressure from the US.
___________________________________
Nicaragua expressed its hope for
productive cooperation with
Costa Rica
by Artem Kozhevnikov (Managua)
February 2nd, 7:55pm
(Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
To share
The Nicaraguan government has sent a message to Costa
Rican President-elect Laura Fernández, expressing its
hope for productive cooperation for the benefit of
peace. This is stated in a document signed by
Nicaraguan co-presidents Daniel Ortega
and Rosario Murillo.
The Republic's authorities congratulated the people
of Costa Rica on their peaceful and calm vote.
"We believe that our closeness, our fraternal neighbourhood,
which defines our history in Central America, should
increasingly unite us, especially in matters of
security, justice and equality,"
the message reads.
The Nicaraguan co-presidents wished Laura Fernández
success and the implementation of social projects
as President of Costa Rica.
"We express our recognition, respect, and admiration,
confident that by promoting unity and peace, we will
all have the harmonious future we strive for,"
the document emphasizes.
____________________________________________________
Brazil and Russia both for promoting
trade in the High Level Commission
February 2nd, 5:39pm
(Prensa Latina)
Bilateral trade will be a key topic of the VIII Meeting of the
High Level Commission on Brazil-Russia Cooperation
(CAN), to be held in this capital on February 5,
the Itamaraty Palace reported today.
According to a note from the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, this
meeting will be headed by the Brazilian vice president,
Geraldo Alckmin, and the Russian prime minister,
Mikhail Mishustin, who had already announced
this Monday, his trip to the S. American giant.
The CAN is the highest-level structured intergovernmental
dialogue between Brazil and Russia -- and one of its main
objectives is to strengthen trade, promoting exchanges
and diversifying products, indicated the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
That organization reported ---- that the debates will also cover
topics related to cooperation in energy, agriculture, science,
technology and innovation, culture and other sectors.
The Russian delegation will be made up of eight ministers,
three deputy ministers and heads of organizations.
During the afternoon of February 5th, Mishustin and Alckmin
will inaugurate the Brazil-Russia Business Forum, with the
participation of numerous business leaders from
both countries.
In 2025, bilateral trade reached 10.9 billion dollars: Brazilian
exports to the Eurasian nation totaled 1.5 billion, while
hose from Russia totaled 9,400 million dollars.
________________________________________________
Brazil --- confirms its support for
Bachelet's candidacy at the UN
February 2nd, 5:38pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Government of Brazil confirmed today... that it formally
presented to the United Nations (UN), together with Chile
and Mexico, the candidacy of Michelle Bachelet for the
position of secretary general of the UN.
In a statement released this Monday --- the Brazilian Foreign
Ministry highlighted the experience of the former president
of Chile (2006-2010 and 2014-2018), who has also served
as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
and Executive Director of UN Women.
According to the note, this candidacy reflects the shared desire
of the three countries to actively contribute to strengthening
the multilateral system and promote a leadership capable
of responding to current challenges.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed ----- that
Bachelet's extensive experience -- in directing complex
political processes, her recognized ability to facilitate
dialogue & her commitment to the UN's core values
constitute a substantial contribution..... to moving
towards a more effective, representative and
people-centred organization.
Her nomination, he added, represents an opportunity to
provide the UN --- with leadership with demonstrated
experience, international legitimacy..... and a
vocation for public service.
We support this candidacy with the conviction that it will
contribute to the full realization of the purposes and
principles enshrined in the Charter of the United
Nations, the text added.
According to the Itamaraty Palace, headquarters of the Foreign
Ministry of the South American giant, in an extremely complex
international panorama, the United Nations remains the main
forum for dialogue & the construction of collective solutions
in matters of international peace and security, sustainable
development, promotion and protection of human rights
and action to reverse climate change.
We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism as a
fundamental pillar of global governance based on
international cooperation and respect for the
self-determination of peoples, the
statement concluded.
The Chilean president, Gabriel Boric, had announced this
Monday the official registration of the former president's
candidacy for the UN General Secretariat -- a position
that, in the organization's 80 years, has never been
occupied by a woman.
Furthermore, in those eight decades, the only representative
from Latin America who headed the organization was the
Peruvian diplomat Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, from
1982 to 1991.
Last November, the UN officially began the process of selecting
its next secretary general to replace the Portuguese António
Guterres, who concludes that responsibility on
December 31 of this year.
____________________________
92 percent - of the drinking water in
the Haitian capital is contaminated
January 31st, 4:51pm
(Prensa Latina)
92 percent of the drinking water consumed today by the
population of the capital of Haiti is contaminated,
revealed the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry (MCI).
The precious liquid sold in the metropolitan area of Port-au-
Prince, is harmful for ingestion, due to the presence of
micro-organisms and, in many cases, fecal matter,
which exposes millions of Haitians to serious
risks, adds a study of that portfolio
released by Gazzete Haiti.
The MCI investigation seriously undermines consumer
confidence, since even the water sold in envelopes,
bottles and processed in treatment plants is
contaminated with the aforementioned
elements, lethal to human health,
the newspaper pointed out.
«Behind these crude figures it warns - hides a worrying human
reality, since entire families, children, the elderly and workers
consume this water every day, believing that it is safe
because it is sold as ‘treated’ or ‘drinkable».
The consumption of this liquid ...can promote the spread of
serious diseases and aggravate the already fragile Haitian
health system, warns the study by the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
«Haiti faces a structural problem - that directly affects the
fundamental right of citizens to quality water», declared,
for his part, the head of the MCI, James Monazard.
The minister, far from downplaying the seriousness of the
situation, acknowledged that the study, carried out
between January 2025 and January 2026 -- and
financed by the Public Treasury, “its objective
--- precisely --- was to provide an honest
evaluation of the water situation”,
added Gazzete Haiti.
«The economic and social development of the country»,
admitted the owner - «must be built through reliable
access to safe goods and services. But water,
the most vital resource, is currently at the
centre of profound dysfunction».
«The results obtained require collective awareness», he
emphasized, and demanded “the shared responsibility
of the authorities, companies... and consumers”.
_____________________________________________
José Martí International Chair
inaugurated in Guatemala
January 31st, 4:45pm
(Prensa Latina)
The San Carlos University of Guatemala (Usac), just today on
the 350th anniversary of its foundation ------ together with her
counterpart from neighbouring Chiapas, Mexico, has
inaugurated the José Martí International Chair.
In the Auditorium, its general secretary, Luis Fernando Cordón
described the meeting as an event of profound academic and
Latin American significance, and the fruit of the cooperation
between these two houses of higher education.
The chair was born with an integrative vocation, a humanistic
spirit and a vision of social transformation that dialogues
with the contemporary challenges of our region, the
authority stressed, before representatives of the
Mexican embassy in this country.
He recalled that the USAC commemorates three and a half
centuries, which are not only explained by time, but also
by the persistence of a public mission, the defense of
knowledge and an active presence in the major
social, cultural and educational processes
of this nation.
Celebrating 350 years is an act of memory and a commitment
to the future, he also remarked, in front of the consul of the
Cuban diplomatic legation, Raúl Antonio Cardoso, senior
officials from the Autonomous University of Chiapas
(Unach), members of the Higher University
Council, and special guests.
The public university has at different times been a refuge for
critical thinking, training spaces for socially conscious
professionals and a setting for dialogue with the
needs of the people, Cordón said.
In this context, the constitution of the José Martí International
Chair acquires a symbolic and strategic value, it is not only
about opening a new academic program, but to affirm a
will for cooperation and integration.... in a Latin
American key, he expressed.
It is a firm step towards the solidarity & internationalization of
knowledge, one that is not limited to formal exchanges - but
is oriented towards the common good, to comprehensive
training, and strengthening institutional capacities to
serve society, he considered.
He gave recognition to the Centre for Marti Studies of
Havana, “a continental reference institution in the
preservation, study and dissemination of life,
work and thought” of the National
Hero of Cuba.
On behalf of Unach, Mr. Juan Carlos Gómez first greeted with
particular emotion the representative of the people of Cuba
in Guatemala, especially at these crucial moments for the
history and immediate future of the island of Cuba.
Surely – he emphasized - the Cuban people will emerge
stronger again - from this circumstance, in which
Mexico is and will continue to be supportive,
he commented in reference to the recent
measures announced by the president
of the US, Donald Trump, against
the Antillean nation.
___________________________
Uruguay and Brazil seek
sovereignty in science
and technology
January 31st, 4:40pm
(Prensa Latina)
Uruguay and Brazil today promote agreements in science
and technology to position themselves sovereignly and
autonomously, at a time that, for the region, is a
paradigm shift.
This is what the Minister of Science, Technology and
Innovation of Brazil, Luciana Barbosa de Oliveira,
considers, who was in Montevideo to sign
important bilateral agreements.
The defense of the self-determination of our people is
through science and technology, as they give us
more autonomy, allowing us to overcome
vulnerabilities --- and dependency, he
said in an interview with La Diaria.
He stressed that overcoming technological dependence is
overcoming dependence as a nation. “That is why this
agenda is so important for the global South and for
the countries of Latin America and the
Caribbean”, he highlighted.
In this capital, both countries agreed ------- to create the
Brazil-Uruguay Centre for Research and Innovation in
Life Sciences, which aims to promote research
projects, the exchange of specialists and
students .....and the shared use of
scientific infrastructure.
Likewise, the Latin American and Caribbean Cooperation
Program in Science, Technology and Innovation
“Pepe Mujica” was launched.
The Municipality of Montevideo agreed with the Brazilian
government on a memorandum of understanding
to deepen international cooperation in
technological innovation, and in
productive development.
De Oliveira maintained that with such initiatives they have
“many instruments” to expand cooperation against
“common challenges”, such as climate change,
the energy transition, artificial intelligence,
data centres, digital transformation, etc.
“There are also --- the challenges of innovating in medicines
and vaccine production, of food production and improving
food quality, how to include the entire population, to
improve the quality of employment, and to
strengthen the economy”, he added.
___________________________________________
Díaz-Canel leads defensive exercises
in the 10 de Octubre municipality
January 31st, 4:40pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, today led
territorial defense exercises ----- in the Tamarindo
defense zone of the 10 de Octubre municipality,
as part of the National Defense Day activities.
The president was accompanied by army generals
Alvaro Lopez Miera and Lazaro Alberto Alvarez,
ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces,
and the Interior, respectively, both members
of the Political Bureau, as well as by other
senior officials and provincial authorities.
The president of the municipal Defense Council, Lizara
Corona Oliveros, explained that ---- during the day they
worked on preparing works to protect the population,
the preparation of the different groups in the defense
zone .......and the training of the production and
defense brigades
For his part, Jorge Frómeta Fuentes, president of the defense
zone, offered a characterization of the area and detailed the
performance of the exercise that consolidated the training
of the population to act in the event of incidents, such as
fires or floods.
The president of the National Defense Council insisted on
the importance --- of each citizen knowing their location
and functions to be fulfilled, in time of war, according
to a report on national television.
Díaz-Canel indicated that when updating defense plans,
the current situation in the country ...must be taken
into account.
The head of state also exchanged with the members of
the economic, social and political-ideological groups
of the defense zone.
In parallel, the members of the National Defense Council
Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National
Assembly, and Manuel Marrero Cruz, the prime
minister, witnessed territorial defensive
exercises on the Isle of Youth, as
part of the national day.
In this town, weapons and disarmament practices,
shooting, protection of the population and the
clarification of missions on the ground
were carried out.
Similar exercises - were developed in other provinces of the
country, including Santiago de Cuba and Mayabeque, with
the aim of increasing the combative capacity of the
leadership and command bodies, and the
population in general ---- within the
framework of the doctrine of
War of All the People.
Tribute to Martí in Quito highlights
------ his anti-imperialist thinking
January 31st, 4:21pm
(Prensa Latina)
Cubans and Ecuadorians today evoked the legacy of
the National Hero of Cuba, José Martí, of whom...
they highlighted their anti-imperialist thinking
....in the midst of the escalation of US
aggression against the island.
During an event held at the monument dedicated
to Martí, located in the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
tourist and cultural complex, in this capital,
at the site that marks the equinoctial line,
he who is considered the most universal
Cuban, born in Havana on January 28,
1853, was remembered.
“We come.. to reaffirm a political and ethical position
in the face of the difficult times that Our America is
going through”, stated the prefect of Pichincha,
Paola Pabon.
The head of the provincial government highlighted that
in this world crossed by wars, blockades, exclusions,
and new forms of colonialism, Martí's words, like
“My Homeland Is Humanity” are, once again,
a compass.
The ambassador of the Caribbean nation in Ecuador, Basilio
Gutiérrez, for his part, stated that in this “time of definition
of Our America”, Martí's political testament -- resonates.
In that sense, the diplomat recalled a statement from Martí
that resonates in the hearts of Cubans today: «Every day
I am already in danger of giving my life for my country
and for my duty, to prevent -- in time -- with the
independence of Cuba -- the United States
from spreading throughout the Antilles
and falling with that force, further
on our lands in America”.
The diplomat denounced that US President Donald Trump
and “his band of fascists” intend to suffocate the island
with a total economic war.
“We will defend the sovereignty and dependence of Cuba, at
the price of our lives”, Gutiérrez emphasized and asserted
that although Cubans “are a people of peace and we
love life, we don't like being threatened».
Lenin Reyes, the president of the Ecuadorian Coordinator of
Friendship and Solidarity with Cuba, recalled the historic
phrase of Marti's political will, written by him in 1895,
which symbolizes the fight of the weak against the
powerful, inspired by the biblical story of David
against Goliath.
“What a powerful sling that Marti left us. This sling -- is from that
heroic Cuban people who have responded to the bravado of the
aspiring emperor, showing that they do not like him ---- and that
they aren't afraid of threats or intimidation”, Reyes expressed.
He stressed --- that Washington is cruel against the Antillean
nation, despite not having oil reserves or natural resources
because “Cuba has the largest moral reserve in the world,
its solidarity with other peoples, its dignity, resistance,
sovereignty --- and the courage not to bow down”.
The commemorative event --- was attended by diplomatic
representatives from Algeria, Colombia, Iran, Palestine
and Russia along with members of the island's state
mission in Ecuador, and Cubans residing in the
Andean country.
Floral offerings on behalf of the Cuban people, the prefecture of
Pichincha, the Association of Cubans Resident in Ecuador, the
Ecuadorian Coordinator of Friendship and Solidarity with
Cuba, and the Ecuadorian Association of Friendship
with the Sahrawi People, among others, were
part of Martí's tribute.
_________________________________________
Summit with Arab countries and
«mother of agreements» with
the EU during India week
January 31st, 10:58am
(Prensa Latina)
Republic Day, the “mother of agreements” with the EU
and legislative budget session mark the news week
that concludes today in India with the Summit of
Foreign Ministers of Arab Nations.
This Saturday, the Second India-Arab Countries Summit took
place in Delhi, which concentrates international attention
due to the threat of a new and imminent confrontation
caused by the United States and Israel against Iran.
At the opening, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyan
Jaishankar recognized the impact on India of the
situation in the Middle East, as he stressed, to
a large extent, its implications are also
relevant to his country's relationship
with its Arab neighbours.
He mentioned the situation in Gaza and considered it a priority
to promote the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.
However, he said that several countries have made political
statements about the peace plan and called for
deliberations at the summit on the challenges
and prospects, in that regard.
Jaishankar also referred to the need to collectively address the
conflict in Sudan, the situation in Yemen, Lebanon, Libya and
Syria and considered terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations --- as the main threat.
He highlighted the India-Arab Cooperation Forum as a platform
to materialize positive alliances and pointed to energy, the
environment, agriculture, and tourism, as axes of
cooperation in the period 2026-2028, as well as
the development of human resources, culture
and education,among others.
He also called for analyzing ways
of collaborating.. in technologies.
On the other hand, India celebrated its traditional Republic Day
parade on January 26, this year with the central theme 150
years of Vande Mataram, in tribute to the anthem that
accompanied the fight for independence.
The parade was led by Head of State Droupadi Murmu... and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included the presidents
of the Council and the Commission of the EU as special
guests, to António Santos da Costa and Ursula von
der Leyen, on an official visit to the South
Asian nation.
In fact, regarding the presence of the EU authorities, the
completion of a free trade agreement was announced,
called by Modi as the Mother of agreements, due to
its breadth, and the establishment of a
comprehensive strategic agenda
until 2030.
The bilateral free trade agreement, which must be approved
by the EU ''Parliament'', allows market access for EU bloc
nations and for over 99 percent of exports from India,
explained Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal.
In addition, it covers areas such as trade in goods, services,
trade corrective measures, rules of origin, customs, small
and medium-sized businesses, and digital trade, etc...
Goyal said it gives a decisive boost to its labour-intensive
sectors, such as textiles, clothing, leather, footwear,
marine products.... gems and jewelry, crafts,
engineering products and automobiles.
He assured that sensitive Indian sectors were protected,
including dairy, cereals, poultry, soybean meal and
certain fruits and vegetables.
The FTA includes measures to address non-tariff barriers
and, among other aspects, guarantees EU commitments
in sectors like information technologies, professional
services, education, financial services, tourism,
construction, and other business sectors.
Meanwhile, the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda until
2030, covers cooperation in areas such as technology and
innovation, security and defense, connectivity and global
affairs, reinforced by transversal facilitating elements.
In addition, representatives of both parties exchanged
cooperation mechanisms in the banking and mobility,
defense, disaster, green hydrogen and scientific
and technological sectors.
On the other hand, the legislative session on the budget began
in the South Asian nation, in which the economic report was
presented with results that support the continued growth
of the country, despite global uncertainty and the US
tariff war.
According to the study, India estimates a growth of 7.4 percent
of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in fiscal year 2026, driven
by consumption and investment and a projection for fiscal
year 2027 of between 6.8% and 7.2% ..is also expected.
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Cuba denounces US move to
