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One Union



 


D'you Wanna know the Difference Between
Heaven and Hell? Well..... in one we trust
and put aside all lies.  W
hile down in
Hell .....nobody even tries..


 

Palestine Action ban ‘disturbing misuse’

 of UK terror law: UN rights chief

July 25th, 7:12pm

 (PressTV)

 

The UN human rights chief has sharply criticized Britain’s 

ban on the activist group Palestine Action, calling it --- a 

“disturbing” misuse of the UK’s counterterrorism laws 

and urging the government to reverse the decision. 

 

“The decision appears disproportionate and unnecessary,” 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, 

said in a statement on Friday.

 

The statement further stated the ban raised “serious concerns 

that counter-terrorism laws are being applied to conduct that 

is not terrorist in nature, and risks hindering the legitimate 

exercise of fundamental freedoms .........across the UK”.

 

“It limits the rights of many people involved with and supportive 

of Palestine Action who have not themselves, engaged in any 

underlying criminal activity but rather, exercised their rights 

to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly 

and association.”

 

The statement underscored that ''terrorist acts should be confined 

to criminal acts intended to cause death or serious injury or to 

the taking of hostages --- for the purpose of intimidating a 

population or to compel a government to take a certain 

action - or not.''

 

But the ban, among other things -- makes it a criminal offence to be 

a member of Palestine Action, to express support for the group or 

wear items of clothing that would arouse “reasonable suspicion” 

that the person is a member or supporter of the group, Turk 

pointed out.

 

The group, which takes direct action against Israeli weapons 

factories in the UK and their supply chain ---- was officially 

designated a “terrorist organization” earlier this month.

 

Under the new legislation, membership of or public support for 

the group is now a criminal offense in the UK, punishable by 

up to 14 years in prison.

 

Protesters in recent days have gathered at Parliament Square, 

defying a warning from the Metropolitan Police, who said: 

expressing support for the group “is a criminal offence.”

 

The UN rights office said the UK police have arrested at least 

200 people during protests, many of them peaceful, over the

 ban ....since it took effect.

 

The rights chief warned that the British government’s decision 

“also conflates protected expression and other conduct, with 

acts of terrorism - and so could readily lead to a further chilling

 effect on the lawful exercise of these rights - by many people”.

 

“I urge the UK government to rescind its decision to proscribe 

Palestine Action and to halt investigations and further 

proceedings against the protesters who have been 

arrested on the basis of this proscription,” 

Turk said.

 

The UN rights chief also called on the UK government to revise

 its counter-terrorism legislation ---- to bring it fully in line
with "international human rights norms and standards.”

 

Palestine Action has focused much of its campaign on Elbit 

Systems UK, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, which 

it accuses of manufacturing and supplying weapons to the

Israeli military -- amid the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza.

 

Reacting to the ban on the group, a spokesperson for Palestine 

Action said, “While the government is rushing through 

parliament absurd legislation to proscribe Palestine 

Action, the real terrorism is being committed

- in Gaza."













 


Moldovan decision to open only


two polling stations in Russia


is criticized --- as an offence


July 24th, 11:15am


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


Chisinau's plan to open only two voting centres in Russia 


for the parliamentary elections on September 28, is an 


offence --- to Moldovans, Russia's Foreign Ministry 


spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said today.


 


The Central Election Commission of Moldova announced 


that only two polling stations will be opened in Russia


for the next elections --- both in Moscow --- despite 


various estimates, of Moldovan citizens living in 


Russia .....at up to half a million.


 


In the 2024 presidential election, only two polling stations 


opened, causing long lines.... and many of those who 


wanted to vote, did not have the time to do so.


 


''For 250 thousand Moldovans in Italy --- the authorities plan to 


open 73 electoral centres, while for 350 thousand in Russia 


there will only be two centres. This is a spit in the face 


of the citizens of Moldova'', Zakharova said, at a 


press conference.


 


The spokesperson pointed out that for each electoral centre 


there are five thousand ballots, so in Russia ------ only
10 thousand Moldovan citizens will be able to vote.


 


''What the regime of the Moldovan president, Maia Sandu, does, is 


bandit arbitrariness. This turns parliamentary elections abroad 


literally into a political circus. There can be no talk of any 


justice in this case'', she stressed.


 


Zakharova also accused the current Moldovan government of


 trying to get rid of its competitors, after refusing to register 


the opposition bloc Pobeda (Victory!) in the elections.


 


''In addition, the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova,
has 
requested the Ministry of Justice of this country to
cease the activities of four parties, that are part of
this political bloc'', 
the spokesperson added.


 


She commented - that these actions are a copy of the Romanian 


scenario, where, according to Zakharova, alternative forces are 


banned or canceled. On July 19, the Moldovan Central Electoral 


Commission denied the opposition bloc Pobeda, its registration


- to participate in the parliamentary elections. The spokesman 


for that party, deputy Vasili Bolya, described the commission's 


decision as politically motivated.


 


The opposition filed a lawsuit against 


the electoral commission's ruling.








Image: Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader,German Chancellor --- Keeps on the Paranoid WAR trail






 

Germany announces ------- increased
cooperation
 between universities
and the army in Bavaria

July 27th, 10:48pm

(Izvestia.ru)

 

In Germany's Bavaria, universities are expanding their 

cooperation with the Bundeswehr on a large scale, 

following the adoption of a new law on military 

support measures. This was announced by 

the regional minister of science, 

Markus Blume, on July 26.

 

"Since the Bundeswehr support law - came into force, 26
new research projects with the Bundeswehr have been
launched - 
[there has been] an increase of almost two
times. In total, 
six of the 33 public universities are
cooperating with the 
Bundeswehr ------- mostly
the technical universities," the 
magazine
Der Spiegel quoted him as saying.

 

The official noted that research conducted as part of such projects

 focuses on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and 

drone technologies.

 

"Naive pacifism is a danger to Germany today.
We must 
be prepared for defense as well,"
Blume said.

 

According to him, the country needs a
"new technological 
potential" in the
field of military deterrence.


The Minister 
also called for expanding cooperation
between 
universities and the army - in other
regions 
of Germany.

 

Making Germany Great Again: Merz Decides to Turn

 the Bundeswehr into Europe's Most Powerful Army

 

The German Chancellor plans to reintroduce universal military 

service, although it is not included in the coalition agreement.

 

On July 14, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier 

advocated the return of universal military service in 

the country. He emphasized, that this should be 

achieved by increasing the appeal of the 

military to citizens. 

 

The President expressed doubts about the feasibility 

of increasing the size of the armed forces on a 

voluntary basis.

 

 

____________________________________________


 



The Missile Impasse: Europe ----- Fears Russia


Germany has refused to provide long-range 


missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces


July 25th, 3:40pm


(Pravda.ru)


 


Political scientist Rostislav Ishchenko revealed the reasons 


why Germany has temporarily postponed the decision to 


supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.


 


In a conversation... with the audience of the Military Affairs 


publication, he noted that, despite the belligerent rhetoric 


of the new chancellor and the threats against Moscow, 


Berlin unexpectedly suspended the discussion of 


this issue.


 


According to the expert, the main reason for the delay, is 


the lack of resources in Germany and the EU as a whole 


to wage a full-scale conflict with Russia.


 


He emphasized that the issue is not only the weak combat 


readiness of European armies, but also the EU's inability 


to produce military equipment and ammunition.. in the 


quantities necessary for a war. The political analyst 


added that it would be highly unwise to engage in


 a conflict with a nuclear superpower without 


having the ability ...to fully confront it, 


especially.. considering that the US


is unlikely to stand up for Europe 


in such a confrontation. 


 


Nevertheless, according to Ishchenko, the idea of preparing for 


a possible war with Russia in Europe remains relevant, and 


the countries in the region are actively preparing for it.


 



350/150TAURUS KEPD is a German-Swedish long-range air-to-


surface cruise missile designed for high-precision strikes and


 the destruction of highly protected and buried targets,


 including important point and extended objects, 


without the carrier aircraft entering the 


enemy's air defense zone.


 


 


 


______________________________




365 days of mosque ban
in Germany

July 25th, 9:07am 

by Dieter Reinisch

Press TV, Hamburg

 

A year ago, German police raided and banned 

several Shia mosques and Islamic centres. 

 

A public protest was held in front of the closed 

Imam Ali Mosque in Hamburg ------ to mark 

the first anniversary of the ban.


[Rhondda Records adds: the two ''gifts''
of capitalism --- unemployment
and racism.]



______________________________________________________




A scandal erupted in the German parliament 

over a swastika: a Nazi symbol appeared 

in an unexpected place

by Semyon Zimin

July 24th, 5:35pm

(Komsomolskaya Pravda)

 

TO SHARE

 

A scandal broke out in the parliament of the German federal

 state of Baden-Württemberg: an unknown deputy.. drew a 

swastika on one of the ballots submitted during a secret 

vote. This is reported by the German news agency DPA.

 

The incident took place in the plenary hall. The President of 

Parliament Muterem Aras said that it was impossible to 

determine who had left the forbidden symbol, so.. the 

perpetrator would not be punished. She emphasized

 that such actions - were unacceptable. During her 

speech, Aras looked towards the Alternative for

 Germany (AfD) faction. The AfD MP --- Miguel 

Klaus stated that his faction had nothing 

to do with the incident.

 

Earlier, Swiss police discovered a group of 25 tourists in

 the Bernese Alps - dressed in Nazi Germany uniforms.


 Information about the group was received on 

Friday, and on Saturday, police found the

 tourists.... above the Iffigenalp 

mountain terrace.

 

The tourists, who came from the US and several European 

countries, were hiking. They were camping overnight, 

and their clothing was marked with swastikas and 

other Nazi symbols. Law enforcement officials 

are investigating the incident.

 

 





Image: Macaroon's words and face in the open now































































































































Paris protesters denounce 

weaponization of hunger 

in Gaza

July 25th, 10:32am

 (PressTV)

 

Protesters have taken to the streets of Paris - denouncing the 

humanitarian blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip - 

where Palestinians --- are losing their lives to either military 

attacks or hunger caused by restrictions on basic supplies.

 

First of all, we feel sad. We also feel angry because

 of [the] inaction of our government here in France.

 

We feel angry because aid is being blocked while 

there is enough to feed the entire Gaza Strip. But 

in reality, food is expiring .. even being poisoned, 

as the Israelis are blocking it.

 

It's not just the Israeli cabinet blocking aid. The 

settlers are blocking it as well. And this is 

unacceptable.

 

It's unacceptable that the law does nothing, but - today,

 we can't rely on the law and the government anymore.

 We have to do it ourselves.

 

We have to keep fighting and resisting. 

The only solution is to resist.

 

Protester 01

 

Paris protesters denounce Israel’s 

weaponization of hunger in Gaza 

 

Paris protesters ----- have voiced anger at Israel, over the 

blockade on Gaza and its attacks on Palestinians there.

According to the UN, famine threatens hundreds of 

thousands of civilians in Gaza, particularly 

children; and heartbreaking images of 

malnutrition, circulate every day.

 

Humanitarian workers, citizens, and families are all calling

 for an end to the blockade ---- and urgent access to food 

and medical aid.

 

Israel’s weaponization of starvation in Gaza 

amounts to ‘war crime’: World Assembly 

of Islamic Awakening

 

The World Assembly of Islamic Awakening -- slams Israel’s 

use of starvation as a weapon of war against Palestinians 

in the Gaza Strip.

 

The gathering in Paris was once again marked by a heavy 

police presence ----- with several activists being arrested.

 

What I feel is sadness, really. We feel ...helpless. We see the 

situation and say to ourselves, that there's nothing we can

do. No one is helping them. Today we live in a crazy world.

 

We see it. They have no money, no food, nothing left. 

They're being bombed, and we can't do anything.

 

And now humanitarian aid is no longer getting in. And even for 

those who have a little bit of money, it's even worse now they 

can't buy anything. There's nothing left. We saw it earlier, a 

bag of flour, a kilo of flour, is $320 I mean, what kind of 

world are we in?

 

Where is the international community today? Where is it?

 

Protester 02

 


Gaza's hunger crisis at 'horrific level' 

 

Gaza's hunger crisis at 'horrific level', warns American doctor.

 

An American doctor in Gaza has warned that hunger has

 reached an "horrific" level in the Palestinian enclave.

 

Fair plea to the international community, as convoys 

remain blocked at the borders and the Gaza death 

toll keeps rising.

 

In Paris, the word hunger.. resonates as a weapon. 

And in the streets, people demand only one thing: 

that it stops.

 

UN staff and doctors fainting from hunger 

and exhaustion in Gaza: UNRWA chief 

 

UN staff and doctors fainting from 

hunger and exhaustion in Gaza: 

 

UNRWA says it received dozens of emergency 

messages from its staff ---- describing grave 

conditions and exhaustion, in Gaza.

 




________________________________________





Goerges Abdallah Finally Free 


after 40 Years behind Bars


July 25th, 8:51am


(al Manar)


 


The French authorities.... released Pro-Palestine Lebanese 


activist Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, who left his prison in 


France early on Friday - after over 40 years behind bars.


 


For his supporters, Abdallah’s release brings long-overdue 


justice as his return has symbolic weight in his country 


of origin.


 


“This moment isn’t about sentimentality --- it’s about the long 


wait, 40 years of it. It’s about resilience in the face of delays,


 appeals, discrimination. This is not a time for nostalgia, but 


rather a culmination of time and justice,” said his brother, 


Robert Abdallah.


 


Abdallah was convicted and sentenced to life in prison


 in 1987 for the alleged assassinations of US military 


attaché Charles Robert Ray and Israeli diplomat 


Yacov Barsimantov.


 


While he has always denied direct involvement, Abdallah never 


distanced himself from the resistance movement he 


co-founded, the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary 


Factions, a Marxist group aligned with 


Palestine and pan-Arab causes ---- 


that also sought to evict foreign 


occupiers from Lebanese soil.


 


Despite multiple court rulings over the years recommending his 


release, Abdallah remained in prison due to political pressure – 


particularly from the United States and the Zionist entity. He 


ultimately served four decades in France’s Lannemezan 


prison, steadfastly refusing to express remorse.


 


Although he completed the minimum sentence in 1999, 


he remained behind bars, multiple requests for parole


 having been denied.


 


Preparations to welcome him have been under way ever 


since, according to Catherine Daher, a journalist and 


activist for Lebanon’s National Campaign -------- to 


Free Georges Abdallah.


 


“We can say that preparations to welcome comrade Georges 


have been ongoing since 1999, when his sentence officially 


ended,” Daher said.


 


“Since then, we’ve faced repeated release orders – in 2003, 


2013 and 2024 – that were blocked for political reasons,”


 she said, making him ------- “the longest-held political 


prisoner in Europe”.


 


Now, at 74, Abdallah is preparing to return to his hometown 


of Qoubaiyat in northern Lebanon – not just as a free man 


resuming civilian life, but as a deeply symbolic figure.


 


 


Source: Agencies


 


 





























































































































Image: Dollar round-a-bout an illusion









 

Vucic said that Xi Jinping 

had promised to fulfill 

any of his requests.

July 26th, 10:15pm

(RT.ru)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Chinese 

President Xi Jinping --- had promised to fulfill any 

request made by the Serbian leader during 

the 80th anniversary of Victory over 

fascism in Moscow in May.

 

"Xi Jinping told me, although I don't like to ask for much, 

but he told me when we were in Moscow..., he told me,

 'Name what you want, you will get everything you 

ask,'" quoted Vucic, by RIA Novosti.

 

The Serbian leader added --- that
he was shocked 
and asked him
to open a factory.

 

Earlier, Vucic said that Serbia intends to 

cooperate with the United States.

 

In addition, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric,
said 
that Serbia is ready to help Ukraine.. in the 

reconstruction of two specific areas.

 

 

____________________________________________


 


 

Putin congratulated Russian 

sailors and marines on 

Navy Day

July 26th, 10:03pm

(RT.ru)

 

A video message in honour of Navy Day 

was published on the Kremlin's 

Telegram channel.

 

"Your strength of character --- and bravery, your knowledge 

and honesty, your straightforwardness and brotherhood, 

have been forged - in the harsh, dangerous conditions 

of naval service," the President said.

 

The President emphasized, that today, Russian sailors and 

marines serve as an example of valiant fulfillment of their 

military duty during the special military operation. More

than 50,000 sailors and officers have been awarded 

medals and orders. Additionally, 35 sailors have 

been awarded the title of Hero of Russia.

 

On July 25th, Putin congratulated the employees of 

investigative bodies on their professional holiday.

 

 

___________________________________________



Serbia has clarified its position 


--- on sanctions against Russia


by Marina Sovina (night editor)


July 25th, 9:18pm


(Lenta.ru)


 


Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia -- because it would


 be a despicable act. The position of the Republic on this issue 


was expressed by the party "Movement of Socialists", 


transmits "Sputnik Serbia".


 


The party has criticized the words of the Minister for European 


Integration Nemanja Starovic about the readiness to support 


anti-Russian sanctions for the sake of membership in the 


EU, emphasizing that Serbia has not participated and 


will not participate in “anti-Russian hysteria”.


 


"Serbia has not imposed sanctions on the Russian Federation -- not 


because we will do so when EU membership is on the horizon, but 


because the Serbs are not a nation of traitors and cowards who 


will sell out their mother, brothers, faith, and history," the 


Socialist Movement explained.


 


Earlier, Starovic said Serbia's readiness to fully support the EU 


sanctions against Russia when the EU membership for the 


country becomes obvious, that is, a few months before 


the accession. He specified that now Belgrade will 


not support the restrictions against Moscow -- 


because they "will not affect Russia in any 


way, and the Serbian economy ------
on a 
huge scale."


 


 


__________________________________



 Cuba revives Moncada's feat ------ from 

the perspective of the protagonists

July 25th, 11:50am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The commemoration in Cuba this Saturday of the Day of

 National Rebellion revives today from the vision of 

some protagonists, that feat of 1953 that led to

 the independence of the Caribbean country.

 

The historical leader of the Cuban Revolution once gave

 his opinion on the event: “The assault on #Moncada 

can be said to have constituted the first assault on 

one of the many fortresses - that would be taken

later. There were many Mancadas left to take”.

 

In this sense, the commander in chief also referred to the efforts 

of the Revolution such as the fight against illiteracy, ignorance,

 the underdevelopment  ---  and lack of human resources to 

develop the country --- “fortresses of Moncada” that the 

people did not hesitate --- to take the path --- to take 

them, he said on July 26, 1967.

 

For his part, his brother -- and current leader of the revolutionary 

process, Army General Raúl Castro, recalled on that same date 

in 2018, that “since July 26, 1953, Cuban revolutionaries have

 been forged in an incessant battle and we have come this far

 overcoming setbacks & overcoming aggressions of all kinds”.

 

The medium also takes up ideas issued by Haydée Santamaría, 

during the national commemorations for the date, in 1962, 

who said:

 

“And at that moment one can risk everything to preserve what really

 matters, which is the passion that brought us to Moncada, and that 

has its names, that has its gaze, who has his hands welcoming 

and strong, who has his truth in words...”

 

''And that he can be called Abel (Santamaría), Renato (Guitar), Boris 

(Luis Santa Coloma), Mario (Muñoz) or have any other name, but 

always at that moment and in what will follow it can be 

called Cuba'', he noted.

 

As the Heroine of Moncada described, “there is that other moment 

when neither torture, nor humiliation, nor threats can combat that 

passion that brought us to Moncada”.

 

The attempted surprise takeover of both fortresses was a military 

failure, but it motivated the revolutionary forces to structure 

themselves around an armed political movement that, on 

January 1, 1959, defeated the tyranny of Fulgencio

 Batista (1952-1958).

 

 

________________________________

 

 

 

Friendship between the armies of

 Nicaragua & China -- stands out 

July 25th,, 5am

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The Inspector General of the Nicaraguan Army, Colonel 

General Marvin Elías Corrales, highlighted the ties of 

friendship and cooperation that unite the armed 

forces of his country and China today.

 

During a ceremony greeting the 98th anniversary of the 

founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, 

which is officially celebrated on August 1, 

Corrales recalled that both forces were

 born from the popular struggle for 

national liberation.

 

“We wish the People's Liberation Army success in all missions 

and tasks for the benefit of its heroic people”, said the 

Nicaraguan high military chief, at the same time, 

he conveyed the greetings of Army General 

Julio César Avilés to Captain General 

Liu Zhenli.

 

In his speech, Corrales pointed out that China is a great nation, 

which is advancing by leaps and bounds in all areas and 

developing relations of peaceful coexistence, respect 

and mutual benefit, “leaving behind the policies of 

destruction, exploitation, aggression and 

blackmail by the powerful ---- on 

the weakest”.

 

For his part, the presidential advisor for investment and 

international cooperation issues, Laureano Ortega, 

conveyed his congratulations from co-presidents 

Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, describing

 the Chinese People's Liberation Army as 

glorious, and affirming - that it defends 

the peace, sovereignty and integrity 

of the people of the Asian giant.

 

Ortega highlighted the victory against Japanese aggression 

and Nazi-fascism in 1945, which commemorates its 80th 

anniversary this year, and he added that this fight was 

the main battlefield of the world anti-fascist war in 

the east, it was fundamental to the triumph in the 

Second World War against Western fascism led 

by Germany.

 

“An enormous sacrifice of the Chinese people, with millions of 

lives sacrificed for peace, justice and the good of the people 

of the world. Honour and glory to the Chinese heroes and 

martyrs who offered their lives for the freedom of their 

people - and humanity”, he said.

 

He alluded to the struggle of the Chinese people to regain the 

reins of their own destiny, consolidating themselves under 

the leadership of the Communist Party as a beacon of 

hope for the people of the world, who believe in 

socialism, social justice, self-determination, 

peaceful coexistence and shared benefit.

 

 

___________________________________

 

 


They remember the Costa Rican martyrs 

who fell in the defense of Nicaragua

July 25th, 10:57am

 (Prensa Latina)

 

 Costa Rica today commemorates the 42nd anniversary of

 the death in combat in Nicaragua of its internationalist 

fighters Yamileth López and José (Pepe) Romero, a 

statement from a local Bolivarian organization 

illuminates today.

 

“López was an internationalist, worker, trade unionist, poet, 

who fell in Las Segovias on July 25, 1983, and Pepe 

Romero was a communist militant worker, a 

shoemaker by profession, and she fell 

alongside Yamileth in the same fight, 

both integrated ---- into the Mora y 

Cañas” internationalist Brigade,

expresses the text of the 

Circular plaque bearing

 the heroine's name.

 

The institution remembers... “the courage, solidarity and 

internationalism materialized by both heroes to defend

 the Sandinista revolution, at a time when the US

 empire, through counterrevolution, invested 

money to bomb communities and murder 

the sons and daughters of (Augusto 

César) Sandino”.

 

“Examples of love for humanity – underlines the text 

forwarded to Prensa Latina - which history has to 

recognize, despite attempts to bury them --- by

 those who hate solidarity with just causes”.

 

“They were and are an example to follow, they will always 

be remembered --- and that is why they will never die”, 

highlights the Bolivarian Circle for Yamileth López 

about the two internationalist combatants, 

honoured this July 25, at an event in the 

Guadalupe cemetery in this capital.

 

 

 

____________________________________________



Zohran Mamdani secures
NYC mayoral bid...


faces backlash over Palestine position ---
from billionaire class, racists, Zionists
and evangelicals.




___________________________________________________





Panamanian president promotes 

electrical interconnection 

with Colombia

July 24th, 1:09pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino -- asserted 

today that the electrical interconnection project with 

Colombia is a bilateral priority -- and will benefit 

the region.

 

In his usual weekly press conference, the president 

reaffirmed that the opposition of the regional 

authorities of the Guna Yala ethnic group 

and demands for infrastructure... will 

not stop this work.

 

''We respect the regional autonomies, their internal 

processes, their consultation mechanism. But - I 

am not going to stop the interconnection with 

Colombia due to aspects -------- that involve 

requests such as the Agua Fría highway, 

for example'', he clarified.

 

He also announced that tomorrow, Friday, the Government 

Ministers, Dinoska Montalvo - and that of Public Works - 

José Luis Andrade -- accompanied by officials from the 

Rural Electrification Office will travel to that territory; 

regarding the Colombia–Panama Interconnection, a 

transmission system with a capacity to transport 

400 megawatts, which is emerging as one of the 

most relevant works for the energy integration 

of Latin America, combining strategic vision 

with social impact.

 

In another part of his conversation with the media, Mulino 

announced that he will travel to Japan in September to 

present a project to build a gas pipeline for the 

Panama Canal and another... for a port 

in the Pacific.

 

As he explained -- the Japanese nation is an important user 

of the gas that transits through the Canal and comes from

the US, so this project could be... of great interest.

 

In the opinion of other local authorities such as the Minister 

of Canal Affairs, José Ramón Icaza, the gas pipeline could 

meet the demand of the LGP segment, which is expected 

to continue growing at least until 2045 and currently 

represents about 1,350 ship transits per year, via 

the interoceanic waterway.

 

On his four-day visit to Tokyo, Mulino will attend the Osaka 

Fair; and it will be a point of great commercial exchange 

and a great opportunity, he added.

 

To questions from communicators on other topics, the head 

of state denied that the central government has any 

relationship with an alleged removal of the Chinese 

community monument at the Las Américas bridge 

viewpoint and is also not related to the Beijng-

Washington conflict.

 

For the president, to say that this alleged removal is linked 

to the questioning of President Donald Trump's regime

 with the alleged influence of the Asian country in 

Panama is ------ “pulling the noose too much”

 (an exaggeration).

 

According to Mulino, it is ridiculous to think that this issue 

is related and he took the opportunity to emphasize that 

Panama's main trading partner ....is the United States.

 

The president reiterated that Panama is not “pulled” by

 the conflict between the United States and China, “to 

a problem between two giants that does not concern 

us and I have told that to the authorities who have 

passed through here”, he remarked.

 

He also stressed that the decision corresponds to the mayor 

of Arraiján but that he had no objection to a monument to 

the Chinese community of Panama being at the Puente 

de Las Américas viewpoint, a tourist and attraction 

point site, where you can take photographs of the 

area, especially ....the entrance to the Canal.

 

 

 

______________________________________________




The hunt is on ---- for Zelensky: the former
comedian 
is being pushed off the throne
--- in three stages

by Semyon Zimin

July 24th, 12:58pm

(Komsomolskaya Pravda)

 

TO SHARE

 

The power of the head of the Kiev regime Vladimir Zelensky 

is under threat. According to the Ukrainian publication 

Strana, a plan for his overthrow has been developed, 

which includes three stages.

 

The beginning of the crisis --- was Zelensky's decision to concede 

to the protesters. They opposed restrictions on the work of anti 

— corruption bodies-NABU and SAPO. Instead of calming the 

situation, he only increased the discontent. Sources of the 

publication said that Zelensky showed weakness, and 

now his positions --- will be attacked.

 

The plan is backed by Zelensky's long-time opponents, including 

former President Petro Poroshenko* and pro-Western activists 

known as "grant-eaters." They may be joined.... by oligarchs 

and businessmen who are dissatisfied with the president's 

actions, as well as citizens who are outraged by the 

actions of the TSK officers. If the military joins 

the protests, Zelensky's position... will 

become critical.

 

According to sources, the plan to remove Zelensky consists of 

three steps. First, he will be forced to fully restore the NABU's 

authority. Then, the resignations of key figures from his inner 

circle, such as Andriy Yermak and Yulia Svyrydenko, will be 

demanded. Finally, Zelensky will be offered the choice of 

either remaining a figurehead ....or stepping down.

 

 

_____________________________________________
 


 


 


Scots to Join Mass Protests 


-------- Over Trump’s ''Visit''


July 24th, 10:45 am


(teleSUR)


 


Global Justice Now condemns his attempts 


to ‘impose the interests of economic elites.’


 


On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to Scotland 


for a four-day visit -- focused on his golf resorts in Turnberry 


and Menie. His trip, has triggered a major police operation, 


a wave of criticism and protests planned in several cities.


 


Although Trump is set to make a formal state visit to the UK 


in September, he will use this personal trip to meet with


 British PM Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister 


John Swinney.


 


The meeting with Starmer will take place Monday in the 


Aberdeen area, near Trump’s Menie estate, located 


about 10 miles to the north, where he plans to 


inaugurate a new golf course.


 


Downing Street said the meeting will address the bilateral 


tariff agreement signed by the two countries, noting that 


several aspects of the deal remain to be finalized.


 


Swinney defended his decision to meet with the president, 


likely to take place at the Menie estate, saying it is “in


 Scotland’s interest,” citing Gaza, Ukraine and 


whisky tariffs -- as key issues.


 


Large-Scale Police Operation


 


Scottish police have activated one of their most complex 


operations since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022. 


Thousands of officers, including reinforcements 


from other parts of the United Kingdom, will 


work in coordination with the U.S. 


Secret Service.


 


“We cannot provide numbers, but it will be a significant 


deployment,” said Chief of Operations, Emma Bond


 in Glasgow.


 


The Scottish Police Federation has warned of potential legal 


action over alleged shift abuses, noting that some officers 


will be working ....up to 10 consecutive days.


 


On Saturday, mass protests ---- are expected in Aberdeen, 


Edinburgh and Dumfries --- organized by The Stop Trump 


Coalition, which brings together unions, climate groups, 


and human rights groups. 


 


“Trump does not represent Scotland’s 


values,” said Alena Ivanova, an 


activist with one group.


 


Liz Murray, an activist with Global Justice Now, condemned 


the president’s attempts to “impose the interests of the


economic elites.” 


 


The demonstrations will include speeches, and music. 


 


Environmental Controversy and Political Opposition


 


The Scottish Green Party has strongly criticized Trump’s visit 


and is calling on the Scottish Government to declare him a 


“persona non grata,” reminding authorities - that the U.S.


 president was convicted in 2023 of falsifying business 


records and faces dozens of sexual assault lawsuits.


 


Environmental activists - have also called for the reactivation of 


an “unexplained wealth order” to investigate Trump’s finances


 in Scotland, particularly those connected to his Menie and 


Turnberry golf properties.


 


During Trump’s previous visit to Scotland in 2018, there 


were massive demonstrations and symbolic actions 


in major Scottish cities.


 


In March, at the Turnberry course he bought in 2014 for US$60 


million, the group Palestine Action painted slogans on the 


grass opposing U.S. policy in Gaza. In April, Greenpeace 


unfurled a giant portrait of the president on the beach 


with the message “Time to Resist.”


 


Police have warned that showing support for Palestine Action


— an organization banned by the British regime — could lead 


to arrests ...under anti-terrorism laws.


 


Trump has repeatedly emphasized his personal ties to Scotland: 


his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis 


in the Outer Hebrides and emigrated to the U.S. at age 18. 


“Scotland is a core part of my identity,” he has said.


 


However, his relationship with the local community has been tense 


since he announced the construction of a golf course in 2006 in a 


protected dune area. Environmental concerns and disputes with 


residents have fueled controversy, and his presence continues


------ to provoke opposition.


 


 


___________________________________________________


 


 


 


Saudi Arabia announces multimillion-


dollar investments ------- in Syria 


July 24th, 7:37am


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


Syria and Saudi Arabia signed today, in this capital -- 


--- 47 memorandums of understanding that provide


for joint investments worth 24 billion Saudi riyals, 


equivalent to 6,,400,000,000 US dollars.


 


The announcement took place during a binational 


economic forum held in Damascus ---- with the 


participation of a high-level Saudi delegation 


led by the Kingdom's Investment Minister, 


Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih.


 


The agreements cover strategic areas such as industry,


 energy, infrastructure, real estate development and


 financial technologies, in a sign of the growing 


rapprochement between both Arab nations 


after years of distancing.


 


Among the commitments reached.... the construction of 


at least 3 cement plants stands out ------ as well as the 


signing of agreements worth 4 billion riyals between 


the Syrian Ministry of Telecommunications and 


recognized Saudi companies in the sector, 


including STC and Elm.


 


Likewise, an agreement estimated at one billion riyals


 (around 200 million dollars) was signed --- for the 


development of a residential and commercial 


complex in the city of Homs, in the centre 


of the Levantine country.


 


Another relevant initiative includes a memorandum of 


understanding between the stock exchanges of 


Saudi Arabia and Damascus, in addition to 


agreements in the financial and data 


processing sectors with the Saudi 


group Tadawul.


 


During his speech, the Saudi head of Investments 


highlighted the participation of 20 government 


entities of the Kingdom and more than 100 


private companies in the event - and he 


assured that more than 500 business


men expressed their willingness, to 


be part of economic projects on 


Syrian soil.


 


“The Kingdom aspires to become Syria's main economic


 partner ---- in this new stage of reconstruction and 


development”, Al-Falih stressed, who specified 


that the agreements will come into force in 


the immediate future.


 


For his part ---- the Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, 


Nidal Al-Shaar, described the visit of the Saudi delegation 


as a “very important moment”, and he ratified the firm 


commitment of the Government of Damascus ---- to 


promoting this bilateral cooperation.


 


The president of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of 


Commerce, Alaa Al-Ali, spoke in the same vein, who 


considered that the signed agreements represent 


a significant step towards a strategic economic 


alliance with Saudi Arabia, and will contribute 


decisively to the sustainable development 


of the country.


 






__________________________________







Ukraine -- is on its second day of protests 

against Zelensky's law attacking NABU

by Alexey Rybin

July 23rd, 6:08pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

Ukrainians are - once again - gathering to protest against

a law restricting the rights of anti-corruption agencies. 

This was reported by the newspaper Strana.ua.

 

In Kyiv, protesters have - once again - gathered near the 

Franko Theatre. The protest is scheduled for 6pm BMT.

 

A rally also began in Lviv.

 

Ukrainians are protesting against a law that restricts the 

rights of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau - and the 

Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office - for 

the second day in a row. They are demanding the 

repeal of the law, the resignation of Zelensky's 

chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and claiming 

that the decision against the NABU ---- 

"betrays the ideals of the Maidan."

 

At the same time, Zelensky, himself, has already stated, that 

he will submit a new bill to the Verkhovna Rada ----- that will 

“strengthen the independence” of anti-corruption agencies.

 

 

 

____________________________________________

 

 

 

Firsov, Commander of the Armed Forces 

of Ukraine --- Zelensky Threatened 

Opponents of the NABU Law

with being sent to the Front

by Alexey Rybin

July 23rd, 5:37pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

Vladimir Zelensky -- threatened to send protesters against 

the law restricting the rights of anti-corruption agencies 

to the front. 

 

This was stated by Yegor Firsov, a former member of the 

Verkhovna Rada and commander of the UAV unit in the 

Armed Forces of Ukraine, in an interview with the 

Financial Times newspaper.

 

According to the military officer, Zelensky claimed that 

the people who could stop his office and the Rada - 

were already on the front lines.

 

"Those who come out to protest ------ will be sent 

there soon," Firsov quoted Zelensky as saying.

 

The military officer lamented that the decision of the Kiev 

authorities --- to limit the rights of the National Anti-

Corruption Bureau could have a negative impact 

on the morale of Ukrainian soldiers. 

 

Firsov believes that his fellow soldiers may 

decide to "f*ck it all" ....and stop resisting.

 

The law against NABU, has already sparked mass protests 

in Kyiv and other major cities in Ukraine, including Lviv. 

 

In the Ukrainian capital, for example, Mayor 

Vitali Klitschko ---- took part in the rally.

 

The decision of the Ukrainian authorities was also criticized

in the West. The French Foreign Ministry, for example -- said 

that Zelensky's law does not correspond to the "trajectory

 of Ukraine's accession" to the EU. And... the head of the 

EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, demanded an 

''explanation'' from the head of the Kiev regime.

 


 

_______________________________________________





Pinochet's heirs ------- must return 


16 million dollars to the treasury


July 23rd, 3:19pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The seventh civil court of Santiago today ordered the heirs 


of Augusto Pinochet, to return to the treasury more than 


16 million dollars stolen by the former Chilean dictator 


from public funds.


 


The court's resolution indicates that due to Pinochet's death 


it was not possible to make his criminal responsibility 


effective, but it is proven that he incurred the 


misappropriation of funds.


 


According to estimates, the unjustified income of the former 


head of the regime that prevailed in Chile between 1973


 and 1990 amounts to at least 17 million dollars, which


 were taken from the Presidency, from the Military 


House and the Army Command.


 


The court accepted the demand of the State Defense Council 


(CDE) to recover the money from which Pinochet's relatives 


unjustly benefited.


 


The list of heirs includes the deceased wife of the former 


dictator, Lucía Hiriart, and 15 other people who are part 


of his descendants.


 


“The lawsuit for the benefit of the fraud of others that justice 


currently accepts is part of a set of actions carried out by 


the State Defense Council ---- to repair the exorbitant 


damage ---- caused by the embezzlement of funds 


committed by Pinochet and his collaborators”.


 


This was expressed by the president of the CDE,


Raúl Letelier, after the court's resolution.


 


The ruling can still be appealed
by Pinochet's heirs.


 


 


_______________________________________________________







A strange paradox: Europe spends more 

on Russia ---- than on helping Ukraine

July 23rd, 2:39pm

(Pravda.ru)

 

The EU has, once again, reminded us that it will stop

 purchasing energy resources from Russia by 2027.

 

However, strict reporting on this
issue..... is no longer required. 


In 2024, Europe spent more on gas and oil from Russia 

than on aid to Ukraine, at 21.9 billion euros --- 

compared to 18.7 billion.

 

Of the 297.9 billion cubic metres of gas purchased by the EU 

for the year, 54.45 billion came from Russian supplies, which 

is ---- 21% more than in 2023. Russia's share in the market 

increased from 14.2% to 18.3%. The EU Commissioner 

for Energy, Dan Jorgensen, noted that supporting 

Kyiv --- was more cost-effective.

 

Despite official statements about stopping purchases, EU 

countries continue to increase their imports, especially 

through pipeline supplies from Russia. In particular, 

Hungary, Greece, and Slovakia have become 

leaders in these purchases.

 

There is also a high demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG):

in 2024.... Europe bought a record 16 billion cubic metres. 

Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, have become the 

main buyers, with some of the LNG supplied to France 

....going to Germany, which has - officially rejected 

Russian hydrocarbons.

 

Nevertheless, the European Commission's position, remains 

unchanged: a complete ban on trade with Moscow by 2027. 

 

However, the new version of the regulation includes a clause 

stating that public disclosure is no longer required in these 

matters, and information...... will be considered as

''industrial confidentiality''.

 

Thus, despite the declared goals, some EU countries cannot 

immediately stop their purchases, as their economies are 

heavily dependent on Russian energy resources. This 

leads to "shadow" deals and tricks, according to 

RIA Novosti.




 

__________________________________________________






US withdrawal from UNESCO --- 

not behaviour of ‘responsible 

country’: Beijing

July 23rd, 10:53am

 (PressTV)

 

Beijing has criticized the US withdrawal from UNESCO as 

inconsistent with a responsible world power’s behaviour, 

while reaffirming China’s commitment ---- to continuing 

support for the agency’s mission.

 

Addressing a daily news briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign 

Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun noted that UNESCO and many 

countries have expressed regret over Washington’s decision.

 

“This - is not the action that a responsible major country 

should take,” Guo said, adding that “China has always

 firmly supported the work of UNESCO.”

 

The United States said on Tuesday it would quit UNESCO, best 

known for establishing world heritage sites, claiming it was 

biased against Israel and promoted “divisive” causes.

 

“President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States 

from UNESCO, which supports woke, divisive cultural and 

social causes that are totally out of step with the 

commonsense policies that Americans voted 

for in November,” White House Deputy 

Press Secretary Anna Kelly said.

 

Guo further told reporters that “This is already the third time 

that the US has withdrawn from UNESCO, and it has long 

been in arrears with its membership fees.”

 

The US withdrew from UNESCO during Trump’s first term 

but rejoined under former US President Joe Biden.

 

Trump withdraws US from UNESCO
over Palestine’s admission

 

The Trump administration decided to pull 

out from UNESCO -- for the second time.

 

Trump’s US withdrawal from UNESCO ---- which went
into effect
 in late 2018, came 7 years after Obama's
administration suspended funding to UNESCO after
the Palestinians were 
admitted as a member,
claiming... that the agency 
promoted an
“anti-Israeli policy.”

 

The US had also withdrawn from UNESCO under the Reagan 

administration in 1984.. because it viewed the agency as 

“mismanaged and corrupt.” The US rejoined in 2003, 

before leaving again, under Trump.

 

This latest withdrawal will take effect in December 2026.

 

“We call on all countries - to reaffirm their commitment to 

multilateralism and take concrete actions to support the 

international system with the UN at its core,” Guo added.

 

Washington has persistently tried to block and challenge 

cultural efforts by other UNESCO members based on its 

own worldview and self-serving interests. It has also 

used its influence to represent and defend ---- the 

openly racist policies of the Israeli regime.

 

Since taking office, Trump has signaled plans to withdraw 

the US from key international institutions —— the World 

Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement

—— while imposing aggressive trade tariffs on both 

allies and adversaries.




 

____________________________________




Lavrov called Europe: part of 

the "international outrage" 

against Russia

July 22nd, 3:29pm

(DAN)

 

 European countries are taking a fierce stance against Russia, 

and they are part of the "international outrage." This is how 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the 

current relations between Russia and Europe.

 

"Now that Europe is enraged, it's almost a pun: they are now part 

of the 'international outrage' against the Russian Federation. 

They are 'inciting' their people, using Goebbels-style 

propaganda, to convince them that Russia is an 

eternal enemy and an existential threat, and 

that Russia is about to attack Europe," 

Lavrov said.

 

The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized, that this policy 

of the European leaders - is aimed at hiding social and 

economic problems - and focusing on militarization

 to protect against the “Russian threat.”

 

"This is sad. We should not forget the lessons of history, but

they are clearly poorly learned by the current generation 

of Germans, French, and representatives of other 

European countries," Lavrov added.

 

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the state 

intends to reduce military spending in the next three years, 

unlike NATO countries, which have agreed to increase it 

....due to the myth of a Russian attack. 

 

The Ministry of Finance will balance spending between 

the special military operation, the economy, and 

social support.




 

________________________________________________





China -- has surpassed the EU 


in developing new medicines


by Oleg Artyukov


July 22nd, 1:20pm


(Pravda.ru)


 


Economy


 


China is rapidly strengthening its position in the global 


pharmaceutical market ------ by actively developing 


innovative drugs, including cancer medications 


and weight-loss products.


 


Medicines


 


According to Bloomberg, the number of new Chinese medicines


in the development stage ---- has exceeded 1,250. This means 


that China has surpassed the EU and is approaching the US, 


where there are approximately 1,440 such medicines.


 


These figures indicate significant progress in China's 


biotechnology industry and the country's ambition 


to become a global leader in healthcare.


 


The growth of activity in China's pharmaceutical sector ---- is 


becoming a new arena for global technological competition, 


along with artificial intelligence, and the production of 


electric vehicles.


 


US and European regulatory agencies --- such as the U.S. 


Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European 


Medicines Agency (EMA), are increasingly granting 


accelerated review status to Chinese drugs.


 


In 2024, 33 such drugs received similar approval, indicating an 


increase in trust in the quality and innovation of Chinese 


products. In comparison, this figure was significantly 


lower in previous years....  reflecting a notable 


transformation in the perception of Chinese 


developments in the West.


 


China's most notable achievements are in the development of new


 therapies, particularly in the field of oncology. A notable example


is the cell therapy for blood cancer developed by Legend Biotech


 Corp., which is being marketed internationally, in partnership 


with Johnson & Johnson.


 


Another significant project is the Ivonescimab drug, developed by 


Akeso and Summit, which demonstrated higher efficacy in 2024 


clinical trials compared to Merck's global bestseller Keytruda, 


reducing the risk of disease progression or death - by 49%.


 


Keytruda, which generated \$29.5 billion for Merck in 2024, 


remains the best-selling cancer drug in the world, 


highlighting the challenge posed by 


Chinese alternatives.


 


The growing number of deals and investments by global 


pharmaceutical giants --- confirms their interest in 


Chinese innovations.


 


For example, Pfizer has entered into a \$1.2 billion 


pre-approval agreement with 3SBio Inc. for a 


promising cancer drug similar to Akeso's.


 


Other major players, including Merck, AstraZeneca, and Roche,


 have adopted a similar strategy by actively acquiring Chinese 


assets and licenses in order to gain access to China's 


growing pool of pharmaceutical technologies.


 


This trend -------- indicates a profound transformation of the
pharmaceutical market: China is no longer just a generic
manufacturing hub, but a full-fledged innovation centre


 with ambitions .....to reshape the global industry.


 


Chinese companies are focused on creating competitive 


alternatives to the world's most profitable drugs,


 including Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, a popular


 treatment for diabetes and obesity.


 


While such efforts were previously seen as a catch-up strategy, 


China is now showing signs of becoming a leader, combining 


strong government support, a high-tech base, and strategic 


partnerships with international corporations.


 


As a result, China's biopharmaceutical sector is experiencing 


significant growth, becoming a strategic tool for global 


technological competition.


 


The successful promotion of Chinese developments 


in international markets not only strengthens the 


country's position in the healthcare sector, but 


also creates new geoeconomic balances in 


knowledge-intensive industries.


 






___________________________________




Zelensky Destroys Independence 

of Anti-Corruption Bodies

July 22nd, 12:05pm

(teleSUR)

 

By strengthening his control over institutions, the 

Ukrainian president will avoid corruption checks.

 

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian ''parliament'' passed a law 

criticized for undermining the independence of the

 National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.....

 (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption 

Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).

 

Several nongovernmental organizations have voiced 

concerns, linking the legislation --- to efforts by

 President Volodymyr Zelensky....... to 

consolidate power.

 

The new law allows the activities of NABU and SAP 

to be ''overseen'' by the Prosecutor General — an 

official appointed by Zelensky, raising alarm 

among civil society groups ...and 

international partners.

 

Mass Raids on the Eve of the Vote

 

On Monday, the day before the law was passed, Ukraine’s 

Security Service (SBU) conducted dozens of raids 

targeting NABU employees ------ arresting two 

detectives on allegations of collaborating

 with Russia. 

 

The official explanation for the operation has failed to 

convince leading civil society voices - and Kyiv’s 

international allies, many of whom ----- have 

expressed concern over the SBU actions.

 

“‘Reality show’ in Ukraine: overnight drone and missile 

attacks from Russia. Early morning: Bankova --- [the 

presidential office] --- attacks NABU. Reportedly, 

the SBU is conducting a ‘special operation to 

hunt Russian agents,’” said Daria Kaleniuk, 

director of the Anti-Corruption 

Action Centre.

 

Kaleniuk connected the crackdown on NABU to the recent 

prosecution of her colleague, Vitalii Shabunin, who has 

been targeted by the prosecutor’s office and the State 

Bureau of Investigation for alleged violations of his 

military duties — accusations the activist and 

dozens of Ukrainian NGOs view, as a pretext 

---- to punish him for criticizing Zelensky.

 

“We’ve been warning about this: the baseless attacks on Vitalii 

Shabunin were just the beginning. What’s next? Attempts to 

dismantle NABU and SAP —— the only institutions capable 

of investigating Zelenskyy’s inner circle for corruption,”

 Kaleniuk added.

 

The Trump Factor

 

Criticism of Zelensky’s backsliding on democratic reform is 

also tied..... to the evolution of his relationship with U.S. 

President Donald Trump, who has shown increased 

openness to Kyiv’s messaging.

 

“Zelensky has gained some favour with Trump, who values 

strongman leaders and is not concerned with priorities 

once championed by Democrats ----- such as the 

democratic renewal of their international 

partners,” a European diplomat 

stationed in Ukraine said.

 

Under the previous Democratic administration, institutions 

like NABU and NGOs such as those led by Kaleniuk and 

Shabunin had Washington’s backing - as a safeguard

 against potential retaliation by Kyiv's authorities.

 

However, the Trump White House, eliminated many programs 

that had supported anti-corruption and rule-of-law initiatives

 in countries like Ukraine - and has shown little interest in 

defending democratic standards thousands of miles 

away from the US.

 

G7 Condemnation

 

“The G7 is closely following developments at NABU --- including 

the investigation of several of its employees for alleged crimes. 

We have met with NABU, are seriously concerned, and intend 

to raise these matters with government leaders,” the G7 

ambassadors said in a joint statement posted to their 

shared X account .......used to monitor Ukraine’s

 reform process.

 

“It is more important than ever to safeguard the progress of 

reforms in order to maintain the support needed to prevail 

against the enemy,” said the EU Ambassador to Ukraine 

Katarina Mathernova.

 




_________________________________________

 



 


Peskov: Disagreements over Ukraine 


Should not Ruin Moscow's Relations 


with Baku


July 22nd, 11:09am


(Vesti.ru)


 


Disagreements over the Ukrainian conflict should not destroy


 the mutually beneficial relations between Russia and 


Azerbaijan, Russia's President's Press Secretary 


Dmitry Peskov told reporters.


 


He noted that, since the beginning of the special military 


operation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has taken 


a position that Russia does not agree with.


 


"At the same time, we hope that these disagreements will not 


be an obstacle to us going through a brief period of cooling 


in our bilateral relations. We do not want to sacrifice our 


mutual and mutually beneficial interests, for the sake 


of the current situation," Peskov concluded.


 


Earlier, Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and Azerbaijan mutually 


beneficially cooperate based on mutual respect. In this regard, 


Moscow hopes that the difficult period in relations with Baku 


will pass.


 






_________________________________________






 Lula remembers the coup d'état in

Chile -- at the democracy summit

July 21st, 3:09pm

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

When participating today... in a summit on democracy, the

Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - highlighted

the symbolism of holding this meeting in Chile, a country 

that suffered one of the bloodiest attacks in history.

 

At the high-level meeting, Lula alluded to the 1973 coup 

d'état against the government of Salvador Allende and 

the bombing of the La Moneda Palace.

 

“Our countries know closely the horrors of the dictatorships 

that killed, persecuted and tortured”, the president said in a

 statement to the press, where the presidents of Chile were 

also present, Colombia and Uruguay, and the head of the 

Spanish government.

 

In the opinion of the dignitary, countries currently face an 

undemocratic offensive -- and it is a permanent task to 

ensure collective interests.

 

“Liberal democracy has not been able to respond to 

our contemporary desires and needs”, he stated.

 

Lula warned that carrying out the electoral ritual every four 

or five years is no longer enough, the political system and

 the parties have fallen into discredit and for that reason

 --- it is necessary to strengthen institutions and multi-

lateralism --- in the face of the successive attacks 

they have been suffering.

 

He reported that the meeting addressed the urgency of fighting

 against all forms of inequality and moving towards tax justice

 to once again put the economy at the service of the people.

 

“There is no justice in a system that expands benefits for big 

capital and cuts social rights”, he declared, recalling -- that 

there are 733 million people who go hungry every day.

 

“The super-rich must take their part in this effort. Only the fight 

against social inequalities of race and gender, can rescue the 

cohesion and legitimacy of democracies”, he stated.

 

Another issue addressed was the need to regulate digital 

platforms and combat misinformation - to give the State 

back the ability to protect its citizens.

 

“Freedom of expression cannot be confused with authorization 

to incite violence, spread hatred, commit crimes and attack 

the democratic rule of law”, he said.

 

Lula called to work together at a time when extremism

 is trying to reissue interventionist practices.

 

Defending democracy does not correspond only to governments, 

it requires the active participation of academia, parliaments, 

civil society, the media and the private sector, he stressed.

 

The agenda of the high-level meeting ---- includes 

meetings with intellectuals and representatives

of workers' social organizations.

 

 

______________________________________

 

 


Peru: Withdrawal of limits on gifts 

to the President ------- generates 

a stink and controversy

July 21st, 2:47pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

A minor, discreetly approved rule that eliminates 

virtually all limits on the gifts that Peruvian 

President Dina Boluarte can receive, 

today motivated a controversy in 

which this was classified ---- 

as illegal.

 

The board of directors of the administrative and legal 

team of the Presidency of the Republic, ''authorizes'' 

receiving gifts, donations and attention - including 

of international origin, without limit of value
-- or 
any other limitations.

 

The case was revealed by the Cuarto Poder television 

space, which found the rule on the Presidency's web

site and after the revelation the Minister of Justice, 

Juan Alcántara, came to its defense, while former 

anti-corruption attorney, Antonio Maldonado ---- 

said that the rule is illegal and inapplicable.

 

According to the minister, the norm aims to regulate an 

existing practice and does not represent an ethical 

conflict and, in no way - allows “compromising 

situations for the independence of any 

public official”.

 

He mentioned that he refers to gifts such as typical 

objects of the country from a diplomat and from 

peasant delegations.. that dress a president, 

although the approved directive - as noted 

by the local press, does not record limits 

of value or any other characteristics of 

the present.

 

Former attorney Maldonado, for his part, said that the 

directive is illegal and regressive ---- and contradicts
the 
high restrictions established by anti-corruption 

legislation since 2003 --- including specific laws

 that restrict gifts to rulers and officials...

 as much as possible.

 

The administrative rule, he added, violates the

 International Code of Conduct for Holders of 

Public Offices approved by the United 

Nations and, in short, “lacks any 

legal value” and should not 

be applied.

 

The approved directive, he added --- consolidates 

privileges ..and “responds to a way of governing 

based on the private benefit of public service”, 

about which, he recalled the scandal of 

President Boluarte's possession..... of 

luxury watches -- and other valuable

 jewelry - that she had not included

 in her asset declaration.

 

In that case, the Public Ministry presented an accusation 

of alleged embezzlement ------ and other charges ------ for 

consideration by Congress - to authorize it to deepen

the investigations, but the Legislature ------- which

maintains a tacit agreement of ''coexistence''

 with the President.. ''filed'' the accusations.

 

On the other hand, the Peruvian Money Laundering Prosecutor's 

Office opened an investigation into the president, Ms Dina 

Boluarte, for the alleged crime, of prohibited financing 

of political organizations.

 

The alleged illegal contribution of 150 thousand soles was given

 to her by a businessman, for the June 2021 presidential runoff, 

won by Pedro Castillo, who was illegally imprisoned and 

dismissed, in 2022 ------ after dissolving the corrupt 

Parliament, when Boluarte ---- as vice president, 

having assumed the position of head of state, 

by succession ---- despite having promised 

to resign ---- stayed in office until today.

 

 

________________________________________________

 




Aliyev openly supported Kiev and
accepted the 
Ukrainian Armed
Forces' chevron. How did 
Russia react to this?

by Alexander Karpov

July 21st, 1:35pm

(Gazeta.ru)

 

Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, said 

that relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are going through

 a difficult period. This statement was made in response to 

Ilham Aliyev's remarks about -- the "inadmissibility of the 

occupation" of Ukraine by Russians, as well as threats

 from the court in the case of the crashed AZAL plane. 

 

The day before, the president of Azerbaijan received a Ukrainian 

Armed Forces chevron as a gift and recommended that Kiev use 

Baku's experience in returning Karabakh through military 

means. Gazeta.ru provides an overview of the new 

tensions between Baku and Moscow.

 

Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, are going through a 

difficult period. This was stated by the press secretary of the 

President of the RF Dmitry Peskov against the background 

of statements by the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev 

in support of Kiev and its Armed Forces, as well as a 

possible trial in the case of the crashed AZAL plane.

 

According to Peskov, Russia hopes that this “difficult period” 

will end, as the two countries have a “solid foundation” for 

their relations.

 

"There is a coincidence of interests between the two countries, 

and there is mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual 

respect, but sometimes there are difficult periods in the 

relations between the two countries. This, is one of 

those periods. We hope that this period will pass,"

the Kremlin spokesman said.

 

The Russian president's press secretary added that "it is very 

important for us that Russians are respected in Azerbaijan." 

Peskov also said that only those members of the 

Azerbaijani diaspora who "break the law" are 

being persecuted in Russia.

 

Aliyev is on the side of Ukraine

 

Earlier, the newspaper Kommersant reported that, amid the 

escalating conflict between Russia and Azerbaijan, Ilham 

Aliyev openly supported Ukraine for the first time, using 

the word "occupation" in the context of Russia's 

special military operation.

 

The president made this statement at the III Shushi Global 

Media Forum, which opened on July 20th in Khankendi 

(formerly Stepanakert). He advised the Ukrainians..

 to "never give up and never accept the violation 

of their territorial integrity."

 

"Ukraine should not agree to occupation. I think this is in line 

with the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, who are not 

ready to accept occupation. This -- is the main advice. 

And this is what we have done," Aliyev said, citing 

the example of Azerbaijan, which achieved the 

annexation of Karabakh ------- through 

military means.

 

On the sidelines of the forum, Ukrainian journalist Olena 

Kurbanova presented Aliyev with a collection of 

Ukrainian Armed Forces' sleeve patches, to 

which, the Azerbaijani president thanked 

her and said: "Keep up the good work."

 

Aliyev also said that Baku will no longer wait for Moscow to 

release the results of the investigation into the AZAL plane 

crash, and will file a lawsuit against Russia in 

international courts.

 

"We are currently preparing, and we have already informed 

the Russian side that we are preparing a dossier to be 

submitted to international judicial authorities on 

this matter," he said.

 

Ilham Aliyev added that Azerbaijan's demands are "absolutely 

natural" and include "punishing those who shot down our 

plane, compensating the families of the victims, the 

injured, and AZAL Airlines for the loss of the plane."

 

How did they react in Russia?

 

Russian war correspondents and military bloggers reacted sharply 

to Aliyev's words. In particular, Yuri Podolyaka thanked Aliyev for

 his clear stance on his Telegram channel and said that the 

Ministry of Internal Affairs and possibly the Ministry of 

Defense, should now be working on the Azerbaijani 

front instead of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

 

Podolyaka noted that Aliyev's statements

 "indicated -------- a clear escalation."

 

"It's time for our Foreign Ministry to step aside in this matter 

and give the cards to our Ministry of Internal Affairs. And 

then, if necessary, to the Ministry of Defense,"

 the expert wrote.

 

In turn, the famous war correspondent Semyon Pegov wrote 

on his Telegram channel WarGonzo that "we need to start 

doing something about this."

 

"Let's face it - a conflict with Baku in one form or another is 

inevitable, a graduate and former lecturer MGIMO Aliyev is 

well aware of what effect his words will have. Azerbaijan 

has openly and publicly, taken a Russophobic position. 

And the sooner we start preparing for this conflict, 

the better," Pegov concluded.

 

And Komsomolskaya Pravda correspondent Alexander Kotz 

called Aliyev a "market merchant" for whom the main
thing....
 is the issue of compensation.

 

A member of the Human Rights Council under the President of 

Russia Kirill Kabanov called for a visa regime with Azerbaijan. 

In his opinion, statements about partnership with Baku are 

"fairy tales" and "old records."

 

"We need to give them a hard time right away, so that they don't 

have any stupid ideas about going further," he wrote on his 

Telegram channel, adding that Russia needs to take more 

decisive steps ---- to protect itself from provocations.

 

The aggravation of Russian-Azerbaijani relations came against 

the backdrop of a series of criminal cases against citizens of 

both countries, initiated in June and July of this year. 

 

In Yekaterinburg, the centre of the conflict is the case of the ethnic 

Azerbaijani Safarov brothers, who were tried to detain on charges 

of a series of murders and assassination attempts committed in

 the 2000s. Two of the defendants died during the searches. 

 

According to the Russian Investigative Committee, one of them 

died of heart failure. A criminal case was opened in Baku over 

their deaths, and Russians were detained and cultural events 

related to Russia ....were canceled.

 

The deterioration of relations may also have been influenced 

by the crash of an Embraer 190 near Aktau on December 25, 

which resulted in the deaths of 38 people. Aliyev blamed 

Russia for the incident, and demanded that it punish the

 perpetrators, ensure transparency in the investigation, 

and exhibit "human behaviour."

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev 

in December - for the "tragic incident that occurred

 in Russian airspace."

 

 

____________________________

 


China ------- has come to Russia's defense: 

The EU.. did not expect such a response.

China has protested -- against the 18th 

package of EU anti-Russia sanctions

July 21st, 11:13am

(Pravda TV)

 

China has expressed strong opposition to the EU's 

18th package of sanctions against Russia. The 

statement was published on the website of 

the Chinese Ministry of Commerce 

on July 21.

 

Beijing emphasizes that it has always been against 

unilateral restrictions, especially those that are 

not approved by the UN Security Council and 

have no legal basis. China also demands 

that the EU stop -------- adding Chinese 

companies to its sanctions lists. 

 

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has assured 

that it will protect its companies in every 

possible way.

 

According to Beijing, the EU's actions are detrimental

 to trade relations between China and the EU. They 

also undermine financial cooperation between 

the two parties.

 

As a reminder, the 18th package of sanctions came

 into force on July 19. The EU included 22 Russian 

banks in the package, including T-Bank, 

Surgutneftegazbank, and Bank 

Saint Petersburg.

 

 

______________________________________

 

 

 

EU ...has opposed technological 

sovereignty from US companies

by Oleg Artyukov

 July 21st, 10:05am

(Pravda.ru)

 

Some EU countries are concerned about initiatives aimed 

at strengthening the EU's technological sovereignty, 

especially if they involve limiting the influence
of 
US-owned IT companies.

 

The source of tension is not only the economic dependence 

on the United States in the technological sphere, but also 

the current political and economic context: the ongoing

 negotiations on trade tariffs, as well as the strategic 

role of the United States in supporting Ukraine.

 

According to a report by the British newspaper the Financial 

Times, some European politicians believe that actively 

promoting technological independence could 

exacerbate relations with Washington

 at a sensitive time.

 

Skeptics within the EU fear that harsh measures against 

US corporations could be perceived as a hostile move 

and create new divisions between Brussels 

and Washington.

 

This is particularly critical, given the ongoing negotiations 

on trade and logistics, as well as Europe's reliance on US 

military and financial support in the context of the 

Ukraine crisis.

 

In other words, technological sovereignty is facing 

geopolitical realities in which the European Union 

is not ready to lose its strategic partner.

 

Nevertheless, there is growing discussion within the EU 

about protectionist measures -- aimed at strengthening 

domestic technological capabilities. These initiatives 

involve creating mechanisms to support European 

IT companies, particularly in the field of public 

procurement, while adhering to the rules of 

the World Trade Organization.

 

One of the supporters of this course, is the Vice-President of 

the EU Commission, Stéphane Sejourné. He emphasizes that 

Europe's dependence on US technological solutions ------ has 

reached a critical level, and suggests starting with 

-------prioritizing European participants in public 

sector digital procurement competitions.

 

In parallel, major US technology corporations are stepping up 

their activities in the European market. Amazon, for example,

 has announced the introduction of the Sovereign Cloud 

infrastructure, which provides cloud services that are 

localized within the EU ---- and comply with EU 

standards for data storage and processing.

 

This step can be seen as an attempt to adapt to localization 

requirements ....and maintain a presence in the face of 

potential regulatory tightening.

 

Microsoft, for its part, has stated its readiness to defend the 

rights of its European customers in court if new regulatory 

initiatives infringe upon the interests of the company...... 

and its users.

 

The contradiction between the desire for technological autonomy 

and the preservation of a strategic partnership with the United 

States illustrates the structural tension in the architecture of 

modern globalization.

 

Despite its ambitions for digital sovereignty, the EU remains deeply 

integrated into transatlantic technological and economic chains. 

 

Attempts to create a "European shield" in the IT sector resemble 

previous initiatives, such as the GAIA-X project, which was also 

intended to counter the dominance of US cloud platforms but 

faced difficulties in coordinating within the EU.

 

From a political perspective, promoting technological sovereignty 

could strengthen the EU's internal consolidation, particularly 

among countries concerned about data breaches, Big Tech 

influence, and cybersecurity. However, without a unified 

stance within the union itself ---- and a clear plan to 

replace US solutions with European alternatives, 

this policy risks remaining merely declarative.

 

In addition, the actions of companies such as Amazon and 

Microsoft demonstrate the high level of adaptability of 

the US technology sector.

 

Instead of a direct conflict, they offer compromise solutions, 

such as creating localized cloud services or legally 

protecting the interests of European customers, 

which reduces the intensity of the conflict 

and makes co-evolution ---- rather than 

a break, possible.

 

Ultimately, the European dilemma is about finding a 

balance between technological independence, 

economic rationality, and political stability.

 

 

____________________________________________



Attorney General of China 

honours National Hero

 of Cuba

July 18th, 5pm

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Attorney General of China, Ying Yong, today, laid a 

wreath in front of the monument of the National Hero 

of Cuba, in this capital, as part of his official agenda 

in the Antillean nation.

 

This Friday -- Yong has scheduled visits to sites of historical 

interest in the Cuban city, including the Fidel Castro Centre,
according to a notification from the Attorney General's 

Office of the Republic of Cuba.

 

The day before, on his first day of work here, the Attorney 

General of the Asian country held a meeting with the 

president of the island, Miguel Díaz-Canel.

 

During the exchange, at the Convention Palace, the head of 

state assured that the parties, governments and people of 

Cuba and China maintain historical, solid, special, 

trustworthy and strategic ties.

 

He also considered it very important that both nations 

build a community with a shared future and maintain 

systematic exchanges of high-level delegations.

 

Likewise, he described as significant the consensus he has 

reached with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he met 

last May in Moscow, during the commemorations for the 

80th anniversary of the Victory over Fascism.

 

Ying Yong, meanwhile, thanked Díaz-Canel for the reception, 

which he described as a great honour and stated that his 

visit reciprocates his stay in China last year - by Yamila 

Peña Ojeda, Attorney General of the Republic of Cuba.

 

Chinese support for Cuba's confrontation against the economic 

blockade of the United States government and the inclusion of 

the island on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, was also 

endorsed, prepared, in a manner.... by the White House.

 

Likewise, Cuban support for the one-China principle and 

condemnation of interference in the internal affairs of

 the brother country.

 

In addition, Ying Yong exchanged with Peña Ojeda, who expressed 

his willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation, made official 

in 2015 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

 

As notified by the Cuban Attorney General's Office, the head spoke

 about the preparation of prosecutors, the work of the body in the 

protection of all citizens, compliance with social policies and 

control of legality.

 

Like the president of the island, the Attorney General thanked China 

for its permanent denunciation of the economic blockade of the 

US government on Cuba and its rejection of the inclusion of

the Caribbean country on the List of State Sponsors of 

Terrorism, prepared by the White House.

 

Ying Yong, for his part, patented his willingness to strengthen 

exchanges, work with Cuba to promote solid development in 

international criminal cooperation, transnational border 

crime and the preparation of prosecutors.

 

In another meeting, he was with the chief prosecutor of the 

Havana Prosecutor's Office, Lisnay Mederos, where issues 

related to the control of legality in homes for children 

and adolescents without family protection - as well 

as in care centres for the elderly, were discussed.

 

The information indicates that the Attorney General of 

China -- received the 50th Anniversary Seal from the 

Attorney General's Office of the Republic of Cuba,

which distinguishes the level reached in the

relations between both bodies, with a 

positive impact on the exchange 

of experiences.

 

 

_________________________________________




The EU's financial ban on Belarus 

will have an unexpected effect

MP Chepa: The EU is using 

Belarus to indirectly 

pressure Russia

July 18th, 2:58pm

(Pravda.ru)

 

The EU sanctions against Belarus will not be able to affect 

Russia's policy. This was stated by Alexey Chepa, First 

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on

 International Affairs, to Pravda.Ru.

 

Earlier, the EU imposed a complete ban on financial 

transactions with Belarus. This decision was part

 of a new sanctions package.. aimed at Russia.

 

According to Chepa, the EU has exhausted the potential 

of traditional sanctions against Russia, and is now

 turning to tactics of pressure.. on its allies.

 

He noted that the sanctions imposed earlier had not 

yielded the expected results, and - in some cases - 

had even affected the EU countries themselves.

 

"The fact is that the European Union no longer knows 

what can be included in the next package of 

sanctions, because all sanctions --- do not 

bring the expected results," Chepa said.

 

According to him, disagreements are growing within 

the EU due to the varying effects of sanctions on 

the economies of member states. This --- is 

destabilizing the Union and forcing it 

to seek new tools of pressure.

 

"Not only that, but they also understand... that in many 

ways the sanctions are directed against them. This, 

is causing stress and instability within the Union," 

the parliamentarian emphasized.

 

Chepa explained - that the EU is now actively using 

secondary sanctions to influence countries in the 

Global South - as well as countries that are 

friendly to Russia.

 

Commenting on the EU's ban on financial transactions 

with Belarus, the MP described it as -- an element of 

economic competition and an attempt at pressure.

 

"This is, again, a competition. This is competition: 

these are attempts to put pressure on countries 

that are friendly to Russia," he said.

 

He emphasized that these measures would not change 

the situation, as Belarus does not supply weapons to 

Russia, but rather, receives them --- from Moscow. 

Chepa added, that further sanctions measures 

are becoming.... less rational.

 

"The further these packages go, the more 

'exotic' they become, to put it mildly," 

he concluded.

 

 

 

________________________________________________





They denounce --- violations 

of freedom of association 

in Panama

July 18th, 2:16pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Leaders of the Single National Union of Construction and 

Similar Workers (Suntracs) and their team of lawyers 

announced today --- that they will appeal to 

international organizations to denounce 

growing violations in Panama to 

freedom of association.

 

At a press conference in response to the request to dissolve

 the organization promoted by the Minister of Labour and 

Labour Development, Jackeline Muñoz, lawyer Rolando 

Murgas announced that they will go to the Labour 

Organization (ILO) and the Inter-American 

Commission on Human Rights to 

publicize such an outrage, an 

unprecedented measure in 

national history, not even

seen in the times of the

military dictatorship.

 

He also highlighted that, despite Panama's departure from 

the EU's gray lists, the country ---- is on a list of the 25 

countries with the greatest violations of freedom 

of association, according to the ILO.

 

What is happening with Suntracs is a persecution and a

dismantling of the country's rule of law. What they do 

to that group today, tomorrow .......they can do to 

any organization.

 

''Here the union dues have been captured demanding 

that they be delivered ---- to the Ministry of Labour. 

Quotas that are supported by the constitution”, 

he stressed.

 

When asked by Prensa Latina, the lawyer pointed out that, 

without presenting evidence, the official abrogated the 

right --- to accuse Suntracs --- of extortion and the

embezzlement of funds, as well as distancing 

oneself from the objectives for which that 

organization was created.

 

For his part, José Víquez, from the management of Suntracs, 

indicated that the union has the longest history in Panama

 and that in its more than 50 years of existence it has 

managed to establish and negotiate 12 collective 

agreements, with the Panamanian Chamber of 

construction (Capac) - which include benefits 

higher than those established by the Labour 

Code, like life policies for family members.

 

We are preparing a new negotiation with Capac, the General 

Assembly and internal elections next August, a process 

that will not stop despite the pressure and arbitrary 

measures of the Government of José Raúl Mulino 

for dismantling the group. “The battle is not 

over”, he stated.

 

Muñoz's statements were described by the union as ''illegal 

and unconstitutional,'' evidencing ''the government's 

hatred of the organization.''

 

Muñoz even argued that the organization would supposedly 

have “distorted its original purpose” to defend workers' 

rights and has incurred alleged irregularities.

 

The measure takes place -- at a time of tension between the 

government of José Raúl Mulino and the country's unions, 

which reject Law 462 of the Social Security Fund, and

denounce the persecution of labour organizations.

 

For his part, lawyer Antonio Vargas announced that they will 

present appeals that accuse Muñoz of appropriating 

Suntracs funds, arbitrarily and illegally.

 

Vargas recalled a last meeting with the head of state when

he gave instructions to the state Central Bank, to open 

Suntracs accounts, but now.... that makes him an 

accomplice to the crime of money laundering, 

according to Muñoz's new complaint --- of 

alleged illegitimate funds.

 

Likewise, he demanded that the separation of powers be 

respected as corresponds to a rule of law, . and in that 

sense he urged the Public Ministry and the Attorney 

General, Luis Gómez, to investigate the abuses 

committed against the population in protests 

against the pension rule changes.

 

In that sense, he announced that they will present well-

argued legal complaints against Muñoz for slander, 

excess of functions, and, abuse of power and 

misappropriation of State resources in 

reference to the Suntracs employer 

fees - that he ordered to enter the 

coffers of the Ministry of Labour.

 




__________________________________

 

 

 

The 18th Strike on Moscow: The EU Agrees

 on Sanctions.... It had Previously Avoided

The EU has agreed on the 18th package 

of sanctions against Russia, which

includes ----- restrictions on Nord 

Stream ----- and 105 tankers

July 18th, 1:35pm

(Pravda TV)

 

The EU has agreed on the 18th package of anti-Russian 

sanctions. This was announced by the head of EU 

diplomacy, Kaja Kallas. According to her, the 

new package is one of the most severe - 

to date.

 

Under the restrictions are the Nord Stream gas pipelines 

and more than a hundred tankers of the so-called 

"shadow fleet", which, according to the EU, 

transport Russian oil. For the first time, 

the sanctions will also affect assets 

outside of Russia — in particular, 

Rosneft's oil refinery in India.

 

In addition, the EU countries have agreed to reduce the 

price cap on Russian oil. Kallas did not provide exact

figures, but Reuters reported that the price cap is 

now set ....at $47.60 per barrel. 


Currently, their price cap is

 set..... at $60 per barrel.

 

The EU is also going to increase pressure on the Russian

defense sector. Chinese banks that Brussels believes 

are helping to circumvent the restrictions, will be 

sanctioned. The EU plans to block the export 

of technologies used in the production 

...of drones.

 

The path to agreeing on the new package was not easy. Slovakia 

initially opposed it, but... after negotiations with EU Commission 

President Ursula von der Leyen, it changed its position. Prime 

Minister Robert Fico said that he had received guarantees 

from Brussels regarding gas prices. Malta, which had 

also initially opposed the package, was 

also convinced.

 

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the EU has imposed 

sanctions on Russia 17 times. The latest package was 

adopted in May. It includes almost two hundred 

companies and vessels associated with 

Russian exports. 

 

Moscow has called these measures illegal, and has emphasized 

that ultimatums against it are unacceptable. Vladimir Putin has 

previously stated that the lifting of sanctions, is a condition ---

 for the start of peace negotiations.




 

________________________________________________________

 

 



Trade.....  between Russia and 

Azerbaijan continues to grow

by Oleg Artyukov

July 18th, 9:40am

(Pravda.ru)

 

In the first half of 2025, the volume of trade between Russia 

and Azerbaijan exceeded $2.5 billion, representing a 16.2% 

increase compared to the same period in 2024. These 

figures were published by the State Customs 

Committee of Azerbaijan.

 

According to official statistics, the volume of mutual trade 

was about \$2.16 billion -- in the first six months of 2024, 

and by mid-2025, this figure had reached \$2.52 billion, 

according to RIA Novosti.

 

Thus, the Russian direction -- accounts for 10.33 percent of 

Azerbaijan's total foreign trade turnover. Russia continues 

to hold the third position - in the list of Azerbaijan's key 

foreign trade partners, behind only Italy and Turkey.

 

The growth of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia 

can be attributed to several factors. First, the ongoing 

development of logistics and energy projects within 

the Eurasian region, including the North-South 

corridors, contributes to increased 

trade activity.

 

Secondly, the increasing economic cooperation amid geopolitical 

changes and the partial reorientation of commodity flows 

following the sanctions pressure on Russia --- are 

contributing to an increase in demand --- for 

products from neighbouring countries, 

including Azerbaijan.

 

In addition, it is worth noting the strengthening of Azerbaijan's 

export sector, including the supply of food, oil, and petroleum 

products, as well as the increase --- in imports of machinery 

and agricultural products --- from Russia.

 

Favourable trade agreements and bilateral intergovernmental 

agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in the fields of 

transport, energy, and agriculture ---- also have a 

significant impact.

 

Against the backdrop of growing trade turnover, Russia is 

playing an important role - in Azerbaijan's economic 

strategy, particularly in terms of diversifying its 

foreign economic relations and reducing its 

dependence on Western markets.

 

It is worth noting that the above statistics do not take into 

account... the recent deterioration in relations between 

Russia and Azerbaijan, which was initiated by Baku.

 

Azerbaijan has also announced the suspension of cooperation 

on some projects. The impact of this on the dynamics of 

trade relations between the two countries, will be 

assessed at the end of the year.

 

 

 

_________________________________________________






Putin called the EU's restriction 


of Russian fertilizers - foolish


July 17th, 4:37pm


(RT.ru)


 


The EU's decision to restrict the import of mineral fertilizers


 from Russia to Europe is a complete folly. This was stated 


by President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with Andrey 


Guryev, the head of the Russian Association of 


Fertilizer Manufacturers.


 


"From an economic point of view, from the point of view 


of the interests of their own agriculture, this --- is 


complete nonsense," said the head of state.


 


The President emphasized that this situation 


would eventually - affect food prices.






 


_________________________________________










Bloomberg: The Russian Central Bank 


Wins a Long-Awaited Victory in 


the Fight Against Inflation


July 17th, 4:05pm


(RT.ru)






According to Bloomberg, Russia ---- is achieving a


long-awaited victory in the fight against inflation.






A slowdown in monthly price growth in June could 


be a strong signal that the Central Bank's tight 


monetary policy has been effective, the 


authors note.






Elvira Nabiullina, the head of the Central Bank of 


Russia, noted that the impact of the Central 


Bank's key rate reduction in June on the 


economy - is already evident.






During the plenary session, the Chairman of the 


Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko, 


expressed the opinion ---- that the 


conditions for lowering the


 key rate, are ripe.











______________________________




Panamanian president opposed to


 creating Truth Commission


July 17th, 1:53pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, today opposed 


creating a Truth Commission to investigate police abuses 


in the Bocas del Toro province during demonstrations 


against a pension cut ruling.


 


In his usual weekly press conference, when referring to reports 


of arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual assaults and other abuses


 by public forces, the president asserted that ''what was 


done ----- is endorsed in the political Constitution''.


 


''We did not suspend guarantees because I felt like it that day.


 It was what had to be done. If not, there they would still be 


sitting in the street sinking Bocas del Toro more than they


 have already sunk it. So, if the Public Ministry has to


 investigate, let it investigate. I am not going to 


sponsor any other type of research in this 


country,'' he stressed.


 


Asked about investigations into the alleged deaths in the western 


border territory with Costa Rica, and whose evidence has
been exposed on social networks, Mulino said that
“that is
 totally false”.


 


However, namely, the Ombudsman's Office presented a preliminary 


report in which it details that some 186 people were detained in 


the province, of which ---- only 104 had been prosecuted as of 


July 4.


 


Of those, about 92 lived “arbitrary detentions”, and 101 people 


suffered abuse by force, including beatings, subjection to 


painful positions or prolonged handcuffing, according


 to the study.


 


Regarding these statements, the political analysis magazine 


El Periódico de Panamá criticized the arrogance of the 


head of state by refusing to investigate the abuses 


also against the Ngäbe Bugle Region, especially 


the Ñoqribo region.


 


The president responded... that the only valid body to 


investigate these events is the Prosecutor's Office, 


but the current Attorney General, Luis Gómez, is 


Mulino's personal lawyer, so.... the people will 


have to wait for an impartial investigation, 


not now, the newspaper adds.


 


On the other hand, it was learned that the representative 


of the town of Tocumen, Arelis Barría -- reiterated this 


Thursday that he was the victim of physical attacks 


by agents of the National Police, during a citizen 


protest due to lack of water, which occurred 


last Tuesday night.


 


Barría even showed the medical report he received, after being 


transferred to the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetatos Hospital. ''The 


diagnosis that the doctors gave me says: unspecified 


multiple trauma, hitting, biting, kicking, scratching 


or sprain inflicted by another person. In addition,


 it indicates a fissure impression of the 


scaphoid on the wrist.''


 


The issue of the report arose after the director of the Police, 


Jaime Fernández, assured last Wednesday at a press 


conference... that Barría did not present fractures.


 


Regarding living conditions in Tocumen, Barría explained: '


'This is not a new problem. It comes - from before I was 


born. But it cannot be, that aggression has to occur 


--- for institutions to act,'' he stressed.


 


In his appearance, Mulino announced new investments that the 


Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers will launch for the 


interconnection and expansion of the network to the town of 


Tocumen, specifically in the La Siesta sector, one of the 


most affected areas.


 


 


________________________________________


 


 


 


Mexico works: to open the 


US border to live cattle


July 17th, 1:52pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


President Claudia Sheinbaum explained today, that Mexico is


 working to achieve a prompt opening of the border with the 


United States to the export of livestock, while looking for 


alternatives --- to avoid harm to producers.


 


“Just as with tomatoes (tomato, to which the US imposed a 


compensatory quota of 17.09 percent), we have to provide 


alternatives -- mainly linked to the domestic market”, the 


Chief Executive stated, at her usual press conference.


 


The president pointed out that young animals are sold to the


neighbouring territory, processed there and then Mexico


imports the meat, the processing of which - she 


considered it necessary - to also strengthen 


production in this Latin American nation.


 


Likewise, she mentioned the existence of “a very important 


project in Sonora, which the governor (Alfonso Durazo) has


already developed with the associations”, in addition to 


others, in the northern states of Durango and Coahuila.


 


“We are working on that, to also provide alternatives to this 


situation where one day they close and another day they 


don't, and another day they do, and they -- obviously -- 


affect those who dedicate themselves to this - and 


they also affect the United States, because the 


price of meat rises”, she asserted.


 


At another point in her speech, the dignitary considered that 


“some members of the president's (North American, Donald) 


Trump's cabinet, there is a more political issue”, and she 


remembered the elections in that country in one year.


 


“So, different protagonists who want to be governor, want to 


be senator, want to be deputies ---- sometimes use these 


actions in a very high-profile way in the United States.


 What do we say? Don't take Mexico - as a piñata”, 


she warned.


 


“If they want to compete there'' – she added - ''then they 


should solve the problems there, which many have, 


and not abuse Mexico”.


 


When referring to the reason given for the new closure of the 


border (the detection of a case of screwworm in Veracruz), 


she said that in the conversations with the United States 


her country seeks to make it perfectly clear - what the


 indicators are to take this measure.


 


“What do we ask for in technical terms? That it be perfectly clear 


what the indicators are, for them to close the border - and what 


the animal health indicators are”, the ruler detailed.


 


“For that'' – she added - ''there is a technical group from both 


countries, very specialized, where it is no more ‘oh, there 


was an animal with a screwworm there in Veracruz. We 


close the border’. Well no, because what does Sonora, 


which is almost a thousand or so kilometres away, 


have to do with it?”.


 


 


_________________________________________________


 


 


 


Cuban Foreign Minister defines


 foreign policy priorities


July 17th, 1:49pm


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


The Foreign Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez, defined today 


as one of the priorities of national foreign policy: the 


preservation of independence, the defense of the


 Revolution - and socialism.


 


Rodríguez pointed out as a second priority for the country, the 


search for options that will accelerate the recovery of the 


economy, move towards development and try to solve 


the fundamental problems --- that create suffering, 


difficulties, and deprivation for Cuban families.


 


This was stated, by the highest representative of Cuban 


diplomacy in a meeting with the press, in the context 


of the Fifth Ordinary Period of Sessions --- of the 


National Assembly, which meets in Havana.


 


The chancellor explained that the problem that fundamentally 


affects the advancement of the country and the well-being of 


citizens is the blockade imposed by the US more than 60 


years ago and the presence from Cuba on the list of 


States - supposedly - sponsoring terrorism.


 


“So a very important priority of foreign policy is precisely the 


search for options for exports, imports, investments, 


financial relations, etc, international cooperation


- in the development of our country's external 


economy”, he added.


 


He highlighted that the deputies, when debating the country's


 foreign policy guidelines, agreed that the sector's priorities 


align with those of the National Assembly.


 


Rodríguez emphasized the importance of continuing and enriching 


Cuba's leadership in the international arena, in the Group of 77


and China, in the Non-Aligned Movement, in the representation


 and promotion of the interests of the countries of the South, 


as well as in militant support --- for the legitimate and just 


causes of the people.


 


Likewise, he insisted on -- the importance of people's participation


in the design and exercise of foreign policy and its development; 


“from the principle --- that it is a revolutionary, popular foreign 


policy, of a revolution of the humble, with the humble and 


for the humble”.


 


At the time, the deputy director of the United States Directorate 


General of the Foreign Ministry, Johana Tablada, stressed 


that the Cuban people - are the inspiration for the work


 of Cuba's diplomats.


 


It is the inspiration and it is also the main mobilizer, the diplomat 


remarked “because when people in the world know what is 


happening, what they are doing to us and how work 


continues, that becomes the driving force of that 


solidarity, the driving force of the attitude of


 the countries that raise their hands ---- 


to assist the people of Cuba”.


 


 


__________________________________________________






 
Russia's gold reserves 
reach a record high


by Marina Sovina 


(night editor)


July 15th, 10:45pm


(Lenta.ru)


 


Russia's international reserves in gold, reached a 


record $248.7 billion in the first six months. This 


is reported by Izvestia --- with reference to the 


Central Bank data.


 


The growth of gold in international reserves occurs in two ways: 


through a physical increase in reserves, when a central bank 


buys the metal and adds it to its reserves, and through an 


increase in the market value of gold. This was noted by 


Svetlana Frumina, Acting Head of the Department of 


Global Financial Markets and FinTech ----- at the 


Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.


 


Frumina noted that Russia is currently focusing on gold, due to 


restrictions on access to foreign currency reserves, as well 


as to protect against inflation, support its production and 


processing of precious metals, and strengthen its 


ruble base.


 


"Physical gold is stored within the country and it is impossible to 


freeze, let alone confiscate it to other states, then RF began to


 purchase large volumes of precious metal and the Chinese 


yuan, instead of the former US dollars and euros," 


explained the analyst of Freedom Finance


 Global, Vladimir Chernov.


 


In March.... Russia took fifth place in the top countries
with the 
largest reserves of gold. In first place was
the US, 
with a claimed reserve of 8,133.46 tons.
Second - Germany, 
the leader in the reserve
of gold 
in Europe (3,351.53 tons). 

 


Third and fourth places went to Italy and France 


(2,451.84 and 2,437 tons, respectively). 


 


Russia, which was in fifth place then,


had 2,335.9 tons of gold in reserve.


 



 


______________________________________




NATO Ambassador Whitaker: Europe 

Cannot Produce the Weapons 

Ukraine Needs

July 15th, 10:21pm

(RT.ru)

 

In an interview with Fox News, U.S. Ambassador to NATO 

Matthew Whitaker said that Europe is currently unable 

to produce the necessary weapons that Ukraine 

needs on the battlefield .....or that could be

 needed in the event of a potential war

 in the region.

 

Therefore, according to him, the United States is the leading 

producer of such weapons systems, and THEY will be the 

ones to supply them to Europe.

 

"Europe will pay for them, and that's a smart 

approach," emphasized Whitaker.

 

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said earlier... that the 

agreement on the supply of weapons to Ukraine --- at 

the expense of NATO allies... is in the initial stage.

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________




Putin reveals the basis 

of Russia's success

by Anfisa Dubrovskaya

July 15th, 7:42pm

(Gazeta.ru)

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the winners 

of the "People Change the Country" award, noting that the 

basis of Russia's success is the sense of shared 

responsibility of its citizens for the fate of

 their homeland. This is stated in a

telegram, published on the 

Kremlin's website.

 

"The determination, creative energy, and willingness of every 

individual and citizen to contribute to the well-being of their 

homeland and make life better through their work, 

initiatives, and dedication, are key factors and

 a solid foundation for all our achievements 

and successes," he said.

 

According to the Russian leader, the most important thing is 

that Russia's multinational people, have a sense of shared 

responsibility and fundamental values. Putin emphasized: 

that Russian citizens are united by their love and faith in 

their country, as well as their commitment to working 

towards meaningful goals ......and their willingness 

to fight.

 

The Head of State thanked the participants of the ceremony 

for their bold ideas, perseverance, and contribution to the 

development of their country.

 

Prior to this, Putin in an interview with VGTRK journalist 

Pavel Zarubin, said that Russia will either be 

independent and sovereign, or 

it will not be at all.

 




________________________________
 


 






Gang members in Haiti --- come out 


with a new one, destroy the roads


July 15th, 2:23pm


 (Prensa Latina) 


 


The gangs that keep the Haitian town of Kenskoff under siege 


today implement a new tactic against the police --- which is 


impossible to advance past because the bandits destroy


 the roads.


 


“They are no longer satisfied with erecting barricades, now they 


demolish the roads to prevent law enforcement vehicles from 


accessing the area under their control, forcing the latter to 


rehabilitate road accesses to continue their operations”, 


commented the newspaper Haiti Libre. 


 


The gang members' ingenuity was already put to the test months 


ago when the United States sent around 30 armoured vehicles, 


and the criminals dug ditches in the roads, then covered 


them with planks and then paving stones.


 


For the anti-gang troops - made up of foreign troops - it 


would be very dangerous to patrol an unknown 


country based on urban infantry.


 


When gang members neutralize a fortified vehicle, they 


appropriate weapons, ammunition and communication 


equipment, then, to make their misdeeds known to 


their local and foreign adversaries, videos of the 


armoured vehicles engulfed in flames with a 


dense column of black smoke - are posted 


on social networks.


 


Even the criminals became very upset because the Kenyan


soldiers.. did not want to abandon the armoured vehicles 


to go after them and engage in urban infantry combat.


 


The military from other latitudes did not allow themselves to 


be provoked, well - if the bandits' projectiles pass through


the armour of those vehicles, it would be much worse 


for them to get out of those iron monsters that 


circulate in Port-au-Prince.


 


 


______________________________


 


 


 


Release of hitman shakes 


Chile's judicial system


July 15th, 1:54pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


A scandal affects Chile's judicial system today, after the 


mysterious release of a hitman who was in preventive 


detention awaiting trial for the murder of a merchant


 in this capital.


 


Osmar Alexander Ferrer, a foreign citizen and linked to an 


organized crime gang, was identified as one of the 


perpetrators of the death of José Felipe Reyes, 


a crime perpetrated ...on request.


 


The Eighth Guarantee Court of Santiago ruled on the preventive 


detention of Ferrer and two other people, however, supposedly 


the same court later sent a resolution - ordering their release.


 


According to the Gendarmerie Corps, the document meets all 


legal requirements and has the electronic signature of a 


judge, but ---- there was never a hearing to support 


that decision.


 


When consulted by the press, the Minister of Security, Luis Cordero, 


described the incident as inexplicable and serious and assured 


that the Public Ministry has opened an investigation into the 


legitimacy of the resolution, and the way in which it was 


broadcast and transmitted.


 


He added that the Gendarmerie has already ruled out 


any type of hacking or similar problems in its


 information systems.


 


His colleague from Justice, Jaime Gajardo, confirmed that 


the Prosecutor's Office is carrying out the investigations 


and, in his opinion, the different options handled --- are 


all bad.


 


A statement from the Judiciary indicated - that the Supreme Court 


summoned the computer team to an urgent meeting to determine 


the traceability of the different resolutions linked to the case.


 


Also the president of the Court of Appeals of Santiago, Fernando 


Carreño, convened an extraordinary plenary session of that 


instance, with the objective of analyzing the case.


 


 


 


________________________________________________



Large Majority of Miami Residents --- 

Oppose Trump’s Immigration Raids
(says poll lacking validity
with tiny sample)

July 15th, 12:26 pm

(teleSUR)

 

His policies ------ are driving voters away, including those from

the crucial Hispanic demographic, said Professor Paleologos.

On Tuesday, Boston-based Suffolk University published a poll

 showing that more than 60% of Miami residents disagree 

with President Donald Trump’s immigration raids.

 

Conducted in collaboration with WSVN-TV 7, the poll revealed 

that 61% of respondents in Miami believe that Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have gone too far.

 

In addition, 59% said they oppose the cancellation of Temporary 

Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, a policy that benefits over half 

a million Haitian residents in the United States.

 

These policies have led to a decline in support for Trump 

among Miami residents. Fifty-two percent of those 

surveyed said the recent deportations of 

Venezuelans, Cubans and Argentines 

living in Miami --- will reduce their 

support for Trump in the future.

 

“The Trump administration’s actions on these policies are 

driving voters away, including those from the crucial 

Hispanic demographic,” said David Paleologos, 

director of Suffolk University’s Political 

Research Centre.

 

Three in ten respondents said they would vote for Trump 

if the election were held today — a drop from the 36% 

who reported voting for the Republican in the 

November 2024 election. 

 

The Suffolk University poll was conducted by phone 

with 500 Miami residents and has a margin of error 

of ''approximately'' 4%.

 

Regarding economic issues, 41% of those surveyed said 

the economy is worse under Trump, while 37% said it 

had improved compared to Joe Biden’s presidency 

(2021–2025).

 

Miami, one of the U.S. cities with the highest percentage of 

Hispanic residents, has seen an increase in immigration 

raids targeting undocumented migrants — actions 

supported by Florida’s Republican Governor

(little) Ron DeSantis.

 

As part of his anti-immigration policy, Trump in July, inaugurated 

a migrant detention centre dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” located

west of Miami - in a wetland habitat for alligators and pythons. 

Human rights advocates have denounced the facility, saying

it lacks adequate conditions.

 

 

____________________________________________

 

 

 

Xi Urges Greater SCO Unity
Amid Global Turmoil

July 15th, 10:42am

(teleSUR)

 

‘We must lead the Global South in promoting the establishment 

of a more just and reasonable global governance system,’ 

he said.

 

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the unity among 

members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a group 

founded 24 years ago and composed of China, Iran, India, 

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, 

and Uzbekistan.

 

“We must unite ----- and lead the Global South ----- in promoting the 

establishment of a more just and reasonable global governance 

system,” he told the foreign ministers of the SCO countries, 

urging them to improve mechanisms for responding to 

global security threats and challenges.

 

Xi also emphasized that the SCO “has become a mature and robust 

organization” and that China “is committed to strengthening it, 

safeguarding regional security and stability, and promoting 

the development and prosperity of its member states.”

 

The Chinese President added... that he hopes the upcoming 

SCO summit this Autumn will help “maintain confidence,” 

“act efficiently,” and “play a more proactive role” amid 

a “turbulent and changing” international landscape.

 

On Tuesday, Xi also held a separate meeting with Russian Foreign 

Minister Sergey Lavrov, just one day after U.S. President Donald 

Trump signaled a shift in his stance toward the Kremlin. 


Trump -- had publicly voiced frustration in recent days 

with Russian President Vladimir Putin, over, maybe, 

continued Russian airstrikes in Ukraine.

 

In this context, Xi said that China and Russia must “strengthen 

mutual support and cooperation” on international platforms 

such as the SCO and highlighted the importance of 

“safeguarding the security and development 

interests” of both nations.

 

The meeting also served to discuss Putin’s upcoming visit to 

China, where he is expected to attend the Sept. 3 military 

parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the 

end of World War II.

 

Separately, Lavrov also met with the Iranian Foreign Affairs 

Minister Abbas Araqchi. They advocated for resolving the 

Iranian nuclear program crisis “exclusively through 

political and diplomatic means.”

 

“The parties.... continued to exchange views on regional and 

international issues, of common interest. The importance of 

resolving the crisis surrounding the Iranian nuclear program

solely by political and diplomatic means ---- in accordance 

with international law, was reaffirmed,” Lavrov stated.

 

The meeting... comes in the wake of the 12-day war between Iran 

and Israel, which began with an Israeli offensive against Iranian 

targets on June 13. Those Israeli strikes were condemned at 

the time, by SCO member states.

 

Easing Tensions with India

 

Also on Tuesday, Xi met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam 

Jaishankar, who praised the roles played by the Chinese leader and 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in improving ties between 

Beijing and New Delhi.

 

It marked the first visit by a senior Indian diplomat to China 

since the 2020 border clash in the Galwan Valley, where 

soldiers on both sides were killed.

 

Jaishankar also met Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang 

Yi, who called for steering bilateral relations toward “good-

neighbourliness,” while Jaishankar --- emphasized the 

importance of avoiding further tensions. The Indian

 minister also expressed his hope that the SCO 

would uphold a “zero tolerance” policy 

on terrorism.

 

Tuesday’s meeting came just weeks after a similar gathering of SCO 

defense ministers in the Chinese city of Qingdao ended without a 

joint declaration due to disagreements over security issues — 

especially terrorism.

 

New Delhi, which refused to sign the final statement, claimed 

hat some countries were using cross-border terrorism as a 

political tool and were harboring extremist groups — 

an implicit reference to Pakistan.

 

 

________________________________________________

 

 

 

EU Proposes New Countermeasures 

Amid Trade Dispute With U.S.

July 15th, 8am

(teleSUR)

 

The EU response - could be a new round of 

tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros.

 

On Monday, EU trade ministers met in Brussels following U.S. 

President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the 

weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the 

EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was 

“very obvious from the discussions today, the 

30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”

 

He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 

members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 

billion euros (US$84 billion) worth of U.S. imports. They will 

now have a chance to discuss it. This... does not exhaust 

our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”

 

Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which 

recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the 

new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and

 is prepared to respond ----- if talks with Washington fail to 

produce a viable outcome.

 

“We are committed to continuing working with the United States 

on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement 

has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.

 

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen 

on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the 

EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, 

and persistent Trade Deficits.”

 

“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal. The 

EU will allow complete, open market access to the United States, 

with no tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the

 large trade deficit,” he wrote in the letter.

 

In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone 

retaliatory counter tariffs - on 21 billion euros (US$24.5 billion) of 

U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday

until August the 1st.

 

The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an 

agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking 

countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.

 

“We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by 

Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, 

we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, 

including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures

---- if required.”

 

The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU 

economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for 

International Political Studies suggested that Italy 

would be among the EU countries most affected 

by the U.S. tariffs.

 

Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would 

contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no

-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP ...would shrink by 

approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.

 

On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in 

the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact 

of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of 

nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion 

euros (US$14.48 billion) in trade  ----- once the tariffs

 take effect.

 

SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, 

estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and

 the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 

13,000 in the country’s southern regions.

 

“Our government is in close contact with the EU Commission and 

all parties involved in the tariff negotiations. A trade war within 

the West would make us all weaker in the face of the global 

challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the 

economic strength to protect its interests and reach

 a fair agreement,” said Italian Prime Minister 

Giorgia Meloni.

 

 

__________________________________________________

 

 

 

UN: Only 35% of Global Development Goals 

on Track as Conflict and Inequality Persist

July 15th, 5:28am

(teleSUR)

 

A UN report finds that only 35% of global development goals 

are on track, with poverty, food insecurity, and armed 

conflict slowing or reversing progress in key areas.

 

Only 35% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) --- adopted 

in 2015, are currently on track, according to a new United Nations 

report. The findings reflect slow progress and setbacks - across 

several key areas, including poverty reduction, food security, 

climate resilience, and access to water and sanitation.

 

In a report released on Monday, the United Nations stated that 

“only 35 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal targets

 are on track or show moderate progress,” while 18 per cent 

-----------  have regressed.

 

“Although millions of lives have improved due to progress in health, 

education, energy and digital connectivity, the pace of change 

remains insufficient to achieve the goals by 2030,” 

the UN said in an official statement.

 

Presenting the report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted 

advancements such as increased access to electricity and internet, 

expanded social protection systems covering half the global 

population, a decline in child marriage, improved access to

 early childhood education, growth in renewable energy, 

and increased representation of women. “But we are 

not where we should be,” he warned himself.

 

The report underscores that over 700 million people—approximately 

one in ten globally—still live in extreme poverty. Without significant 

acceleration ------- 8.9% of the world population will remain in this 

condition by 2030. Recent crises have halted progress, 

particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions 

....affected by armed conflict.

 

Food security remains a critical concern. In 2023, between 713 and 

757 million people — 9.1% of the global population —
faced hunger. Over 2 billion
— experienced

moderate to severe food insecurity. 

 

Although the share of countries with high food prices declined from 

60% in 2022 to 50% in 2023, prices remain over three times above 

pre-pandemic levels. The report identifies -------- conflict,
climate variability, and economic instability as key
contributing factors.

 

Climate and Water Access Challenges

 

The report confirms 2023 as the hottest year on record, with global 

average temperatures reaching 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. 

This contributed to the highest level of climate-related 

displacement in 16 years, and worsened food 

insecurity, economic losses, and 

social instability.

 

The UN identifies 2025 as “a crucial year for climate action,” 

marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and

the midpoint of the current decade, described as 

decisive for reducing global greenhouse 

gas emissions.

 

Water and sanitation access --- also remain critical challenges. As 

of 2024, 2.2 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water 

services, 3.4 billion lacked safely managed sanitation, and 

1.7 billion did not have access to basic hygiene at home. 

Still, the proportion of people using safely managed 

drinking water increased from 68% to 74%.

 

Conflict and Human Impact

 

Conflict continues to drive reversals in development. In 2024, 

violence caused an estimated 50,000 deaths and displaced

 more than 120 million people—equivalent to one death 

every 12 minutes.

 

Between 2023 and 2024, child deaths linked to conflict rose by 

337%, and deaths among women by 258% compared to the 

previous two-year period. According to the report, eight 

out of ten child deaths and seven out of ten female 

deaths ----------------------- occurred in Gaza.

 

 

“There is an undeniable link between conflict and 

underdevelopment,” Guterres stated --- also 

emphasizing that “progress is impossible 

without scaled-up financing.” However, 

the report notes a decline in financial 

commitments ----- from major donor 

countries, especially the US.

 

With just five years remaining before the 2030 deadline, the 

UN urges renewed multilateral cooperation and increased 

investment to prevent further setbacks. The report 

highlights the need for immediate action across 

multiple sectors to ensure that the world’s 

development agenda remains........

within reach.

 

 

_____________________________________________________






Kallas - called 50 days too long

 to make a deal on Ukraine

July 14th, 7:54pm

(Vesti.ru)

 

Kaja Kallas, the head of European diplomacy....   said that

the conditions for concluding a peace treaty on Ukraine, 

as announced by US President Donald Trump, were

 too long. Her speech was broadcast on the 

website of the EU Commission.

 

Earlier, Trump said that the US would impose new sanctions 

against the Russian Federation and its partners, including 

100 percent duties on buyers of Russian oil, if no deal 

on Ukraine is reached......... within 50 days.

 

"On the one hand, Trump's tough stance on Russia - is a 

positive development. On the other hand, 50 days is a 

long time," Kallas commented on a journalist's query.

 

Trump at the same time expressed hope that Moscow 

and Kiev will take the necessary steps for a peaceful 

settlement, & sanctions will not have to be imposed.

 

Earlier, economist Philip Pilkington said that Kallas 

is using the conflict in Ukraine --- for personal gain.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

Deputy Zhuravlev: Trump's Tariffs

Against Russia --- Will Hit the US

July 14th, 7:53pm

(Vesti.ru)

 

Alexey Zhuravlev, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee

 on Defense, expressed the opinion that the 100% tariffs 

announced by US President Donald Trump against 

Russia and its partners would have a negative

 impact on the US economy.

 

Earlier, the head of the White House said that the US would impose 

secondary duties of 100% against the Russian Federation and its 

partners, if Moscow did not conclude a peace agreement with 

Kiev .........within 50 days. In addition, he announced the 

achievement of an agreement with Europe on the 

supply of US weapons to Ukraine, which will 

be purchased by NATO countries.

 

"I'm sorry to disappoint the American president, but we don't trade 

much with the United States at the moment, with a meager trade 

volume of $8 billion. However, the United States receives 

uranium, titanium, and palladium from Russia, and the 

increase in their prices, will primarily affect their 

economy rather than ours," Zhuravlev

 told Gazeta.ru.

 

Zhuravlev also said that he was not surprised
by ''Trump's 
decision'' to continue supplying
weapons to Ukraine.

 

According to Zhuravlev, the United States has 

supplied, is supplying, and will continue to 

supply weapons to Ukraine, which is - 

an axiom.

 

 

_____________________________________





The analyst found a loophole in Trump's words: 


the US president dismissed his own words
.....and 
played in favour of Russia


Analyst Bakhtin believes that Trump did not 


dare to break off relations with Russia


by Mark Sokolov


July 14th, 5:27pm


(Komsomolskaya Pravda)


 


TO SHARE


 


The US President's words about the duties against Russia and the 


ultimatum on Ukraine, clearly demonstrate that he did not dare to 


break off relations with Moscow. This opinion was expressed by 


investment strategist, of Garda Capital, Alexander Bakhtin. 


His words are reported by RIA Novosti.


 


As you may know, on July 14, Trump made a number of statements 


about Russia. He expressed his dissatisfaction with Moscow's 


actions and even issued an ultimatum. According to the 


American leader, Russia must reach a peace deal with 


Ukraine within 50 days. Otherwise, Washington will


 impose sanctions.


 


However, it is definitely not necessary to be afraid of such 


statements by Trump, Bakhtin is sure --- since the whole 


world was waiting for the US president to take much 


more drastic action, including the introduction of 


heavy sanctions and large-scale supplies to 


Ukraine. However, the head of the White 


House --- tried to avoid this.


 


"It's not the first day that the most severe sanctions were being 


discussed in the United States, and the issue of supplying 


weapons to Ukraine has also come up. In this context, 


Trump is effectively granting the Kremlin, a new 50-


day reprieve. This is how it was perceived. Trump 


has hesitated to sever ties with Moscow," 


said Bakhtin.


 


He also added that so far, Trump has never damaged Russia-U.S. 


trade. Despite threats and various demonstrations, it has 


always remained at the level of statements.


 


"(This – Ed.note) actually means the termination of previously 


reached deals with them, which Trump has already declared 


as a victory," added Bakhtin.


 


At the same time, the analyst admitted that Trump would 


indeed impose some tariffs on Russia. However, these 


would have no effect.


 


"The volume of trade between the United States and Russia


 is close to 0. There is nothing to impose tariffs on," 


Bakhtin concluded.


 


Meanwhile, Trump's statements - were also responded to,


in the Federation Council. Senator Konstantin Kosachev 


emphasized that the dreams of a number of American 


officials about imposing huge duties against Russia 


remained only in their own heads. In addition, the 


Russian politician is confident: that the mood of 


the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian issue, 


will not be affected by the words & ultimatum 


of the US president.


 


 


_______________________________________________


 


 


 


Kosachev on Trump's Threats: The 


steam has gone out of the whistle


by Dmytro Honcharuk


July 14th, 4:55pm


(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 


 


US President Donald Trump's statements about Russia are 


"steam that has gone off the whistle," said Konstantin 


Kosachev, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council.


 


The United States will impose high tariffs on goods from 


Russia if no agreement on Ukraine is reached in the 


next 50 days, the American leader said... at a 


meeting with NATO Secretary General 


Mark Rutte in Washington.


 


"If this - is all that Trump meant to say, about Ukraine today,


then the steam has already escaped the whistle. Lindsay 


Graham's (listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia) 


incendiary remarks, remain largely in his inflamed 


imagination," wrote Kosachev, on his 


Telegram channel.


 


According to the senator, Europeans - will have to "spend 


and spend --- as the free cheese turned out to be a trap," 


and only the US military-industrial complex will benefit.


 


"As for Ukraine, they will continue to fight until the last Ukrainian, 


since they have chosen this fate for themselves. In 50 days, a 


lot can change both on the battlefield and in the attitudes of 


those in power in the United States and NATO. The main 


thing is that our attitude is not affected at all. I believe


 this," concluded the Vice-Speaker of the 


Federation Council.


 


 


____________________________________________





Trump announced the imposition 

of 30% tariffs on EU goods 

starting August 1

July 12th, 2:08pm

(RT.ru)

 

US President Donald Trump announced that the US

 will impose 30% tariffs on goods from the EU

 starting on August 1.

 

This is stated in a letter from Trump to EU Commission 

President Ursula von der Leyen, which the US leader 

published on his Truth Social social media platform.

 

"Starting August 1, 2025, we will impose a 30% tariff on 

the EU for its goods sent to the US, separate from all 

sectoral tariffs," the statement said. RIA Novosti 

quoted the statement.

 

The United States is imposing a similar tariff on Mexico.

 

Earlier, Brazilian leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized 

the content of a letter from United States President 

Donald Trump, in which the White House chief 

announced 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods.

 

He also said..... that Brazil will impose 

tariffs on US goods starting August 1.




 

________________________________________





Bolivia's main trading partner - is 

China, in forty years of relations

July 11th, 9:49am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

With an exchange that, in 2024 reached 3.5 billion dollars, China 

today constitutes Bolivia's main trading partner, when 40 years

 have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

 

According to the Foreign Ministry, in recent months exports of 

Bolivian products such as chia, beef, sorghum and leather 

have been completed, and work is being done to enable 

new strategic items.

 

The fruits of this strategic alliance, based on mutual trust, 

solidarity cooperation and respect for the sovereignty of 

the people, were highlighted in an event held at the 

headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

During the evening, the chancellor, Celinda Sosa, highlighted 

that this bilateral relationship - which began on July 9, 1985, 

has matured constantly --- allowing significant advances in 

areas such as infrastructure, technology, communication, 

health, education, citizen security and foreign trade.

 

He affirmed that friendship with China is based on shared 

principles such as non-interference, equality between 

States ...and peaceful coexistence.

 

One of the milestones highlighted by the head of Bolivian 

diplomacy was Bolivia's official entry into the Brics bloc 

(Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), an

achievement gained with the support of the 

People's Republic of China.

 

“This incorporation -- represents a strategic step to strengthen 

Bolivia's presence in the new multipolar global architecture”, 

said the authority, by emphasizing that this progress was 

possible thanks to the diplomatic efforts of President 

Luis Arce and the Foreign Ministry team.

 

Sosa commented that, in addition, Bolivia is firmly advancing in 

its process of full accession to the Southern Common Market 

(Mercosur), which will allow national interests to be 

articulated with regional infrastructure and 

industrialization projects, agriculture, 

trade and digitalization, many of 

which coincide with initiatives 

promoted by China, such as 

the Belt and Road.

 

For his part, the Chinese ambassador, Wang Liang, reaffirmed the 

Chinese government's commitment to Bolivia, and expressed his 

gratitude --- for the constant support for the One China principle.

 

The diplomat valued the growth of the cultural bond, especially 

through the learning of the Chinese language by thousands of 

young Bolivians and the positioning of national products in 

the Chinese market.

 

A note from the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that this relationship 

with China will continue to deepen with a strategic and long-

term view, focused on shared development, global justice, 

solidarity with the Global South ----- and 

effective multilateralism.

 

 

______________________________________________

 

 

 

They protect crops -- in the Dominican 

Republic during the cyclone season

July 11th, 9:38am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (Indrhi) works on 

irrigation systems in several Dominican provinces -- to protect 

crops and guarantee water availability, as part of preventive 

measures during the cyclonic season, reported today.

 

The entity reported that the Directorate of Operations and 

Maintenance of Irrigation Systems intervenes in more 

than 50 percent of the Camú canal, in the province 

of La Vega (almost in the centre of the country), 

with a long-range backhoe.

 

These works are aimed at caring for the areas in production 

and benefit some 1,400 rice and vegetable producers in 

Las Cabuyas, Ranchito and Cenoví.

 

Meanwhile, in Bahoruco (southwest) said Directorate carries out 

cleaning tasks with a backhoe to extract sediment and aquatic 

plants, expands the channel and forms the berm in the Neiba 

side channel, an intervention that covers 10 kilometres.

 

This work impacts more than 250 producers of mangos, 

lemons, bananas, and avocados, as well as livestock.

 

The institution reported that, upon completion of these orders, 

it will continue cleaning other canals in the same area, until 

completing about 47 kilometres.

 

Sanitation actions also take place in canals in the provinces of 

Azua (southern region) and Elías Piña (west), in favor of crops 

such as bananas, mangos, citrus fruits, tomatos, cassava, 

sweet potatos, beans and melons, among others.

 

Indrhi explained that it distributed its high-range equipment to 

specific areas with high vulnerability and announced that it 

plans to extend these operations........ to more irrigation 

systems, nationwide.

 

 

_________________________________________________

 

 

 

Italy faces over 40,000

environmental crimes 

---- annually

July 11th, 9:37am

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

During 2024, 40,590 environmental crimes were committed in Italy, 

which represents an increase of 14.4% compared to the previous 

year, with an average of 111.2 daily and 4.6 every hour, a report 

indicates today.

 

A report published by the environmental group, Legambiente, on the 

so-called Ecomafia, reveals that the volume of illegal businesses 

amounts to around 9,300 million euros and the number of 

criminal organizations involved in them has increased,

 reaching 389.

 

Investigations into corruption in environmental contracting - also 

show an increase - with 88 carried out between May 1, 2024 and 

April 30, 2025, for an increase of 17.3% compared to 2023, while 

there were 862 people reported, which represents an increase

 of 72.4% in relation to the previous year.

 

These investigations range from the construction of public works

 to the management of services, in addition to urban waste 

management and purification, as well as the granting of 

environmental permits to companies.

 

42.6% of environmental crimes in Italy were concentrated in the 

4 regions traditionally associated with mafia activity - including 

Campania, Apulia, Calabria and Sicily, while the largest number 

of illegalities were recorded in the cement industry, from the 

illegal exploitation of quarries to those related to public 

works contracts.

 

13,621 events of this type were recorded in that last sector in 2024, 

for an increase of 4.7% compared to 2023, while next, were
 transgressions in the waste cycle, with a total of 11,166, 

which represents an increase of 19.9%

 

Regarding illicit supply chains in the agri-food sector, despite a 

slight decrease in controls of 2.7%, an increase was observed 

in the number of crimes and administrative infractions, which 

grew by 2.9%, as well as in arrests, which showed an 

increase of 11.3%, adds the source.

 

 

______________________________________

 

 

 

Undocumented Migrants From Africa 

To Be Expelled From Greece

July 11th, 8:16am

(teleSUR)

 

The government will establish ‘special detention 

centres’ for all those arriving from North Africa.

 

On Friday, the Greek Parliament approved a legal amendment 

that bars migrants arriving irregularly from North Africa from 

applying for asylum, and provides for their detention and 

return to their country of origin or transit.

 

The amendment passed with the votes of the ruling New 

Democracy party, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos 

Mitsotakis, which holds an absolute majority 

in Parliament.

 

 The measure, which will be in effect for an initial period of 

three months, comes amid a surge in arrivals of migrants 

and refugees to the island of Crete, where 2,000 people

 landed just in the past week.

 

“We are responding to urgent circumstances --- with urgent 

measures,” said Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, who

 defended the amendment, stressing --- that unless 

Greece sends the message that “the route to 

Greece is closed,” the country will not be 

able to manage the tens of thousands 

of people who could arrive in Crete 

from Libya, where “three million 

people are waiting ----- on 

the coast.”

 

Opposition parties denounced the measure as “unconstitutional” 

and accused the government of violating the EU’s Charter of 

Fundamental Rights and the Geneva Convention, which 

guarantee the right of every person to seek asylum. 

 

The leftist/liberal Syriza party argued that returning 

migrants without registering them, constitutes 

a “de facto pushback” and a violation of 

international law.

 

On Thursday, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s 

commissioner for human rights, warned... that the 

amendment would effectively legalize breaches 

of the European Convention on Human Rights 

concerning the return of individuals at risk 

of torture or other serious violations.

 

“Returning people to places where they would face threats 

to their life or freedom would violate the principle of non-

refoulement,” said the UNs High Commissioner for 

Refugees (UNHCR).

 

In response to criticism, the conservative Greek government 

insisted that it is not violating any of its obligations under 

international law. It said... the measure is “temporary” 

and intended to send a message “to the traffickers 

who profit from human suffering” that the route
to
 Greece is closed.

 

The EU Commission appeared to support the government’s move. 

A spokesperson said the situation in Greece is exceptional due 

to the increase in irregular arrivals. “Any measure taken by 

Greece must take into account the worrying situation in 

Libya ------- and the potential impact on security and 

migration in the EU,” the spokesperson said.

 

The Greek government also plans to establish “special detention 

centres” for all those arriving in Greece from North Africa. So far 

this year, about 9,000 irregular migrants have arrived by sea 

from North Africa to Crete, compared to 4,000 who landed 

on the island .........throughout all of 2024.

 

 

 

_________________________________________________

 

 

 

Bulgarian Government Wins in 

fourth No-Confidence Motion

July 11th, 7:51am

(teleSUR)

 

On Friday, Bulgaria’s six-month-old coalition government, led 

by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov, survived its fourth 

no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

 

The motion, brought forward by opposition parties over alleged 

failures in the environment and water sectors, was supported 

by 83 deputies in the 240-seat legislature. Backing came

 from members of the Revival party, Alliance for Rights 

and Freedoms, Greatness, and Mech, along with 

nearly half of the We Continue the Change – 

Democratic Bulgaria alliance.

 

A total of 131 members of Parliament voted against the motion, 

including representatives from the ruling GERB-UDF coalition, 

BSP-United Left, There Is Such People (ITN), and the 29-seat 

Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning. 

To succeed, a no-confidence vote must secure the 

backing of over half of the Assembly’s members.

 

On Thursday, Jeliazkov expressed confidence that the motion 

would fail, calling it a “sectoral no-confidence vote” lacking 

substantive grounds. “The topic itself does not affect the 

work of this cabinet, and this cabinet is making efforts

 to resolve inherited problems,” he said.

 

The first no-confidence motion, which criticized the government’s 

foreign policy, failed on April 3. The second one, accusing the 

government of inadequately combating corruption, was 

rejected on April 17. The third one, filed over the 

government’s alleged failure in its fiscal policy, 

shared the fate of the other two on July 4.

 

Under Bulgaria’s constitution, a no-confidence vote can be 

initiated by at least one-fifth of the Assembly’s members. 

However, a second motion on the same grounds can

not be filed within a six-month period.

 

Jeliazkov’s administration was sworn in on January 16 after

Bulgaria’s October 2024 snap elections, the country’s 7th

parliamentary election in just three and a half years.

 

 

 

___________________________________________________

 

 

 

Trump Announces 35% Tariffs 

on Canadian Imports Starting

 August 1

July 11th, 2:43am

(teleSUR)

 

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday ---- that a 35% 

tariff will be applied to all imports from Canada starting August 1, 

marking an expansion of the current trade restrictions.

 

In a letter posted on his social media platform, Trump informed 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that the new tariff rate 

will come into effect next month and may increase ------- if 

Canada imposes retaliatory measures.

 

This new tariff adds to existing duties, including a 25% tariff on 

Canadian auto parts announced in March and a 50% tariff on 

steel and aluminium imposed in June. With this latest 

measure, nearly all Canadian imports ----- will be 

subjected to tariffs.

 

Trump stated in an interview with NBC News that not all countries 

receive formal notification letters and that the administration is 

setting tariff rates for remaining trade partners. He indicated 

these tariffs could range between 15% and 20%.

 

Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada are 

ongoing, with both sides aiming to reach an agreement by 

July 21. In May, Carney met Trump at the White House. 

However, talks were suspended last month after 

Canada introduced a digital services tax, 

which was later rescinded to facilitate 

continued negotiations.

 

In addition to Canada, Trump has imposed tariffs on other 

countries, including a 50% tariff on copper and duties 

on Japan and South Korea.

 

The tariffs have also affected Southeast Asian nations. Myanmar’s 

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has requested a reduction of 

the 40% tariff on exports and offered to send negotiators 

to Washington. 

 

The Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro confirmed that 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with Trump later this 

month to discuss the 20% tariffs on Philippine goods - and 

bilateral defense issues.

 

Canada and Mexico continue to work to uphold the United States-

Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in 

July 2020 following renegotiation efforts led by Trump. 

Although a review was scheduled for 2026, recent 

tariff measures have altered the timeline.

 

Initially, Canadian and Mexican goods were subjected to 25% 

tariffs, though exemptions were made for products covered 

under the USMCA, including potash used as fertilizer, 

which was taxed at a lower rate.

 

A court hearing scheduled for July 31 will examine whether the 

administration exceeded its authority by imposing tariffs 

without declaring a national emergency. 

 

The outcome may influence future U.S. trade policies 

amid ongoing tensions affecting countries in 

the Global South.




 

___________________________________________________





The President of South Korea called for


 the active restoration of ties with 


North Korea


by Igor Ryabov


July 10th, 5:22pm


(Gazeta.ru)


 


South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called for 


.....actively restoring ties with the DPRK. This is 


reported by the South Korean agency, Yonhap.


 


"We must make an effort - to restore the deteriorating


relationship between the South and the North," the 


president said at the first meeting of the National 


Security Council since his inauguration.


 


According to him, peace between the two countries is 


the most realistic way to strengthen national security.


 


On July 3, Lee Jae-myung stated that the Republic of 


Korea should strive for peaceful unification with the 


DPRK. He reminded that the constitution is written 


about the desire for peaceful unification, and not 


absorption. The second option ---- could lead to 


greater losses, the head of state emphasized.


 


The President pointed out that 80 years have passed since 


the Korean War, which is a short time from an historical 


perspective. He suggested that the two sides could 


unite ----- "even after several hundred years"
if 
"homogeneity is restored."


 


In mid-June, Lee Jae-myung ordered the immediate restoration 


of inter-Korean dialogue channels. According to the politician, 


his administration will “cease useless military activity and 


resume dialogue and cooperation.” 


 


The President emphasized that the two Koreas must move 


away from confrontation and the logic of the Cold War, 


showing wisdom and patience.


 


Earlier, South Korea had turned off


loudspeakers aimed at the DPRK.


 


 


_____________________________________
 


 




Von der Leyen survives... confidence 


vote - as dissent surprises Brussels


July 10th, 12:54pm


(TASS) 


 


EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suspects 


certain "external forces" are trying to divide the EU, but


 her narrow escape in today's no confidence vote 


shows that the problems may be internal.


 


"As external forces seek to destabilize and divide us, 


it is our duty to respond in line with our values. 


Thank you, and long live Europe," von der


 Leyen wrote on X.


 


The EU "needs strength, vision, and 


the capacity to act," she argued.


 


Earlier, a diplomat in Brussels told TASS --- that the
results 
of the no-confidence vote on the EU chief
"sent 
shockwaves....... through Brussels." 


 


Even supporters of the motion expected some 15% to 20% 


of members to support the move, and "the share of those 


dissatisfied with the work of the European Commission 


exceeded these expectations," he said.


 


The diplomat also opined...... that the vote "will not affect the 


political course being pursued by the European Commission."

According to him, next, the EC "will probably launch a large-


scale media campaign for damage control, one that is likely


----- to attribute the discontent with how the European 


Commission runs things..... to external forces," 


he explained.


 


Von der Leyen survived a no-confidence vote in the European 


Parliament at a plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday. 


 


The vote followed allegations of corruption and misconduct in 


the EU’s procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. Out of 553 MEPs 


who showed up to cast a ballot, 360 voted to reject the 


motion, with 175 in favour and 18.... abstaining.


 


 


_______________________________________

 




UN secretary-general’s remarks blindly 

support criminal Kiev regime — 

Russian MFA

July 10th, 8:52am

(TASS)

 

 The statements by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres 

condemning Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict 

demonstrate his political leaning and lack of foresight, 

showing blind support for the criminal Kiev regime, 

according to a statement from the Russian 

Foreign Ministry.

 

"On July 5, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again 

made inflammatory remarks regarding the Ukrainian crisis. 

Guterres strongly condemned 'the latest series of large-

scale drone and missile attacks ---- by the Russian 

Federation, reportedly the largest in over three 

years of war', which - allegedly - has led to 

disruptions in the power supply, to the 

Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant 

(ZNPP) and expressed concern 

about a 'dangerous escalation 

and the growing number of

 civilian casualties,'" the 

statement reads.

 

"The UN Secretary-General's remarks are yet another vivid 

demonstration of his political bias and shortsightedness, 

which manifest in virtually unconditional support for 

the criminal regime in Kiev, including the North 

Atlantic Alliance behind it," the Russian 

Foreign Ministry stated. 

 

"The basis for such assessments --- has largely been provided by 

ambiguous and essentially distorted evaluations in the reports 

compiled by the Director General of the International Atomic 

Energy Agency regarding the situation at the ZNPP, which 

fail to mention attacks by Ukrainian armed groups on 

the plant."

 

Moscow has emphasized the absurdity of suggestions that Russia 

could have any reason to create difficulties for the safe operation 

of the Russian NPP in Zaporozhye. 

 

"It is Moscow -- that bears responsibility for ensuring the safety of 

the ZNPP, and the Russian side is doing everything to fulfill this 

obligation. Moreover, such matters do not fall within the 

competence of the UN Secretary-General," the 

statement noted.

 

Actions of militants

 

What truly deserves unequivocal condemnation "are the actions 

of militants from the Kiev regime, which led to the disruption of 

power supply to the ZNPP, and those responsible ---- will not 

escape punishment," the Foreign Ministry emphasized.

 

During the special military operation, the Russian side - "has been 

taking exhaustive measures - to strictly comply with international 

humanitarian law ------- striking exclusively at Ukrainian military 

targets using high-precision weapons," the statement said.

 

"The Ukrainian Bandera regime, meanwhile, systematically targets

 Russian civilians specifically ----- as well as civil infrastructure, 

thereby confirming its terrorist nature," the ministry stated.

 

Propagation of lies

 

Guterres and his subordinates "regularly echo and repeat lies

 devised by the Kiev regime and Western capitals in order to 

discredit Russia," the Foreign Ministry emphasized.

 

"They systematically ignore egregious violations of international 

humanitarian law by Kiev or, at best, restrict themselves to 

urging restraint from both sides," the statement reads. 

 

"The Secretariat’s double standards grossly violate Article 100

 of the UN Charter, which requires it to adhere to principles
of 
impartiality and independence."

 

Russia "insists -- that UN officials abandon their biased course, 

demands that they cease acting as a mouthpiece for Western 

propaganda and a distributor of disinformation and fake 

news, and instead, adopt a neutral and responsible 

position..... befitting their status, relying only on 

verified sources of information," the Foreign 

Ministry emphasized.

 

 

 

_______________________________________________





   Trump imposed 50% tariffs 
on goods from Brazil

July 9th, 9:49pm

(Izvestia.ru)

 

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on goods 

from Brazil, as he announced in a letter from the White House 

on July 9. The law will take effect on August 1.

 

It is noted that the reason for such a high tariff is the unequal 

trade relations between the countries and Brazil's alleged 

interference in the US presidential election.

 

"In part due to Brazil's insidious attack on free elections and the 

fundamental right of Americans to freedom of speech, we will 

impose a 50% tariff on any Brazilian goods imported into the 

United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs, effective 

August 1, 2025," Trump wrote in the document.

 

Trade War: The US Increases Tariffs on China to 104%

 

The Chinese authorities have already announced that 

they will take decisive measures in response to the 

US leader's tariffs.

 

Earlier, on July 8, Trump warned --- about 

imposing 10% tariffs on BRICS countries.

 

 

____________________________



Trump praised the President of English-

speaking Liberia for his language skills

July 9th, 9:26pm

(RT.ru)

 

US President Donald Trump asked Liberian President Joseph 

Boakai where he had learned to speak English so well, the 

official language of both countries.

 

At a meeting with African leaders at the White House, 

Trump said that there were people in the room 

who didn't speak English well.

 

"Such good English, where did you learn to speak so 

beautifully, in Liberia?" Trump asked, according 

to RIA Novosti.

 

Earlier, the Semafor portal reported that the head of 

the White House will hold his first summit with 

African leaders...... on July 9-11.

 

 

 

___________________________________________




 

 InfoBRICS: Putin's negotiating position 

is more advantageous - than Trump's

July 9th, 9:11pm

(RT.ru)

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin's negotiating position is more 

advantageous than that of US President Donald Trump.

 

This is what Cairo-based economic researcher Ahmed Adel 

writes about ---- in his article for infoBRICS. He noted
that 
Putin does not have the task of symbolically 

defeating Trump, as he already surpasses

 the US president strategically.

 

"Since the start of the phone conversations... it has become 

clear that Putin is in a better position to engage in dialogue 

with his American counterpart, despite Trump's threats 

of sanctions," Adel said.

 

Earlier, Russian President's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov 

said that the Kremlin calmly accepts the tightening of 

Trump's rhetoric.

 

 

____________________________________________________

 

 

 

Orban: Europe will be forced to admit 

the defeat of the EU and Ukraine

 in the conflict

July 9th, 8:57pm

(RT.ru)

 

Europe's politicians will be forced to admit that the EU and 

Ukraine have lost the conflict. This was stated by the

Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.

 

According to his words, which were voiced in an interview 

with the YouTube channel Patriota, Hungarian and Slovak 

politicians will be the exception. For the rest, Orban 

noted, there will be a “bitter moment.”

 

"I think the EU has already lost this war, and Ukraine is holding 

on to the front, although it is retreating, but I think Ukraine 

has also lost," said Orban.

 

Earlier, the Hungarian Prime Minister spoke about the vote 

on the EC President's case, saying that July 10 will be 

the moment of truth for the EU.

 

 

______________________________________________________

 

 

 

Slovakia has blocked the adoption 

of a new EU sanctions package 

against Russia

July 9th, 8:50pm

(RT.ru)

 

Slovakia has blocked the EU's adoption of a new package of 

sanctions against Russia for the second time this week.

 

This is reported by Euronews TV channel, citing sources.

 

"Slovakia confirmed on Wednesday that it will retain the right

 to veto the new sanctions package that the EU intends to 

impose on Russia," the publication says.

 

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Bratislava's 

refusal to support new sanctions against Russia is based on

 protecting the republic's interests, which are threatened

 by the EU Commission's idea of stopping any Russian 

gas supplies to the EU.

 

 

________________________________________________________



Poland warns: risk of country's collapse 

----- due to its faith in the EU and NATO

by Alexander Afonin

July 8th, 9:28pm

(Gazeta.ru)

 

The authorities in Poland fear that the country may collapse 

due to blind faith in the promises of the EU and NATO. This

 is reported by the Polish publication Mysl Polska (MP).

 

According to the publication, in January, Polish deputies 

demanded the cancellation of several provisions of the 

Green Agreement. The initiative aims to reduce green

-house gas emissions in European countries by 2040. 

However, Poland believes that the implementation 

of the agreement may have a negative impact 

on the country's industry.

 

The article also states that the Polish authorities are concerned 

about the militarization of EU and NATO countries. According to 

the journalists, as part of the implementation of the decision, 

several countries may be forced to purchase weapons --- by 

investing large amounts of money in their defense budgets.

 

In May, Polish presidential candidate Grzegorz Braun tore the
EU flag and wiped his feet on it. The incident took place, at 

the Ministry of Industry in Katowice. According to RFM 24,

 Braun arrived there as a parliamentarian to investigate 

the "liquidation of the Polish mining industry."

 

Earlier, the President of Poland expressed his opinion

against Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO.

 

 

________________________________

 

 

The Tunisian President called 

for a radical overhaul of the

 global economic system

by Alexey Merkulov (Tunisia)

July 8th, 7:52pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

During a meeting with Tunisian Finance Minister Meshket Salama

 Al-Khalidi, the President of the North African Republic, Qais 

Sayed, made a sharp criticism of the existing global 

economic model. 

 

The statement of the Tunisian leader was published on

 the official page of the presidential administration on 

the social network Facebook (banned in Russia, 

belongs to Meta, recognized in Russia as 

extremist and also banned).

 

According to the statement, the head of state discussed with 

the minister --- the results of her participation in the Fourth 

International Conference on Financing for Development 

in Seville, where harsh assessments of the global 

economic order were made.

 

Syed emphasized the urgent need to abandon traditional 

approaches that he believes exacerbate inequality 

between countries.

 

"The world today needs new, fundamentally different solutions 

that completely break with the established practices that 

have led to such an imbalance in development," the 

Tunisian president said. 

 

He emphasized the plight of developing countries, which, despite 

their efforts, have been unable to achieve genuine growth due to 

the "unfair global economic system and the numerous crises in 

which they are not the perpetrators but the victims."

 

It is noteworthy that Sayed's position came amid the ongoing 

economic crisis in Tunisia and on the eve of US President 

Donald Trump's announcement - of Washington's plans
to
 impose tariffs of 25% or more on goods from 14 

countries, including the Republic of Tunisia, 

starting from August 1.

 

For his part, the head of the Tunisian-American Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry (AmCham Tunisia), Marouen Ben 

Jemaa on the air of the local radio station Mosaique FM, 

hastened to reassure the Tunisian leadership, stating 

that negotiations are currently underway with the 

US leadership to reduce customs duties for the

 republic to 10%.

 

"It is unlikely that this rate (25%) will be maintained. However, 

if this decision is made, it will affect Tunisian exporters, but

 they will not leave the US market," said the head of 

AmCham Tunisia. 

 

"Therefore, it is necessary to adapt and accept a reduction in 

profits." According to him, the products that Tunisia exports 

to the US, mainly olive oil and dates, are still highly sought 

after by US consumers, due to their superior quality.

 

"No one can impose anything - on Tunisia. Our sovereignty
is inviolable. And in the end, everything will return to
normal 
after the necessary time has passed," 

Ben Jemaa concluded.

 

 

__________________________________




The dollar - experienced its 

worst decline since 1973

- in June

by Oleg Artyukov

July 8th, 5:15pm

(Pravda.ru)

 

In June, the US dollar fell by 10.7 percent, marking the largest 

half-year decline since 1973. This sharp weakening of the 

national currency has caused concern in financial 

markets, particularly on Wall Street.

 

Investors are increasingly reevaluating their strategies in order 

to diversify their assets and reduce their dependence on the

 dollar, amid increasing economic and geopolitical risks.

 

Against the backdrop of current instability, there is 

an increased interest in more stable and secure 

forms of investment.

 

The reasons for the dollar's decline include a combination 

of macroeconomic and political factors. These include 

the high level of the US national debt, which is 

approaching $30 trillion, and the ongoing 

federal budget deficit.

 

Forecasts suggest that the deficit could reach two trillion 

dollars by 2025. This undermines the credibility of the 

dollar as a key global reserve currency.

 

An additional factor putting pressure on the exchange rate 

is the expectation of lower interest rates from the US 

Federal Reserve. Stimulative monetary policy 

could accelerate inflationary processes 

and further weaken the dollar, amid 

a slowdown in economic growth.

 

In addition, ongoing trade tensions, particularly between the 

United States and China ---- are increasing uncertainty for 

exporters and investors, reducing the competitiveness 

of U.S. products abroad, despite the depreciation of 

the dollar.

 

The growing instability is also reflected in the desire 

of central banks around the world to diversify their 

international reserves.

 

According to the World Gold Council, there has been a 

noticeable increase in the volume of gold purchases. 

In the first half of 2025, the demand for gold from 

government institutions reached record levels, 

indicating a growing trust in physical assets 

as a safe haven -- in the face of currency 

fluctuations.

 

Historically, a strong dollar has served as an indicator 

of US economic stability. However, the current 

dynamics - point to structural changes in 

the global financial system.

 

The shift of capital towards alternative assets such as 

gold, commodities, and, to some extent, digital 

currencies, reflects increased doubts about

the dollar's ability to maintain its status 

in the global economy.




 

_______________________________________





Czech President Pavel: Conflict - with 

Russia Threatens Europe's Economy

by Artem Kozhevnikov

July 8th, 2:42pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

The reality shows - that an endless conflict with Russia is 

impossible, as it could lead to the collapse of European 

economies. This was stated by Czech President, Petr 

Pavel, in a comment to the BBC (blocked in Russia).

 

He noted that a confrontational approach with Russia would 

only lead to losses for European economies. The Czech 

president did not rule out the possibility of considering 

cooperation with Moscow ...after the Ukrainian crisis

 is resolved.

 

Pavel added that European countries and Russia would 

probably be able to "discuss cooperation and the 

business we have previously conducted."

 

 

____________________________________________



Pakistan highlights potential 
for cooperation with Asean


July 8th, 10:27am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted


 here today the potential for cooperation between Pakistan and 


the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 


recognition of the solid links between both parties.


 


In a meeting in Islamabad with the mission heads from ASEAN 


member countries, Dar highlighted the possibilities to further 


deepen ties in areas such as trade, tourism, connectivity, 


information technologies and education, according to 


a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).


 


Representatives of Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, 


Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia - visited the 


Pakistani deputy prime minister and foreign minister 


before his participation in the 32nd Ministerial 


Meeting of the Association of Southeast 


Asian Nations Forum at the end of this 


week, APP stressed, citing 


diplomatic sources.


 


Participants agreed - on the importance


 of Pakistan's collaboration with Asean 


and its member states, the news 


outlet said.


 


Pakistan and Asean have areas of practical 


cooperation, within the framework of the 


Sectoral Dialogue Partnership between 


both countries renewed for the period 


from 2024 to 2028 to consolidate 


common ties, according to the 


regional group's website.


 


This mechanism also contributes to the achievement 


of the objectives of ASEAN Community Vision 2025 


and its successor document, as well as to 


strengthening relations between 


both parties.


 


In this regard -- they agreed to progress cooperation in 


policy and security with the emphasis on combating 


illicit drug trafficking & human trafficking, through 


the abuse of technology, terrorism, violent 


extremism and radicalization, and 


addressing ---- the conditions 


conducive to terrorism.


 


Also... joint work for peace and reconciliation, 


collaboration in economic and socio-cultural 


areas, among other areas.


 


 


____________________________


 


 



India confirms aspiring to a


 $300 billion bioeconomy


July 8th, 9:46am


(Prensa Latina) 


 


Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh stated 


today, that India aspires to a $300 billion economy by 


2030 based on the application of biotechnology


 for national development.


 


In the presentation of the country's vision on biotechnology 


on World Bioproducts Day ---- the Indian minister called for 


greater public understanding and inclusive participation 


towards the Government's project for the 


country's bioeconomy.


 


Singh celebrated as an example of this objective the event 


Voices in Cities: A National Synchronized Series of 


Dialogues by the Hour, organized by the Dept of 


Biotechnology (DBT) and its agencies, which 


led to thematic debates in several cities on 


marine biomass, industrial valorization, 


forest resources, and innovations in 


agricultural waste.


 


He added that the participation of students, startups 


and industry leaders in such outreach initiatives 


was essential to the sustainability of the 


fundamental mission of advancing 


future goals.


 


The Indian minister also stressed the need to establish 


alliances with the industry from the beginning - and to


 have financial support for biotechnology companies.


 


He highlighted the growth of India's biotech ecosystem


 from just about 50 startups a decade ago 


to almost 11,000 today.


 


Regarding the recent BioE3 Policy, Singh noted that it
lays 
the foundation for India to lead sustainable 


biomanufacturing ----- aligning bioeconomy 


goals with environmental sustainability, 


economic growth and equity.


 


“Bioproducts... are no longer limited to laboratories. It's about 


livelihoods, from biodegradable packaging to green
personal care products, from rural employment,
to green jobs”, 
he said.


 


The Indian incumbent recognized the importance 


of preparing young academics in biotechnology 


to support the goals.


 


 


________________________________________________





State Duma Deputy -- responds to 

Western concerns about BRICS

July 7th, 2:47pm

(Izvestia.ru)

 

The concerns about BRICS are absolutely justified, as its 

members oppose any hegemony and really want to 

destroy Western hegemony. This was stated by 

State Duma Deputy, Dmitry Novikov, on

 Monday, July 7.

 

The parliamentarian noted in an interview with Lenta.Ru that it 

is not about replacing one hegemony with another, as BRICS 

includes too many countries representing different 

continents, different economic scales, and 

different cultural traditions. He believes 

that the countries of the organization 

are united in their desire: for a fair, 

multilateral, and multipolar world 

where there will be no hegemony.

 

"If Western countries or Western politicians believe that such a 

constructive approach poses a threat to Western hegemony, 

then they are taking an extremely harmful and 

unconstructive stance," Novikov said.

 

He added that -- if they are not ready to reconsider this position, 

the majority of the world's nations will still work to prevent the 

formation of a new colonial system... and create a more just 

world... through various means.

 

Earlier, the German newspaper Bild wrote that the West sees the

 BRICS countries' initiatives as an attempt to reshape the world 

and destroy their hegemony, according to 360.ru. According to

 the publication, the initiative to create a New Development 

Bank in the BRICS system is also ''dangerous'', as 

reported by NSN.

 

On June 6th, Vladimir Putin joined the BRICS summit in Rio de 

Janeiro via video link, according to the website kp.ru. Earlier, 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived at the event, 

as reported by RT.

 

The Russian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, among others,

 according to Pravda.Ru.

 




_____________________________________________________





Siluanov announced that all BRICS 


countries support the creation of 


an investment mechanism


July 5th, 11:20pm


(Izvestia.ru)


 


All BRICS members have supported the creation of a 


guarantee mechanism to increase investment in the 


organization's countries. Russian Finance Minister 


Anton Siluanov announced this to journalists on 


July 5.


 


"I can say that a new topic has been added (for discussion. — 


Ed.). This is the creation of a guarantee mechanism based 


on the New Development Bank [BRICS]," the minister said


 during a conversation with journalists after the annual 


meeting of the NDB Board of Governors... and the 


meeting of finance ministers and central bank


 governors, of the bloc's countries.


 


According to him, many countries currently have development 


institutions that guarantee loans for large infrastructure 


projects. He added that the BRICS countries plan 


to provide such guarantees for bank loans 


under the auspices of the New 


Development Bank.


 


In addition, he clarified that the members of the association 


also discussed the use of digital financial assets (DFA) in 


cross-border settlements. Furthermore, they agreed to 


continue this discussion in the future, the 


minister added.


 


Russia is Creating a BRICS Grain Exchange.


 


Siluanov said on July 4 that, within the BRICS, it is necessary to 


create its own insurance organizations that can compete with 


Western companies. According to him, to date, the main 


insurance companies are organizations of Western 


countries, and therefore “additional insurance 


capacity” should be formed, among the 


members of the association.  


 


 


____________________________________



Siluanov: The New BRICS Development 

Bank ---- Has Now Proved Its Viability

July 6th, 10:56pm

(RT.ru)

 

The new BRICS Development Bank --- which is expected to 

establish a guarantee fund to increase investment in the

 member countries, has demonstrated its viability.

 

This opinion - was expressed by Russia's Finance Minister, 

Anton Siluanov, following the annual meeting of the NBR

 Board of Governors and the meeting of BRICS finance 

ministers and central bank governors.

 

"The New Development Bank has been operating for ten years. 

The Institute ---- has demonstrated its efficiency and 

effectiveness," RIA Novosti quotes the head 

of the department.

 

Earlier, Siluanov spoke about the discussion of measures on 

cross-border settlements within the BRICS framework.

 

Also, according to him, the total volume of financial 

assets of the BRICS countries, exceeds $60 trillion.

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

Oreshkin: BRICS is shaping new rules for 

the world in the interests of its peoples

July 6th, 10:49pm

(RT.ru)

 

Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential 

Administration, said at the BRICS Business Forum in 

Brazil that the new global development system is 

being born within the BRICS group, rather than 

being imposed from outside, as was the case 

in the era of old globalization.

 

According to him, new rules for a new world are being born 

from within BRICS today — through innovation, business 

initiative, and the genuine interests of the people 

and countries of the association.

 

“Our countries are new growth centres: dynamic, rapidly 

urbanizing societies with huge domestic markets... 

BRICS ---- offers tremendous opportunities in 

infrastructure, logistics, and technology... 

We can create a powerful, sustainable 

platform for global development and

 growth,” RIA Novosti quoted him 

as saying.

 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva 

called BRICS a community of prosperous 

economies.

 


__________________________________________





Progress MS-31 has
arrived at the ISS

July 6th, 10:43pm

(RT.ru)

 

The Progress MS-31 spacecraft...  carrying equipment, 

supplies, fuel, and other cargo has arrived at the ISS.

 

This is reported by Roscosmos.

 

"Docking --- is complete: Progress MS-31 

has arrived at the ISS," the agency said.

 

It is noted that the cargo ship automatically docked 

with the Poisk module of the Russian segment.

 

The spacecraft was launched from 

Baikonur by a Soyuz-2.1a rocket 

on July 3.

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Oreshkin: Russia's Economy

 Outpaces Global Growth

July 6th, 10:18pm

(RT.ru)

 

Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential 

Administration, said at the BRICS Business Forum in 

Brazil that the Russian economy is showing steady 

growth despite the sanctions and is outpacing 

global development rates.

 

According to him, Russia's GDP has been growing 

by more than 4% annually ------ for four years.

 

"This ---- is higher than the global average," 

Oreshkin is quoted saying by RIA Novosti.

 

He added that the country's unemployment

 rate ------ is at an all-time low of 2.2%.

 

Oreshkin also emphasized ---- that countries that try 

to inflict economic damage on Russia...... through 

sanctions, are losing their own competitiveness.

 

 

_________________________________________



Fraud in Ecuador vote proven!

July 5th, 8:14pm

(original source: 

teleSUR)

 

The text reads: We did it!

 

This is how they committed the fraud:

 

1.- Ink transfers from A to B and disappears from A.

 

2.- These are the “stains” observed by the OAS.

 

3.- They did this by introducing Inkreíble 

pens in the second round.

 

4.- This explains why photographing the votes was banned

—they have QR codes and it was possible to detect the

 insertion of prepared votes—and why Luisa falls 

behind in almost 16,000 polling stations—the 

ink transfer produces one more vote for 

Noboa and one LESS for Luisa.

 

We will release a video soon. Any doubts? 

OPEN THE BALLOT BOXES.

 

Noboa is an illegitimate president, and they know it.

 

Former president Rafael Correa -- has called for the 

reopening of ballot boxes to verify votes, insisting 

that Noboa’s presidency is illegitimate.

 

 He announced an upcoming video to further expose 

these irregularities and urged Ecuadorians --- to 

demand electoral justice.

 

Noboa’s victory was ''recognized'' by Ecuador’s National 

Electoral Council and international observers, but the 

opposition, led by González and backed by Correa, 

has consistently challenged the results, 

alleging widespread fraud. 

 

The political climate remains tense --- with accusations 

of vote manipulation and suppression -- inside the

''president's'' security-focused regime.

 

 

 

______________________________________




The Netherlands has decided to
double
 accommodation fees
for 
working Ukrainians

by Semyon Alexandrov 

(Senior Editor Mir Dept)

July 5th, 6:17pm

Lenta.ru)

 

The Netherlands has decided to double the rent 

for working Ukrainians living in municipal 

housing. This was reported by NOS.

 

The monthly fee will increase from October 1 

and will be..... 244.22 euros. The head of the 

Ministry of Refugees and Migration, Mona 

Keizer, noted that the decision is aimed 

at reducing inequality and partially 

covering utility costs.

 

Earlier, the mayor of the Swiss city of Wigoltingen, 

Franca Burkhardt, criticized Ukrainian refugees, 

accusing them of ingratitude. According to 

Burkhardt, Ukrainians do not want to 

integrate into society, do not follow 

generally accepted rules and 

avoid interacting --- with 

refugees from other 

countries.

 

 

_______________________





The Brics are described in Brazil 

as the driving force of the 

global economy

July 5th, 1:50pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stated today that,

 in the last 10 years, the Brics meetings have become a 

key actor in planetary geopolitics, and also, the bloc 

now constitutes the engine of the global economy.

 

Initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South 

Africa, the Brics was recently expanded and tomorrow a 

two-day summit of leaders of the 11 member countries 

of the alliance begins in Rio de Janeiro.

 

''Brics are the engine of the global economy. They represent 

more than 40 percent of the world's GDP (Gross Domestic 

Product) and grow well above the world average. 

Therefore, they are the promoters of global 

development,'' Alckmin said during the 

group's Business Forum in Rio.

 

He highlighted the importance of this meeting to promote 

''reciprocal investment opportunities between our 

countries, strengthen foreign trade and promote

innovation -- so we can advance even further.''

 

One of the objectives of this Saturday's event - is to expand
business between the 11 nations that make up the alliance.

 

''Currently, intra-block trade is experiencing significant 

growth, since, despite the individual economic 

relevance of each nation, the volume of trade 

between us represents very little compared 

to what we trade with the rest of the world''

highlighted the president of the National 

Confederation of Industry, Ricardo Alban.

 

For Francisco Neto, coordinator of the Brics Business 

Council (Cebrics) ---- it is necessary to expand trade 

and integrate the supply chain of these countries.

 

Cebrics recommendations include, Neto noted, 

''expanding air routes, especially to connect 

small and medium-sized cities, improving 

access to capital, sustainable financing 

and facilitating international 

investment flows.''

 

Also recommended, he added, is modernising

commercial logistics and digital commerce, 

and strengthening cooperation with the 

new development bank for targeted

infrastructure financing.

 

 

 

__________________________________






G.A. Zyuganov: Justice and Socialism

 Are the Main National Ideas

July 5th, 2025, 1:08pm

(Press Service of Central Committee

of the Communist Party of the 

Russian Federation)

 

After the debate on the main report at the 19th Congress

 of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation -- the 

Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist 

Party of the Russian Federation, G.A. Zyuganov, 

delivered a closing speech.

 

Gennady Andreevich recalled that, almost thirty years ago, in 

1996, the people's patriotic forces gave battle to the Yeltsin
clique. At that time, the Communists failed to secure the 

upper hand, due to the deception of the younger 

generation --- by the liberals/reformers. 

 

However ---- the Communist Party of the Russian Federation 

achieved broad support from workers across the country, 

which the party retains to this day. "Our work, has 

borne fruit," concluded the Chairman of the 

Communist Party Central Committee.

 

G. A. Zyuganov thanked his fellow party members --- for their 

collective work in preparing the materials for the Congress. 

He noted that all the proposals received had been 

considered in the preparation of the report. 

 

The Communist leader expressed confidence that the 

implementation of the set tasks is impossible 

without uniting efforts and mobilizing 

the party activists.

 

"Justice and socialism are the main national idea," said 

Gennady Andreevich. He urged everyone to carefully 

study both the materials of the Congress, and the 

experience of Leninist-Stalinist modernization.

 

G. A. Zyuganov drew historical parallels, showing by a 

number of examples how the political will of leaders 

allowed the country to overcome its crisis stages 

of development. He noted that, today, against 

the backdrop of growing external threats, 

we face similar challenges.

 

The Communist leader emphasized the need to strengthen 

the people's patriotic forces, expand the party ranks, and 

highlighted the role of allies, in the political struggle.

 

"Let's take the spirit of dedication and unity with us from

 this Congress," concluded Gennady Andreevich.

 

 

_________________________________________________

 

 


Foreign Minister of Mexico in Rio 

de Janeiro for the Brics Summit

July 5th, 12:46pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente arrived in 

Brazil today to represent Mexico as an observer 

country at the XVII BRICS Leaders Summit, 

to be held tomorrow and Monday

 in Rio de Janeiro.

 

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs, the head will hold bilateral meetings with 

other delegations within the framework of the 

meeting, which Mexico attends after the 

invitation of the host nation ---- which 

holds the pro tempore presidency 

of the group this year.

 

The Brics, a political and economic coordination forum 

initially made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and 

South Africa and joined by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, 

Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and 

Indonesia, seeks to strengthen cooperation 

between emerging economies.

 

Also, the note adds, promote more 

balanced international governance.

 

Under the motto Strengthening cooperation in the 

Global South for more inclusive and sustainable 

governance, the Summit agenda includes two 

axes: the consolidation of the collaboration 

between these nations and the promotion 

of reforms, in international governance.

 

The Mexican delegation also includes the 

Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, María 

Teresa Mercado; the general director 

for South America, Pablo Monroy 

----- and the consul general of 

Mexico in Rio de Janeiro, 

Héctor Valezzi.

 

The chancellor was received by Ambassador 

Marcia Maro, head of the representation of 

the Brazilian Foreign Ministry in

 Rio de Janeiro.

 

 

____________________________

 

 

 

Meeting of food producers and

 processors begins in Cuba

July 5th, 12:40pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The First Meeting of food producers and processors in Cuba 

constitutes a space for collaboration between the state 

and non-state sectors, vice Minister of Agriculture 

Maury Hechevarría, noted today.

 

At the opening of the meeting, which is being held until 

tomorrow at the Boyeros fairgrounds, in this capital, 

Hechevarría explained... that the event was born 

with the purpose of being a strategic meeting 

point where the countryside and industry 

converge with traditional knowledge, 

& at the same time, their dialogues 

with technology and commercial 

networks..... are interwoven.

 

This --- is in order to allow producers to access 

new markets, both local, national and global, 

Hechavarría stated.

 

Here, he said, the experiences of our productive and 

transformative capacity, will be presented; to

identify, promote and disseminate the good 

practices developed in local food systems 

in the provinces and municipalities of the 

country ----- as well as evaluating its 

generalization.. as a contribution 

to the nation's food sovereignty.

 

It is not the first time that fairs and events have been held in
a complicated context in Cuba, the vice minister recalled,
since 
for more than 6 decades, the country has faced an
inhumane economic financial & commercial blockade,
illegally 
imposed by the US, as the main obstacle to
Cuba's 
economic development ---- as well as its
unfair 
inclusion..... in the list of nations
that 
supposedly, support terrorism.

 

But this reality does not stop the nation from moving 

towards agri-food independence, even knowing our 

structural, financial and technological limitations, 

he assured.

 

On the contrary, it consolidates the conviction that the

development of agribusiness, is a strategic need of 

the nation, and that Cuba must introduce change, 

develop cooperation, and identify partnerships 

that help to drive forward and meet that goal.

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

 

Zhang Hanhui, Ambassador Extraordinary and 

Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of 

China - addressed the 19th Congress
of 
the Communist Party of the 

Russian Federation.

July 5th, 12:11pm

(Press Service Central Committee

of the Communist Party of the 

Russian Federation)

 

''On the occasion of the opening of the 19th Congress of the 

Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Communist 

Party of China cordially congratulates the Congress --- and 

sincerely welcomes all participants and party comrades, 

as well as expresses its best wishes!

 

''80 years ago, the peoples of China and Russia, having made 

an invaluable contribution to the victory over fascism, 

sealed their unbreakable friendship with the 

blood shed in the common struggle. 

 

''Currently, under the strategic leadership, of President Xi 

Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, 

the China-Russia comprehensive partnership - and 

strategic cooperation in the new era ----- is 

continuously filled with new vitality, 

serving as an example, of a new 

type of relationship between 

major countries.

 

''The friendly relations between the CCP and the CPRF have 

only grown stronger, over the years. The two parties have 

long maintained institutionalized friendly exchanges and 

cooperation -- which has played an important role in 

deepening political and strategic trust between 

China and Russia, as well as in developing 

China-Russia relations in the new era. 

 

''We are ready to continue working with the Communist Party 

of the Russian Federation -------- to implement the important 

agreements reached by the leaders of our countries, and 

to steadily elevate inter-party relations to new heights 

in order to make a new contribution, to deepening 

the comprehensive partnership and strategic 

cooperation between China and Russia 

in the new era ---- and giving it a
new 
lease of life.

 

''We wish the XIX Congress of the Communist Party 

of the Russian Federation ------ complete success!

 

''May the Communist Party of the Russian Federation achieve 

new outstanding achievements - in the noble cause of 

realizing the prosperity and power of the country -

and improving the welfare of the people!

 

 

Central Committee

Communist Party 

of China

 

 

_______________________________________

 

 

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a greeting

--- to the delegates of the 19th Congress of the 

Communist Party of the Russian Federation
July 5th, 8:38am

(by content kremlin.ru)




To the delegates and guests of the XIX Report, and Election 

Congress of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation

 

Dear friends!

 

I welcome the delegates and guests of the 19th Report 

and Election Congress of the Communist Party of the 

Russian Federation.

 

As one of the oldest and leading political parties in the country, 

the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, represents the 

interests of a significant number of voters. More than 10,000 of 

your deputies, who serve in representative bodies at all levels, 

have put forward specific initiatives and proposals -- aimed at 

protecting the social and labour rights of citizens, supporting 

the industrial sector, military-industrial complex, agriculture, 

education, and science. The Communist Party's supporters 

actively participate in projects --- that contribute to 

strengthening Russia's sovereignty in all areas 

and promoting patriotic education among 

young people. 

 

You always strive for open dialogue with the people, 

highlighting pressing issues and offering solutions. 

Today, when we are facing serious challenges 

and defending the future of our country, it is 

extremely important to have broad, truly 

national consolidation. In this regard, 

I welcome your commitment - to 

constructive cooperation with 

other political parties and 

public associations - on 

key issues of national 

development.

 

I would like to highlight the highly professional work of your 

faction in the State Duma ------- including in areas such as 

parliamentary diplomacy, preserving historical memory, 

and establishing partnerships with our friends around 

the world. The International Anti-Fascist Forum, 

organized by the Communists, on the eve of 

the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, 

has made a significant contribution to 

strengthening this cooperation.

 

I wish the Congress a meaningful discussion. I look forward

to further fruitful cooperation for the benefit of our country 

and our people.

 

Vladimir Putin

 

 

____________________________



Roland Lumumba: We Need an Alliance
Between Africa 
and Latin America --
Continents With Shared Struggles

July 5th, 4:10am


(teleSUR)


 


On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the 


outstanding African anti-colonial revolutionary, Patrice 


Lumumba, teleSUR had the honour of interviewing 


his son, Roland Lumumba, President of the 


Patrice Lumumba Foundation.


 


Roland Lumumba shared profound reflections on his father’s
legacy, which transcends borders: “My father saw himself 


as an idea without limits. He once said: ‘I have no father, 


no mother, no religion. I am an idea. The Congo created 


me, and I will find a way to create it.’”


 


Explaining his decision to travel to Venezuela 


for the commemoration, he said: 


 


“I was in France, preparing to return to the Congo, when 


I received a request... to record a video for this tribute. 


I didn’t hesitate — I told them I wouldn’t send a video; 


I would go in person. Venezuela is a country that has 


led a struggle similar to ours. For years... its leaders 


have fought for their people -- just as Lumumba did 


to liberate the Congo from colonialism. I'm certain 


that if Lumumba were alive today, he would be a 


brother to Simón Bolívar... a friend to Nasser, 


Nkrumah, Hugo Chávez - and all those who 


have dedicated their lives to justice and 


the liberation of their peoples.”


 


Despite the distance.... Roland felt it was essential to be 


in Venezuela: “I traveled - thousands of kilometres from 


Lumumba’s birthplace to commemorate his centenary. 


I knew I had to be here, because the struggle is the 


same: to fight fascism and seek the well-being of 


our people. That’s why I came.”


 


Modern Colonialism and
the Historical Debt


 


Speaking on the criminalization of migrants, Zionism, and 


U.S. policies, Roland condemned: “This is a new form of 


colonization. The wealth of the West comes from the 


exploitation of our resources ---- in Africa, Latin 


America, and Asia. Some nations --- believe 


themselves superior and oppress others. 


But if we speak of justice they owe us 


a colonial debt. They robbed us... 


brought us hunger and misery, 


and now demand our silence.


Yet what they took from our 


parents and grandparents 


was our inheritance. We 


do not seek violence —


only a fair solution. But


the problem -------- was 


created by the West.”


 


The Failure of International Institutions


 


On the role of the UN -- and other organizations -- Roland was 


critical: “Many countries did not fight for their independence; 


it was granted under an agenda that maintains exploitation 


in a different form. When some nations wake and denounce 


these injustices, they are criminalized. But for us, this is a 


process of evolution. Today, some African countries are 


taking the first steps toward political, cultural, and 


economic independence. We hope others.....


 will follow.”


 


He recalled his father’s words: “Independence is not a gift. 


We cannot import democracy or revolution; we must 


create our own. What works in the United States 


- may not suit Burkina Faso. Venezuela has 


chosen its path and each country must 


decide what is best for its people.”


 


Keeping Lumumba’s Legacy Alive


 


For Roland, awareness is key: “We must explain why, despite 


the Congo being one of the richest nations in resources, our 


people remain impoverished. We export diamonds, gold, 


uranium… Even the uranium in the bomb dropped on 


Japan came from our soil. We take no pride in this, 


but it shows how we are plundered. We hold 70% 


of the world’s reserves -- of minerals critical for


technology, yet multinationals & neighboring 


countries exploit them at low prices. They 


give us crumbs .....and call it aid. This 


mentality -------- must change.”


 


Unity Between Africa
and Latin America


 


Roland stressed the need for stronger alliances: “Though 


labeled ‘poor,’ if we unite, we can find solutions. We’ve 


had over 60 years of ‘independence,’ yet the struggle 


continues. Some nations progress, but each defends 


its own interests. It’s a chess game. We ---- must
create 
our own mechanisms.”


 


He criticized the UN system: “Who created it? Security Council 


members wield veto power - over issues that don’t affect
them. Africa as a continent, should have that right too.
The Congo --- is 
four times larger than France and far
richer in resources -------- 
why can they veto and we
cannot? The UN is obsolete; 
it must be reformed.”


 


In this regard, Roland praised an initiative by President Maduro: 


“He hosted the first Congress of Afro-Descendants here - and I 


was honoured to speak for Africa. I proposed ------- that this
congress become a permanent structure, to defend our 


interests, not just a one-time event. We --- must build 


our own institutions. 


 


The African Union is a step forward, but we need more: 


an alliance between Africa and Latin America —


continents with shared struggles.”


 


Author: OSG


 


Source: teleSUR


 


 


___________________________________________







3 insights from ‘trade war truce’
.....between 
US and China:

Global Times editorial


July 4th, 6:25pm


    (Global Times)


 


Recent reports indicate that the US has lifted export 


restrictions on China for three of the world's leading 


electronic design automation software developers 


and has resumed exports of products such as 


ethane and aircraft engines. 


 


On Friday, China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed the 


development, stating that China is reviewing the


applications for export licenses for eligible 


controlled items in accordance with laws


 & regulations, while the US has taken 


corresponding steps - to remove a 


number of restrictive measures.


 


 According to Reuters, the "trade war truce" between the US 


and China is progressing as planned, with bilateral trade 


tensions continuing to ease.


 


China and the US -- are accelerating the implementation of the 


outcomes of the London Framework, sending positive signals 


both technologically and strategically. More importantly, at


 the strategic level ------ both sides have demonstrated a 


mutual willingness - to prevent trade disputes from 


spiraling out of control; choosing to resolve their 


concerns through dialogue on an equal footing 


and way of cooperation rather than through 


escalating confrontation. 


 


This message has had an immediate, positive impact on 


markets: from US stocks to Asian equities, technology 


shares have seen notable gains ------ Cadence soared 


6.1 percent, reaching a record high, and Samsung's 


stock jumped nearly 3 percent. The international 


community -- including the business sector --


widely hopes for --- stable, enduring, and


mutually beneficial China-US relations.


 


The implementation of the London Framework, once again,


 underscores that the essence of China-US trade relations 


lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. 


 


In 2024, sales from the Chinese market accounted for 27% of 


Intel's total revenue, with Qualcomm deriving nearly half of


 its income from China. China's vast market size and its 


steadily upgrading industrial demand ---- offer US 


companies - an almost irreplaceable space


 for growth. 


 


At the same time, the smooth flow of American technological 


products plays a vital role in supporting China's construction 


of a modern industrial system. Cooperation between the two 


countries helps stabilize global expectations and hedges 


against systemic risks, while uncontrolled competition 


would lead to a "lose-lose scenario" with spillover 


effects that threaten global economic stability.


 


The multiple rounds of "engagement" between China and the US


 over the past few months can be seen as a sample - from which 


Washington should draw at least three lessons. First, China is 


not a "soft target" that the US can manipulate at will; 


Washington needs to abandon the notion of dealing 


with China through "maximum pressure." 


 


Second, cooperation between China and the US brings mutual 


benefit, while confrontation harms both sides, and the 


"winner takes all" scenario that some in the US 


fantasize about will not become reality. 


 


Third, artificially "building walls" and "decoupling" will not make 


America safer and more prosperous, as the laws of objective 


reality do not bend simply because it is the US - they will 


punish anyone who disregards them, equally. These 


lessons... should also serve as an inspiration for 


other countries engaged in trade negotiations 


with the US.


 


The US has recently taken a step in the right direction
toward 
meeting China halfway. However, in many
areas, such as 
semiconductors, biotechnology,
and new energy, 
most of the restrictive
measures against China.... 


still remain in place.


 


For example, the regulations regarding semiconductors issued 


by the US government on October 17, 2023 adopted the De 


Minimis Rules for the first time. For certain lithography 


equipment, as long as it contains US elements, an 


export license from the US is required before
it 
can be shipped to China. 


 


In addition, there are numerous other wrong actions, such 


as restricting normal US outbound investment to China 


and removing the tax exemption for small parcels 


shipped from China to the US. 


 


These practices, not only harm both China and the US, but 


also seriously disrupt the stability of global industrial and 


supply chains. The recent positive move by the US to lift 


certain export restrictions -- should serve as a starting 


point for broader policy adjustments. It is hoped, that 


the US will further correct previous missteps..... and 


gradually eliminate more unreasonable restrictions.


 


The mutually beneficial and win-win relationship between China 


and the US is driven by macro-level trends, is an inevitable 


outcome of industrial development - at the medium level, 


and is a practical necessity for the micro-level interests 


of businesses and consumers. In sectors such as high


-end manufacturing, the digital economy, agricultural 


products, and energy, China and the US are deeply 


intertwined --- and complementary, creating a 


network effect, where each is embedded 


in the other.


 


For ordinary American households, the scale and efficiency 


dividends embodied by "Made in China" act as a "price 


safety valve," ....effectively cushioning inflationary 


pressures and safeguarding their quality of life. 


 


For Chinese consumers, "intelligent manufacturing in the US" 


and "US services" are an important source of growth for 


mid-to-high-end demand and a driver of innovation 


and vitality.


 


Although the international community is "anarchic," it is, by no


means "unregulated," and major countries, in particular, must 


not act without any bottom line. In recent years, China-US 


trade relations have lingered at a low point since the 


establishment of diplomatic ties. The reality of 


mutual interdependence between the two 


countries has been ignored, the history 


of win-win cooperation distorted, and 


many channels for dialogue and 


communication -- blocked. 


 


So-called "strategic competition" ---- is defining and 


influencing China-US relations in a dangerous way. 


 


As an old Chinese saying goes, "When your actions do not 


yield the desired results, you should examine yourself for 


the reasons." The US attempt to alter market principles 


through unilateral pressure - is as futile as trying to 


swim against the tide. China-US economic and 


trade relations are mutual and reciprocal. 


 


If we respect each other and cooperate on an equal footing, 


mutual benefit and win-win results will be achieved, while


 if the US reneges on commitments and provokes 


disputes, it will inevitably trigger firm counter


measures from China.


 


China and the US have a combined economic output --- that 


accounts for over one-third of the global total and the total 


population of the two countries accounts for nearly one


 quarter of the world's total. A healthy, stable, and 


sustainable development of bilateral economic 


and trade ties is crucial, not only for both 


countries, but for the entire world. 


 


We hope the US will take concrete actions -- to uphold and 


implement the important consensus reached by the two 


heads of state, during their 'phone call, and work 


together to ensure the steady and long-term 


development of China-US economic and


 trade relations.


 


 


________________________________________



 Zakharova: Russia Rejects New 

US Sanctions Against Cuba

July 4th, 5:14pm

(RT.ru)

 

Russia has rejected the new US sanctions against Cuba, 

according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman,

 Maria Zakharova.

 

"Any manifestations of unilateral sanctions pressure - are 

categorically unacceptable to us. We resolutely reject 

the prohibitive measures against Havana," 

the diplomat said, in a statement.

 

Earlier, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the 

Russian Security Council, called Cuba a friend - 

and a strategic partner of the country.




 

________________________________________

 


 

Support for street protesters in Serbia...... 

fading by the day, says Serbian president

July 4th, 2:18pm

(TASS)

 

 People in Serbia are growing less and less enthusiastic about 

the protest movement in the country, Serbian President 

Aleksandar Vucic said in an interview with

 the Pink TV channel.

 

"Hold no illusions. Support for blockades and the political forces 

behind them is rapidly shrinking with each passing day. People 

just aren't having it," Vucic stressed.

 

The authorities have the situation under control, he said. "We 

do not want anyone to get injured. Putting garbage bins on 

the streets --- without warning [to erect barricades] can 

result in the death of civilians. That is what troubles 

me," the president noted.

 

The protesters' "brave deeds" mostly end in tears at police 

stations. "You cannot attack those avoiding street 

blockades. Such assaults are punishable," 

Vucic noted.

 

Law enforcement agencies --- ensured order on the streets of 

Belgrade despite all provocations, the Serbian leader noted.

 

 "I would like to thank Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, Police 

Director Dragan Vasiljevic and all police departments. 

They accomplished this arduous and unsung task 

with dignity, bravely, licitly, soberly and 

rationally," Vucic said.

 

On Friday night, Serbia's Interior Ministry officers continued to 

suppress violation of public order by protesters. The ministry 

specified that several incidents were recorded in various 

cities, including Belgrade. 

 

Overall, the identity of 636 people was found, and 19 of 

them were taken to police stations. While the majority 

were detained for administrative offenses ..three 

people, were suspected of committing crimes. 

One police officer was injured in the clashes.

 

Situation in Serbia

 

According to Serbia’s Interior Ministry, on June 28, about 36,000 

people participated in an unauthorized opposition protest rally. 

 

During clashes with the protesters, law enforcement operatives 

had to use crowd-control measures to push them out of the

central streets. As a result of disturbances in Belgrade, 

48 police officers were injured, and 77 individuals 

were detained, including one minor.

 

The rioters... continue blocking key transportation hubs in 

Belgrade and other cities, erected barricades and tents, 

demanding the release of those detained and that new 

elections be held ----- and the tent camp of Vucic’s 

supporters near the parliament building,

 be dismantled.

 

 

___________________________________________


 



The IMF reminded Kiev about


 the restructuring of its 


national debt


July 3rd, 4:10pm


(RT.ru)


 


The IMF reminded Ukraine about the restructuring of its 


national debt, as this is important for restoring the 


sustainability of the debt burden.


 


"It is important that Ukraine completes the remaining 


elements of its debt restructuring in line with the 


program's objectives, and this will be crucial to 


fully restore debt sustainability," Julie Kozak, 


Director of the International Monetary 


Fund's Communications Dept,
told RIA Novosti.


 


According to her, it is important for Kyiv to continue


 implementing the required reforms and mobilizing


 domestic revenues.


 


Kozak added that the IMF will review Ukraine's


 current loan program... at the end of 2025.


 


Earlier, the fund approved another loan 


for Ukraine worth $500 million.


 


 


__________________________________






Panama asks Mercosur for support: 


for its sovereignty over the Canal


July 3rd, 1:44pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The request for international support to defend 


Panamanian sovereignty over the Canal was 


the focus today.. of President José Raúl 


Mulino's speech at the LXVI Mercosur


 Summit in this capital.


 


The president dedicated a good part of his speech in 


that forum of the bloc, to which the isthmus joined 


as Associated States, to explain the inefficiency 


in administration of the interoceanic waterway 


delivered by the US --- in 1999.


 


Mulino classified as a storm what his country has been 


going through since January of this year after 


President Donald Trump's statements about 


regaining control of the route and in that 


sense, he thanked the solidarity from 


the international community.


 


''The Canal is and will continue to be Panama's, no matter 


what happens, or what is said. It will continue to be 


Panamanian, as a heritage -- that took 100 years 


to recover to our sovereignty, and incorporate


 it into our geography ---- and whose 


administration has been pristine 


for the last 25 years,'' 


he asserted.


 


The head of state compared this situation with the dispute


that Argentina faces.. over the Malvinas Islands, pointing 


out that that country has all rights over the archipelago.


 


On the other hand -- he also requested support for 


the construction of a freshwater reservoir, your 


Government's project in the Indio River, is to 


benefit the operations of the Canal and the 


utilisation of this vital liquid... for the 


population, but is criticized by the 


residents of that territory, amid 


complaints ---- about the future 


eviction of their communities.


 


For the dignitary, the reservoir is essential to face


drought seasons and the effects of the El Nino


 phenomenon, he stated.


 


''I require the support, mainly from users and the 


international community, for this project to be 


successful - and its construction to be 


completed as soon as possible; as


more and more.... the climate 


affects us,'' he added.


 


He also recalled that after the transfer of the waterway 


into Panamanian hands, more than 14 thousand ships 


passed through and he emphasized that, among his 


counterparts in the region he saw 2 large clients 


of the Canal and members of the Southern 


Common Market (Mercosur): 


Chile and Ecuador.


 


A statement from the Palacio de las Garzas (headquarters 


of the Executive) indicated that within the framework of 


the Mercosur Summit, Mulino was received by the host 


- his Argentine counterpart, Javier Milei..


 


In official talks, the parties agreed to increase air transport 


between Argentina and Panama, and the possibility of 


reaching an agreement on security.


 


Mulino also held bilateral exchanges with his counterparts


 from Paraguay, Santiago Peña; and from Uruguay, 


Yamandu Orsi, adds the official source.


 


 


_____________________________________


 


 


 


Syria recovers antiquities before 


they are smuggled .....abroad


July 3rd, 1:41pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The head of the Department of Antiquities and 


Museums of the northern Syrian province of 


Aleppo, announced his frustration at the


 attempt to smuggle archaeological 


pieces of great value that were 


going to be illegally removed 


from the country.


 


The head of the aforementioned Department, Munir 


Al-Qasqas ---- explained that the recovered 


antiquities were officially delivered to


 the National Museum of Aleppo.


 


A technical committee of specialists was formed to 


distinguish between original pieces --- and other, 


counterfeit ones, with the aim of documenting


them --- and digitally archiving them in the


museum records, the manager said.


 


He clarified that these pieces include coins and ceramic 


pieces dating back to Greek, Byzantine & Islamic times.


 


These antiquities will undergo extensive cleaning - before 


being sent to the appropriate departments for statistical


 analysis and scientific classification, said Sabina 


Baslan, the administrator of the Classical-


Islamic Museum.


 


Meanwhile, Ahmed Othman, the administrator of the 


Museum of the Ancient East, called the operation 


a successful example: of coordination between 


competent authorities that contributed to the 


protection of a cultural heritage that reflects


 the identity and ancient history of Aleppo.


 


At the end of last June -- the International Council of 


Museums (ICOM) issued an official alert about the 


escalation ---- of looting and illicit trafficking of 


Syrian cultural heritage.


 


The Council explained in a report, that the country is 


facing the largest wave of antiquities predation in 


its modern history - in the context of a lack of 


supervision..... and growing international 


demand for contraband items.


 


The report also explained, that there is a significant 


increase in the circulation of counterfeit objects - 


particularly ancient coins - making it extremely 


difficult to document the origin & legitimacy 


of the items.


 


The document criticized the silence of the international
community in the face of this growing phenomenon, 


despite repeated warnings -------- over the years.


 


 


________________________________________


 


 


 


Nicaragua promotes improvements to the 


health system --- with modern equipment


July 3rd, 1:37pm


(Prensa Latina) 


 


The Government of Nicaragua today promotes the 


development of the country's public health 


system with the delivery of modern 


equipment to hospitals, which 


guarantees better care and 


quality of life for patients.


 


According to local media, at the Manuel de Jesús Rivera 


pediatric hospital “La Mascota”, in this capital, the day


 before, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) delivered 


angiography equipment that will be used to 


perform ------ cardiac, neurological and 


peripheral vascular procedures.


 


It is a versatile piece of equipment that different 


specialists can use, not only the cardiologist, 


but also neurologists - to make diagnoses, 


and for therapeutic treatments, in such 


a way that for some children it won't 


be necessary - to do open heart 


surgery... the coordinator of 


the heart surgery service, 


Cristian Ramírez, told


 the press.


 


According to what was known, the team uses X-rays 


and a contrast medium to show the tilting anatomy 


in a high resolution, which will allow a greater 


number of surgeries to be performed.....


 through cardiac catheterizations.


 


“We plan to perform about 120 surgeries this year, 


of which, half could be done -- through cardiac 


catheterizations”, Ramírez explained.


 


The development of the public health system in 


Nicaragua has been part of the Sandinista 


Government's policies, since its return 


to power 18 years ago, with the aim 


of guaranteeing the population


 free, quality medical care.


 


 


_____________________________



 


 


U.S. --- Maintains World’s Largest 


Immigration Detention System


 Amid Alarming Abuses


July 3rd, 8:40am


(teleSUR)


 


Less than 6% ....of the 59,000 migrants 


detained by ICE have a criminal record.


 


The US operates the largest immigration detention 


system in the world, where thousands of people 


— including longtime residents and recent 


arrivals fleeing violence or poverty - are 


arrested, and held in inhumane and 


negligent conditions.


 


Currently, more than 59,000 people are in the custody 


of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement


 (ICE). Of that figure, less than 6% of migrants 


have a criminal record. Yet - they are 


subjected to mass raids that have


become a veritable “manhunt.”


 


These operations have overwhelmed the capacity of 


detention centres, worsening overcrowding, the 


lack of adequate health care ---- and the 


psychological suffering of detainees.


 


One of the most harrowing accounts, comes from Ariel Lara, 


a former detainee at the Cromb Detention Centre in Florida, 


who described enduring an ordeal marked by unsanitary 


conditions and constant fear. Stories like his ----- are 


echoed at other facilities across the country.


 


In April, detained migrants used their bodies to spell out SOS


 in the courtyard of the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in 


Anson, Texas. Images from the site have alarmed the 


international community.


 


The abuses go beyond overcrowding. At least 13 deaths in ICE 


custody have been documented - since the start of intensified 


immigration policies under Donald Trump. 


 


Among the victims was a 75-year-old Cuban man whose death 


was reportedly met with indifference by the authorities. 


Additionally, there have been reports of women 


losing their babies and individuals taking


 their own lives, while detained.


 


The situation has worsened, with the creation of a new 


makeshift detention centre in the Florida swamps, 


nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Surrounded by 


mosquitoes, snakes and alligators, the site 


will hold approximately 5,000 immigrants 


in tents ---- with limited air conditioning 


& no medical or sanitary guarantees. 


 


In a widely condemned remark, Trump mocked the conditions, 


advising people to “run in zigzags” to escape the alligators.


 


Protests have erupted nationwide. Thousands have taken to


 the streets to demand humane and dignified treatment for 


migrants. Human rights defenders and even experts 


within the U.S. government - have described the 


system as “barbaric and negligent” and called 


for urgent reform. Yet --- with each new raid, 


the number of detainees rises, worsening 


prison overcrowding and amplifying 


the calls for justice.


 


The failure of the United Nations Office of the High 


Commissioner for Human Rights to act on these 


allegations - highlights a lack of commitment 


to its mandate: to safeguard human dignity 


and justice.


 


 


_________________________________________




 "Minister since the birth of Christ." 

The NATO Secretary General 

Nark Rotter Insults Lavrov

by Mikhail Sinev

July 2nd, 9:54pm

(Gazeta.ru)

 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called Sergey Lavrov 

"the minister since the birth of Christ" and asked not to 

pay "too much attention" to him. This reaction came

 in response - to the Russian Foreign Minister's 

statement about the possible dissolution 

of the alliance. In response, Rutte has 

already been nicknamed the 

"NATO Aphid."

 

The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, Mark
Rutte, was scathing on the US TV channel Fox News,
about Russia's 
Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov,
after he spoke of a 
possible disintegration
of NATO.

 

"Lavrov is the Russian foreign minister, I think, since the birth of 

Jesus Christ? And nothing useful has come out of his mouth 

since then. So let's not pay too much attention to 

Mr. Lavrov," he said.

 

Rüttel's attack was promptly responded to, by the 

official representative of the Russian Foreign 

Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

 

"It's not for nothing that Sergey Lavrov worked for so many 

years, if he made the NATO Secretary General remember 

Jesus Christ," she remarked, in the Telegram channel.

 

TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov emphasized that Rutte had 

insulted Lavrov with his statement. In addition, he called 

the Secretary General of the alliance a "NATO aphid".

 

What was Lavrov talking about?

 

In late June, the Polish RadosÅ‚aw Sikorski said that Russian 

President Vladimir Putin was allegedly following in the 

footsteps of former Soviet leaders.

 

"He [Putin] once said that the Soviet Union collapsed, because it 

spent too much on weapons, and now he's doing the same. He's 

waging a very expensive war and has also provoked the entire 

West to increase its defense spending," Sikorski said, in an 

interview with PAP.

 

After the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization's 

Council of Foreign Ministers on June 30th, journalists asked 

Lavrov to comment on his Polish counterpart's statement.

 

"He [Sikorski] probably foresees, since he's such a predictor, 

that the catastrophic increase in NATO countries' budgets, 

as I estimate, will also lead to the collapse of this 

organization," the minister said.

 

Lavrov also recalled Putin's words, who announced plans 

to reduce military spending and follow common sense, 

according to TASS.

 

"Instead of making up threats and sucking them out of their 

fingers, as NATO member countries do, including Sikorski,"

 the Russian Foreign Minister concluded.

 

Militarization of NATO countries

 

Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Grushko on the air 

of the TV channel Russia 24 on July 2, said that the amount of 

military budgets of NATO countries is now 10 times higher 

than the military expenditures of the Russian Federation. 


Despite this, the states of the organization continue to 

fear Russia and attribute aggressive intentions to it, 

he stressed.

 

"As of today, this is the latest updated data, the total military 

spending of all NATO countries has reached the incredible 

amount of 1,506 billion US dollars. This represents 55% 

of the global total. In other words, 32 NATO countries 

are spending more ----- than the remaining 163 

countries in the world," he said.

 

On June 24–25, a NATO summit was held in The Hague, where 

the leaders of the organization's member countries agreed to

 increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Rüttte emphasized 

at a press conference that the North Atlantic Alliance must 

be confident that it can defend itself against..... the 

Russian threat.

 

"We have heard from open sources and from many high-ranking

 military leaders in Europe that they [the Russians] are building 

up their armed forces at a rate that will allow them to be 

ready for an attack in three, five, or seven years," 

he said.

 

According to Rutte, the West should not be "naive about Russia."

 

It is worth noting that on May 21, the ambassadors of the EU 

agreed on a €150 billion plan to militarize Europe. This plan 

was proposed by the head of the European Commission,

 Ursula von der Leyen.

 

"An agreement (sic) has been reached on SAFE. The more the EU 

invests in its armies, the better it will be able to deter those 

who wish to harm it," the statement said, posted on the 

Polish Council of the EU presidency's page - on the 

social network X.

 

In early June, during a meeting with heads of world news

 agencies on the sidelines of SPIEF, Putin called those 

who seriously talk about Russia’s “attack” on NATO

 “stupid.”

 

"They're saying that Russia wants to attack NATO. Are you 

crazy? Are you as stupid as this table? Who came up
with 
this idea?" Putin responded.

 

The president concluded, that claims that Russia 

will attack NATO countries, are “nonsense”... 

and “dog-eat-dog nonsense.”

 

 

 

_______________________________________

 

 

 

"A course towards self-destruction": 

Zakharova --- described the EU's 

entire foreign policy in 2 words

by Maria Pavlova

July 2nd, 6:42pm

(Komsomolskaya Pravda)

 

 

TO SHARE

 

Zakharova commented on the results of the EU summit.

 

The EU countries have set a course for self-destruction. 

This was the comment of the official representative of 

the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, on the 

last summit of the European Council held in Brussels 

on June 26.

 

"They call it a course against Russia, but in fact, they are 

engaged in some kind of self-destruction," Zakharova 

said, during a briefing, answering a 

corresponding question.

 

The diplomat also pointed out that the West's calls for Russia 

to "show political will" to end the conflict, sound false and 

foolish ------ given the arms being pumped into Ukraine.

 

"The hysteria surrounding the so-called Russian threat, is being

 used as a pretext ------ for the accelerated militarization of the 

European Union, which is detrimental to the socio-economic 

development of the member states," Zakharova added, 

ironically suggesting that the European Union should 

adopt the abbreviation "EB" ---- as it effectively 

becomes a European NATO bloc.

 

As a reminder, the European Union summit failed to adopt 

a statement aimed at supporting Ukraine. It was 

blocked by Hungary.

 

The EU also confirmed the failure to approve the

 18th package of sanctions against Russia 

at the last summit.

 


 

_____________________________________________






Unicef warns about the impact of 

conflicts on millions of children

July 2nd, 1:24pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

More than 12 million children were murdered, mutilated or 

displaced during the conflicts recorded in the last two 

years in the Middle East and North Africa, Unicef 

warned today.

 

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 

in 2025 around 45 million minors in that region will need 

humanitarian aid, which represents an increase of 

41 percent since 2020.

 

This organization expressed its concern and warned that 

the financing deficit is affecting the implementation of 

vital programs such as those related to the treatment 

of severe malnutrition, the production of drinking 

water and vaccination against deadly diseases.

 

It is alarming that 110 million children in these territories live 

in countries affected by war, with homes, schools and health 

facilities damaged or destroyed in the fighting, indicates a 

report from that entity.

 

In recent statements, Unicef regional director Edouard 

Beigbeder indicated that, “as the situation of children

 in the area worsens, resources to respond are --

 increasingly -- scarce”.

 

''Conflicts must end. International advocacy to resolve 

these crises must be intensified and support for 

vulnerable children must increase ----- not 

decrease,'' he asserted.

 

 

___________________________________________

 

 

 

Young summer in Cuba - with 

musicality and in full colour

July 2nd, 1:23pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Always young and in full colour, summer in Cuba today exhibits 

a range of cultural proposals in which the most varied and 

attractive expressions of art converge, because the 

public enjoys and appreciates it.

 

One of the initiatives comes from the Musical Recordings 

and Editions Company (Egrem), with the holding of the 

I Innovation Fair at the Cultural Center 31 and 2,

 in this capital, Havana.

 

With the participation of artists, researchers, creators 

and managers, the space will become the epicentre 

of creativity, science and innovation at the service 

of music ----- this July 9.

 

Workshops, presentations, and an expofair with institutional 

materials and products linked to sound art - will distinguish 

InnovaEGREM, as stated by the Organizing Committee 

in a meeting with the press... in the May Hall of the 

Cuba Pavilion.

 

Under the slogan ''Summer --- that sounds like Egrem,'' music 

will reach squares and communities in this capital to add 

flavour to the summer season: Karamba, Buena Fe, 

Arnaldo and his Talismán, Maykel Blanco y su 

Salsa Mayor, Issac Delgado, Elain Morales 

and Alain Pérez ---- will be some of the 

invited artists and groups.

 

This summer welcome campaign will also celebrate the 

45 years of Siboney Studios, located in the eastern 

province of Santiago de Cuba.

 

Adding to the festivities is the second edition of Zona 

Sonora, which will bring together prominent local 

DJs and producers this Saturday ------ at John 

Lennon Park, in El Vedado neighbourhood.

 

Designed for the Cuban community and family, the meeting 

will promote enjoyment in a pleasant environment where 

music will become the main protagonist. There will be 

sales of books, vinyls, CDs and souvenirs, that 

address this artistic manifestation.

 

Other initiatives make up this attractive and varied agenda, 

which will also reach the rest of the Cuban provinces,

 including the Barrio Art Project, the usual concerts 

at La Piragua and a recital that promises to raise

 the sound of the flute.

 

This ---- is the presentation ''From Lima to Havana,'' which 

will bring together the Peruvian flutist César Peredo, the 

Argentine quenista Rodrigo Sosa and the prominent 

Cuban musician Orlando Valle ''Maraca'' and

Camerata Cortés ---- this Saturday, in the 

Cuban Art Building of the National 

Museum of Fine Arts.




 

______________________________________________



 

Guatemala created Strategic Command

 Against Transnational Threats

July 1st, 3pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

Guatemala today made official the reactivation of a Strategic 

Command Against Transnational Threats (Cecat), aimed at 

protecting national sovereignty against possible threats

 by air, sea, land and cyberspace.

 

Through the official Diario de CentroAmérica - government 

Agreement Number 110-2025 stated that among the main 

functions of the new military organization, is conducting 

defense operations and coordinating actions with other

 local and international institutions.

 

Signed by the president of the country, Bernardo Arévalo, the 

Minister of Defense, Henry Saenz, and the Secretary General 

of the Presidency, Juan Gerardo Guerrero, explained that 

Cecat will operate as a special military command.

 

It will have jurisdiction throughout this Central American territory

and will be led by a General or Colonel, or a similar rank, in the 

Sea Force, that he has completed Higher Strategic Studies, 

or its equivalent, abroad, he added.

 

The Defense Staff has a period of 30 days from tomorrow, when 

it will come into force, to prepare the regulations, design the 

budget ...and establish the operational structure of 

the command.

 

With this measure, the Guatemalan Executive seeks 

to strengthen security and respond effectively to 

transnational challenges that may compromise

 the country's stability.

 

The idea of reactivation came after the incursion of Mexican 

soldiers into the Chapín department of Huehuetenango 

and an armed incident in that area at the beginning 

of last June.

 

This force is designed to facilitate coordination, both within the 

National Civil Police and with security organizations from other 

States that face similar situations, Arévalo previously detailed.

 

Authorities from Guatemala and Mexico have met several times 

after the incident ---- to determine an agenda within the 

framework of monitoring a border strategy.

 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 

Díaz-Canel -- congratulates 

scientific centres in Cuba

July 1st, 2:57pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, today congratulated 

the workers of the National Centre for Scientific Research 

(CNIC) and Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 

(CIGB), on the occasion of their 60th and 39th 

anniversaries, respectively.

 

Through the social network, as projected by the 

historical leader of the Cuban Revolution,

 Fidel Castro.

 

The CNIC was founded on July 1, 1965 and 

represented the first multidisciplinary 

centre in Cuba.

 

It is currently a company that is part of the Biotechnology 

and Pharmaceutical Industries Group (BioCubaFarma), 

dedicated to scientific research, and the production 

and marketing of pharmaceutical and 

biotechnological products.

 

For its part, the Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology 

constitutes a large research-productive complex equipped with

 cutting-edge equipment --- and staff busy developing new 

products in all their phases, from cloning and protein 

expression with DNA recombination techniques 

to production on industrial scales.

 

Among its main lines of work are the recombinant obtaining 

of proteins and hormones, vaccines and diagnostic means, 

and the production of monoclonal antibodies, the use of 

biomass and its transformation by chemical-enzymatic 

means and the micro-propagation of cells and 

tissue cultures.

 

 

_______________________________________

 

 

 

President of Mexico
reiterates
rejection 

of criminalization
of migrants

July 1st, 2:14pm

(Prensa Latina) 

 

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, today rejected 

the treatment of migrants as criminals and reiterated the 

importance of compatriots and other Latin Americans 

for the United States economy.

 

“We do not agree with treating migrants as criminals. A family, 

a man, a woman, a young man who goes to the United States. 

The United States was formed from migrants”, she asserted

 when answering a question about a new immigration 

detention centre in the neighbouring country.

 

She emphasized that particularly Latinos and Mexicans are 

very important for the economy of the northern territory.

 

“Wanting to classify a migrant as a criminal --- or seeking the 

deportation of millions of migrants, as they say, will affect 

the United States economy..... seeing it from their 

perspective. But, in addition, it totally violates 

human rights”, she noted.

 

What we have stated “in diplomatic notes, in conversations every

 time we are there, is that, in the case of a Mexican who does not 

have papers, that he is detained... that we immediately receive 

him in Mexico, but in conditions that do not violate his rights”, 

she said.

 

The president of the United States, Donald Trump, visited 

Alcatraz Cayman this Tuesday, the new immigration 

detention centre --------- built in record time.

 

Images in local media showed protesters at the doors of the 

controversial facility waiting for the president, who upon 

his arrival in the state was seen with the Secretary of 

Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and the Florida 

Governor, Ron DeSantis.

 

 

_______________________________

 

 

 

They offer new revelations 

of terrorist plans against 

Venezuela

July 1st, 2:11pm

 (Prensa Latina) 

 

The Minister for Interior Relations, Justice and Peace,

 Diosdado Cabello today offered new statements of 

terrorist plans planned against Venezuela by the 

national extreme right, in complicity with drug 

trafficking and foreign agents.

 

In statements to the press, the owner reiterated that it is 

a single plot, in which drug trafficking, conspiracy and 

armed violence through gangs are associated, in 

which judges, mayors, police officers, business

men, among other people involved, have been

 captured in several states.

 

“We denounce to the world that the United States continues 

to plan plots against Venezuela”, he asserted, and revealed 

implications of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, of 

which he gave his opinion, “they have to be authorized 

by their bosses”.

 

Cabello insisted that this is a single articulated conspiracy and 

stated that “the political leadership of the opposition lost its 

shame” for its projection and actions; he revealed “their 

alarming level of despair” and stressed, that they are 

the same... as always.

 

He alluded to the capture of Venezuelan citizen Marco José 

Balbuena Rodríguez, alias Patas Largas, from the state of 

Zulia, from where he moved to Sucre (northeast), and 

whose front man and payer for the purchase of 

weapons ---- was captured today.

 

The sectoral vice president of Politics, Citizen Security 

and Peace showed a batch of captured weapons such

 as grenade launchers, rifle and RPG-7 grenades, 

machine guns, Israeli-made rifles, cell phones,

 radio equipment, GPS, among others.

 

He assured -- that everything is linked to José Balbuena and 

as part of the operations of the security agencies, a citizen 

of Trinidadian origin, Venezuelans and Colombians, was 

captured.

 

“These weapons were not for trafficking drugs, but for 

carrying out terrorist attacks within the country”, 

he certified.

 

When referring to the issue of narcotics, Cabello pointed out 

that they continue working and reported that, between

yesterday and today “they captured a very significant 

amount of drugs”, including 317 kilos of marijuana 

in the state of Apure (southwest) and 3,161 

kilograms in Falcón (northwest).

 

He reported that the amount of drugs captured in the first half

 of this year exceeds that seized in 2024, just as 396 aircraft 

used for drug trafficking --- were shot down.

 

Cabello declared that they are currently carrying out an 

operation in La Cañonera, state of Zulia (southwest), 

where 163 kilograms of cocaine were seized, in 

addition to those already announced, they 

also made several arrests.

 

All of these drug trafficking actions, he reaffirmed, are linked to 

terrorism operations, paramilitarism, conspiracy in Venezuela 

and money laundering.

 

The political leader stressed the links of the extremist 

opposition, led by María Corina Machado, with 

Colombian drug trafficking and identified 

former presidents Álvaro Uribe, Juan 

Manuel Santos, Iván Duque and 

Andrés Pastrana, as their 

political bosses.

 

 

_______________________________________________



Russian Ambassador Botan-Kharchenko 

said that the situation in Serbia...

 is under control

July 1st, 12:53pm

(Vesti.ru)

 

The situation in Serbia is quite stable and is under the control 

of the authorities, Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander 

Botsan-Kharchenko said on the Russia 24 TV channel.

 

This was the diplomat's comment on the mass protests in Serbia.

 

"In general, we can say that it [the situation in Serbia] is quite 

stable. And in any case, this is probably the main thing, it is

under the control of the authorities. It is.... quite calm, at 

least in Belgrade, in the main cities," the diplomat said.

 

However, it is too early to talk about a complete end to 

the protests, according to Botsan-Kharchenko.

 

On June 28, protesters blocked Slavia Square in the centre of 

Belgrade and the surrounding streets. They demanded early 

parliamentary elections. On the same evening, they issued 

an ultimatum to the authorities, demanding a date for the

vote. On June 29th, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, 

declared victory for the government over the protesters.

 

The day before, Serbian protesters announced on social media 

that they had started a total blockade of roads, streets, and 

intersections in the country.

 

 

_______________________________________

 


 

A floral bouquet was laid in Moscow

 on the occasion of Belarus' 

Independence Day

by Yuri Sizov

June 1st, 11:53am

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

On July 1, a wreath was laid at the Kremlin Wall to 

commemorate the Independence Day of Belarus, 

according to the Belarusian diplomatic mission 

in the Russian capital.

 

"Ambassador Alexander Rogozhnik... and diplomats of 

the Belarusian Embassy in Russia laid a wreath and 

flowers at the Eternal Flame --- at the Tomb of the 

Unknown Soldier and the memorial signs "Hero 

City Minsk" and "Brest Hero Fortress" in the 

Alexander Garden of the Kremlin, on the 

occasion of the Independence Day of 

the Republic of Belarus" ------ the 

Embassy of Belarus informed.

 

The solemn ceremony, according to BELTA, was also 

attended by representatives of the leadership and 

staff of the Permanent Committee of the Union 

State, the Parliamentary Assembly of the 

Union of Belarus and Russia, plus the 

Eurasian Economic Commission, 

the CIS Executive Committee, 

Russian diplomats.... and

representatives of the 

Belarusian diaspora.

 

 

________________________



Without the Communist Party --- 

There Would Be No New China: 


Xi Jinping


July 1st, 10:24am


teleSUR)


 


The Chinese leader emphasized that his country’s 


modernization requires strengthened unity 


and diligence.


 


The Communist Party of China (CPC), which has led its 


country through a remarkable transformation over the 


76 years since it came to power, marked the 104th 


anniversary of its founding, on Tuesday.


 


Ahead of the anniversary, President Xi Jinping, the Communist 


Party’s top leader, presided over a group study session of the 


Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during which 


he stressed ------- advancing full and rigorous Party 


self-governance, by promoting good conduct.


 


“The tasks of advancing Chinese modernization entrusted to our 


Party are extremely challenging, and the governing environment 


is unusually complex. We must pull the string of self-reform 


tighter,” said Xi, who believes that the Party must keep 


strengthening itself, to always be the backbone of 


the Chinese nation.


 


“Without the Communist Party of China, there would be no new 


China and no national rejuvenation. The Party was chosen by 


history and the people,” he said, as recalled by China Daily.


 


According to the latest tally, the CPC had more than 100 million 


members and 5.25 million primary-level organizations at the 


end of 2024. Monday’s group study session centred on a 


theme that Xi has made a key task this year -- for 


strengthening the Party, namely, bolstering 


the whole Party’s compliance with the 


principles of a landmark code of 


conduct, known as the 


eight-point rules.


 


The code was introduced under the aegis of Xi in December 


2012, shortly after he was elected general secretary of the


 CPC Central Committee. The document sets out rules for 


Political Bureau members when they conduct research 


tours, meetings and paperwork — and banning 


extravagances such as lavish banquets, 


red carpets and luxury perks.


 


The code has evolved into a consistent, Party-wide measure to 


curb unnecessary formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism, and 


extravagance — tendencies that risk alienating the Party 


from the people.


 


Having profoundly reshaped official work styles in China over 


the past decade, the eight-point rules --- continue to drive 


efforts in this regard today. To sustain this momentum,


 a nationwide education campaign was launched this 


year, with Xi warning against the resurgence of 


undesirable practices, in disguised.... or 


mutated forms.


 


The code has served as a breakthrough point ---- for 


comprehensively strengthening Party governance, 


said Shen Chengfei, the dean of the School of 


Marxism -- at Sun Yat-sen University. By 


enforcing the code, the CPC showed 


it delivers on its word. That is how 


the Party builds and maintains 


public trust, Shen added.


 


Under Xi’s leadership, efforts to strengthen the Party 


have since been implemented with consistency and 


determination. With this spirit, Xi has reshaped the


 Party from within. What was once lax and weak 


self-governance in Party organizations -- has 


been tackled at the root.


 


Moreover, an overwhelming victory in the fight against 


corruption has removed serious hidden dangers in 


the Party, the country and the military. Italian 


scholar Francesco Maringio, said the CPC’s 


ability to reform itself is a key factor in


 its success


 


UNYIELDING MISSION


 


A strong governing Party - has proven instrumental to China’s 


progress, with achievements over the past decade including 


lifting nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty, 


maintaining its status, as the world’s second-largest 


economy, effectively controlling COVID-19, tackling 


pollution and demonstrating resilience in the face 


of external headwinds. Building on its past 


achievements ---- the nation is pressing 


forward with its modernization drive. 


However, the road ahead will be


 far from smooth.


 


In an article published on Tuesday in Qiushi Journal, the 


CPC’s flagship magazine, Xi emphasized that Chinese 


modernization, requires strengthened unity and 


diligence. He described it as a great cause 


that involves all Chinese people, one that


 is full of risks and challenges and 


demands arduous efforts.


 


Through self-reform, the CPC is tempering its members by 


sharpening their resolve, honing their capabilities, and 


preparing them to face adversity --- with courage, 


composure, and grit. Xi - urged this generation 


of Party members to build on past success -- 


& strive for even greater accomplishments.


 


“We must effectively strengthen our Party so that it can unite all 


the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation in developing our 


country and advancing national rejuvenation,” he said. 


 


 


 


________________________________________________________


 



The introduction of 500% duties for countries 

that import oil and gas from Russia 

could lead to a new trade war

June 30th, 10:40pm

(Izvestia.ru)

 

A bill that provides for the introduction of US 500% duties for 

countries that import Russian oil and gas could lead to a 

new trade war and the collapse of the US economy. 

This is the opinion of industry experts 

interviewed by Izvestia.

 

According to Igor Yushkov, an expert at the Financial University

 and a leading analyst at the National Energy Security Fund, the

 bill allows the US president to impose such sanctions, but 

does not oblige him to do so.

 

"If [US leader Donald] Trump wanted to impose sanctions,

 he would do it by presidential decree. He wouldn't need 

a separate bill," he said.

 

Ekaterina Kosareva, Managing Partner of VMT Consult, agrees 

with her colleague. She recalled that Donald Trump did not 

support the G7's initiative to reduce the price cap on 

Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel.

 

Tamara Safonova, General Director of the Independent Analytical 

Agency for the Oil and Gas Sector (NAANS-MEDIA LLC), believes

 that a fivefold increase in customs duties will lead to buyers of

 Russian hydrocarbons ceasing trade with the United States, 

as well as a new round of transformation of supply chains, 

with these countries' products finding buyers ----- in 

alternative friendly markets.

 

According to her estimate, Russia's share in global oil 

exports is 11%, pipeline gas is 28%, and LNG is 10%.

 

"Let's say the United States imposes such a duty, but China 

continues to purchase Russian oil. What will happen? Will 

all trade relations with China be terminated immediately?

 How long --- will the American economy survive? 

Moreover, the United States is currently 

close.. to signing a trade agreement 

with China, so it would be unwise 

to re-engage in a conflict with 

Beijing, over Russian oil. The 

same applies to India which 

has a warmer relationship 

with the United States 

than China.'' 

 

Valery Andrianov, an associate professor at the 

Financial University under the Government 

of the Russian Federation, noted that 

Washington is unlikely to want to 

sever its cooperation with New 

Delhi .......over Russian 

raw materials.

 

 

_________________________





The IMF - has approved another 


$500 million loan - for Ukraine


June 30th, 7:41pm


(RT.ru


 


The IMF has approved another $500 million loan 


for Ukraine under the ''Extended Fund'' Facility.


 


"The IMF Board of Directors today - completed the 


eighth review of the Extended Fund Facility and 


approved the allocation of \$500 million to 


Ukraine, which will be used to support 


the state budget," the fund said
in 
a statement.


 


At the same time, the total amount of support 


provided to Ukraine by the fund has reached 


$10.6 billion.


 


Earlier, the author of an article in the newspaper 


The Wall Street Journal, wrote ------ that the 


International Monetary Fund, ''had 


doubts'' about financing Kiev 


due to a credit default.


 


 


 


______________________________


 


 


 


Lawyer Trunov: Ukraine's Western Allies


 Funded the Terrorist Attack at Crocus


June 30th, 7:21pm


(RT.ru)


 


The Western allies of the Kiev regime financed the terrorist 


attack at Crocus, and Ukraine itself was the organizer and 


customer. This was reported by one of the terrorists in 


his testimony, according to Igor Trunov, a lawyer for 


the victims, as told to RT.


 


"From the testimony of Fariduni... the attack was ordered - by 


the US, Germany, and the UK through funding. The organizer 


was Ukraine, which attracted representatives of the Islamic 


State*," he noted.


 


According to the defendant's lawyer, Ukrainian intelligence 


agencies are hiring volunteers for subversive activities 


within Russia.


 


According to Trunov, Fariduni wanted to stay in Ukraine after


 the terrorist attack and participate in the fighting against 


Moscow. The organizers promised to provide him with 


a corridor to Kiev.


 


Earlier, it was reported that the perpetrators of the terrorist 


attack at Crocus were waiting for a group near Bryansk to


 escape to Ukraine.


 


* The Islamic State (IS, ISIS) is an organization recognized as 


a terrorist organization by the Russian Supreme Court
on December 29, 2014.


 


 


______________________________________


 


 


 


Ukraine - received $1.7 billion from 


Canada in revenues from Russia's


 ''frozen'' assets


June 30th, 5:50pm


(Izvestia.ru)


 


Canada has transferred a $1.7 billion tranche to Ukraine, 


the funds were received from the proceeds of Russia's 


frozen assets. This was announced by Ukrainian 


Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, on June 30.


 


"Ukraine has received about \$1.7 billion from Canada.


 These are funds - secured by revenues from frozen 


Russian assets," he wrote on Telegram channel.


 


Shmyhal said that, since the beginning of the year, Kyiv 


has already received $17.6 billion from frozen Russian


 assets, including the aforementioned tranche.


 


On June 17, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney 


announced that Ukraine would receive a $1.7 


billion loan from Russia's assets. At the 


same time, he stated that Ottawa 


would provide Kyiv with a new 


military aid package worth


$1.5 billion.


 


 


___________________________________


 


 


 


Putin called the potential of the DPR, LPR, 


Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions ---


enormous


June 30th, 3:41pm


(RT.ru)


 


The potential of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's 


Republics..... as well as the Kherson and 


Zaporizhzhia regions, is enormous, 


and it is important to unlock it, 


Russian President Vladimir


 Putin said.


 


He said this - at a meeting on 


the development of Russia's 


new regions.


 


Putin noted - that it is necessary to build or reconstruct 


educational, cultural, healthcare, and sports facilities, 


as well as to develop roads, housing, public utilities, 


and the entire social infrastructure.


 


"It will be necessary to... in general, to reveal 


the enormous potential of Donbass and 


Novorossiya," the head of state said.


 


Putin emphasized that by 2030, the new regions must 


reach the average Russian level in all indicators,


 and it is necessary to create jobs with 


decent salaries.


 


 


___________________________________







A post -  calling for the extermination of Roma

 cost a resident of Khabarovsk 10,000 rubles

by Marfa Mamaeva

June 28th, 9:32pm

(Gazeta.ru)

 

In Khabarovsk, a woman was fined 10,000 rubles for 

commenting on a video of a child.... sitting in a toy

 machine. This was reported by “Caution, News”.

 

According to the Telegram channel, the Lazo District 

Court of the Khabarovsk Krai issued a decision on 

the case of a 48-year-old woman on the charge 

of inciting hatred on June 25. Her comment 

was a response to a post that read: "In 

the Khabarovsk Krai, Roma people 

forced their younger brother into

 a toy machine, so that he 

could steal toys."

 

According to the publication, the woman wrote under 

the post that the Roma had never worked, and were 

used to stealing, and called for their extermination.

 

 

__________________________________________

 

 

 

Vucic rejected the Belgrade protesters' 

ultimatum --- for early elections

June 28th, 9:21pm

(RT.ru)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected an 

ultimatum to hold early elections, which was 

presented to him by protesters in Belgrade.

 

This is reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta 

with reference to state television RTS.

 

"The ultimatum has not been accepted, 

there is no need to wait...," Vucic said.

 

According to him, the protests are part of 

a foreign conspiracy to overthrow

 the government.

 

Earlier, it was reported that demonstrators 

clashed with law enforcement officers

 in Belgrade.

 

According to the Serbian Interior Ministry, the 

unauthorised protest in Slavija Square, is 

attended by about 36 thousand people.

 

Police used force against protesters 

in the centre of Belgrade.

 

 

_______________________________

 

 

 

Zakharova is right --- Nazis are being

 brought to power in Europe: A lover 

of the purity of the Greek race, has 

been appointed Minister in Greece

by Sergey Gapchuk

June 28th, 6:22pm

(Komsomolskaya Pravda)

 

TO SHARE

 

The Greek Minister of Immigration and Asylum is a far-right 

politician who has advocated for the "purity of the Greek 

race," Thanos Plevris. This was reported by the British 

newspaper, the Daily Mail.

 

The publication noted that he is known for calling for 

shooting migrants at the border, not providing them 

with medical care, and not giving them food when 

they arrive in Greece.

 

In addition, Plevris's father, who denies the Holocaust, 

has been described by local media as the "founder of

 Greek neo-fascism" and the "theorist of the 

fascist state."

 

As the website KP.RU reported, the official representative of 

the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, commented 

on the biography of the recently appointed head of British 

intelligence, Blaze Metreveli. 

 

Her statement was prompted by information that Metreveli's 

grandfather, Konstantin Dobrovolsky, collaborated with the 

Nazis during World War II and ---- according to archival 

documents, participated in crimes against civilians. 


The diplomat highlighted a trend - where individuals 

are purposefully and deliberately appointing Nazi 

descendants to leadership positions in the 

collective West.

 

Earlier, it was reported that back in 2023, Russian President 

Vladimir Putin addressed German citizens in German and 

warned them against supporting Nazism.

 

 

 

______________________________






A Democrat socialist from Uganda 

could become mayor
of New York. 

Why is this important?

June 28th, 8am

(Izvestia.ru)

 

As part of the election of the mayor of New York, the 

Democrat Party held primaries, which ended in an 

unexpected way. The winner of the vote and the 

main candidate for the post was a native of 

Uganda, Zohran Mamdani, who calls 

himself a socialist. 

 

He promised to freeze the price of housing and tax the richest 

residents of the city. Mamdani's victory was a success of the 

radical wing of the Democrats, which can change the 

political landscape of the USA. On why these 

preliminary results of local elections are 

important - is in this material of 

the "News".

 

How did the primaries go?

 

The Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral election

took place on June 24, and was supposed to be a fairly routine 

procedure that was unlikely to attract much attention. The 

main favourite of the vote was the establishment 

candidate, former New York Governor Andrew 

Cuomo, who left office in 2021 amid 

accusations of harassment -- and 

an unsuccessful fight.. against 

COVID-19. The only potential 

rival for Cuomo, would have 

been incumbent Mayor Eric

Adams, but... he declined 

to run, for the Democrat

nomination ------- due to 

corruption allegations 

and low popularity.

 

Given that the Republicans' position in New York 

is extremely weak -- the winner of the Democrat 

primary is almost guaranteed to become mayor.

 

Until the final day of voting, Cuomo.. was confidently 

leading the polls. However, the first results showed 

that the experienced politician had been defeated 

and unexpectedly lost to 33-year-old Zohran 

Mamdani, who had virtually no support

 in the spring.

 

The results of the primaries have not yet been finalized. They use

 a so-called ranked voting system, where voters choose not just 

one candidate from a ballot, but five at once, placing them in 

order of preference. The results are tallied, using a system 

that eliminates unpopular candidates, and transfers their 

votes to other candidates. This process continues until 

one candidate receives more than 50% of the votes.

 

This type of voting avoids a second round, but requires a long 

count. However, it is already known that Mamdani won and 

Cuomo conceded defeat, and for the United States, this 

event, which is formally only of a local level, became 

a national sensation due to the personality and 

views of the winning candidate.

 

Who is Zia Mamdani?

 

Zohran Mamdani was born in 1991 in Uganda. His father, an

 Indian Muslim, is a professor of colonialism at Columbia 

University, and his mother, a Hindu, is known in India 

as a film director and producer. 

 

When the future politician was five years old, his family moved

 to South Africa, and two years later, they settled in New York.

 In his youth -- Mamdani provided counseling to members of 

ethnic minorities who were at risk of eviction from their 

rental housing, and he also tried to establish himself 

as a rapper. It was only 20 years after he moved to 

the United States, that he obtained citizenship.

 

Mamdani began his political career --- as an aide to various 

Democrat candidates in city and state elections.  In 2020, 

he ran for the New York State Assembly for the first time 

and has since served as a congressman. Notably, 

Mamdani.. has been the only candidate in his 

district without any Republican opposition 

in every election.

 

Mamdani calls himself a democratic socialist - for the US, this is 

a fairly rarely used term, which of the well-known politicians 

only identifies himself with the senator Bernie Sanders. 

Some views and promises made by the candidate 

during the participation in the primaries for 

US society... are extraordinary.

 

The popularity of Mamdani's candidacy may also be influenced 

by the current situation in the city. In recent years, New York 

has been plagued by poverty, garbage, and an increase in 

crime, with an increasing number of homeless people on 

the streets, and the city's authorities struggling to 

address these issues. As a result, real estate 

prices have been on the rise, and Mamdani 

has emerged as a representative of those 

who are tired of the current situation and

 the government's inability to address it.

 

In his campaign, Mamdani emphasized -- fighting inequality and 

protecting the poor. He promised to limit rent increases, which 

have made New York one of the world's most expensive cities

& build social housing by gentrifying wealthy neighbourhoods.
Mamdani supports raising the minimum wage and increasing 

the corporate tax rate, to match neighbouring New Jersey.

 

Among his proposals... which are particularly controversial in the 

United States, is the introduction of a 2% tax on those who earn 

more than $1 million per year. According to Mamdani, this 

measure would generate $20 billion in revenue and fund

free university schools, freeze subway fares, make bus

 travel free, and protect renters.

 

Mamdani, as a local-level politician, is an active critic of the State

of Israel, accusing it of the genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza 

Strip. He regularly participates in pro-Palestinian protests that 

take place in New York City, the city with the largest Jewish 

population in the world. At the same time, Mamdani 

emphasizes that he is not an anti-Semite, and 

has attracted a number of Jewish 

organizations to his side.

 

What does his nomination mean for the United States?

 

Mamdani's victory in the New York primary was a major event

in U.S. politics, with far-reaching implications. It was a 

notable success for the left-wing faction within the 

Democrat Party. The centrist core --- which had 

previously dominated the party -- but failed in 

last year's federal elections, has now been 

defeated in the internal arena, which 

could signal a complete renewal 

of the party.

 

Experts are already talking about the fact that the Democrat

 Party is ripe for its own analogue of the MAGA movement - 

a radical wing that will attract young people to its side 

with its bold slogans and populist promises and will 

become a formidable force in the next elections. 

It is difficult to say yet that it will be led by 

Mamdani, but the socialist ideas he has

proposed -- will definitely attract new 

leaders who are ready to shock the 

US in the same way as the current 

president Donald Trump did in his 

time. The radical left -- which the 

White House chief ------ has been 

scaring the US with, for so long, 

will now be sufficiently inspired 

to form a new force. Trump has 

already expressed his opinion 

quite clearly ----- about the 

emerging popularity of 

socialists..... calling 

Mamdani a “crazy 

communist.”

 

Mamdani also taught an important lesson to his party colleagues

 on how to run a campaign. He did not focus on identity issues, 

which the neutral majority was tired of. Mamdani prioritized 

economic and social assistance issues, which were more 

important to the public ----- than protecting the rights of 

various minorities. He actively engaged with voters 

on the ground, which was unconventional for the 

democrat establishment.

 

Finally, Mamdani's clear and unambiguous stance on Palestine ---

 contrasted with the compromise statements that typically come

 from Democrats, which do not satisfy either Israel's supporters 

or its opponents. The fact that a person with an active pro-

Palestinian stance has achieved political success -- could 

potentially, lead to a shift in the traditionally favorable
US
 attitude towards Israel, which seemed to be an 

unwavering mainstream. Given Trump's active 

efforts in this direction, the anti-Israeli 

approach in US politics has a 

promising future.

 

However, for now, only interim results should be drawn with 

regard to Mamdani ----- and the revolution made within the
Democrat Party. He has not yet become the mayor of the 

largest and richest city in the United States.... as the 

election.. is still more than four months away. The 

defeated Cuomo may attempt to run again as an

independent candidate, and early polls suggest 

his chances are roughly equal to Mamdani's. 

 

Given the weakness, of the Republican position 

in New York and the candidacy of Curtis Sliwa, 

the two Democrats can afford to meet again 

on the ballot without the threat of losing 

the city to a different party.

 

Why this is important!

 

The election of the mayor of New York will now be 

the starting point for changes in the Democrat 

Party, which has been struggling.. to recover 

from a series of defeats at the federal level. 

The outcome of these elections -------- will

determine whether the party remains on 

a centrist platform or fully transforms 

into a left-wing force ------ capable of 

challenging the Republican Party's 

similar transformation. If this 

happens, the US will divide

further into right and left 

factions, exacerbating 

the societal divide.

 

When preparing this article, Izvestia 

interviewed - and considered - the 

opinions of the following people:

 

US political scientist Malek Dudakov;

political scientist Dmitry Drobnitsky;

& the Americanist Roman Romanov.

 







 



After the NATO summit, the West ----- 

pointed to Putin's fulfilled prediction

by Ekaterina Volkova

June 27th, 10:15pm

(Gazeta.ru)

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin's prediction: of Europe's 

subjugation to the United States came true at the NATO 

summit in The Hague, according to journalist Clara

 Statello of L'Antidiplomatico.

 

"The alliance leaders understood that in order to avoid a 

disgraceful failure in The Hague, they had no choice 

but to return to Trump on their knees," 

Statello said.

 

The journalist recalled that Putin said, in an interview with 

Pavel Zarubin that Trump would “quickly restore order in 

Europe” and that Western leaders would “fall at the 

master’s feet.”

 

Statello clarified that the NATO summit in The Hague was 

intended to hide growing disagreements over Russia, 

the Middle East, and international trade.

 

Prior to that, Putin at a press conference on the results of 

the EAEU summit in Minsk, said that it is not Russia that 

is aggressive, but the collective West.

 

The President also noted that amid the rhetoric about 

Russia's alleged aggressiveness, there is a need for 

Europe to arm itself.

 

Earlier, the Russian Embassy accused NATO 

of destroying the “peace dividend”.

 

 

 

_____________________________________




Trump: The US is ending trade negotiations 

with Canada ---- and will impose tariffs

by Alexey Merkulov

June 27th, 7:45pm

(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 

 

US President Donald Trump announced the immediate

 termination of all trade negotiations with Canada in

 response to the country's introduction of a digital 

services tax that affects US technology firms.

 

A statement by the White House chief of staff, published 

on the Truth Social social network, noted Washington's 

plans to impose tariffs on its northern neighbour.

 

The US leader noted that the US had just learned that 

Canada had imposed a digital services tax on US

technology companies. "This is a direct and 

blatant attack on our country," Trump 

wrote on his social media platform.

 

According to him, Canada's actions are similar to those 

of the EU..... which is also considering introducing a 

similar tax, increasing tensions in trade relations 

between the United States and its partners.

 

 

_________________________________________






"We paid for it with inflation." Putin revealed 

Russia's defense spending & may reduce it

by Anastasia Alympeeva (editor of the 

operational information department)

June 27th, 7:29pm

(Lenta.ru)

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, June 27th, spoke

at a press conference in Minsk -- and said that the RF may 

reduce budget spending on defense, the growth of which 

has become ''one of the reasons'' ...for the increase in 

inflation rates. At the moment, according to him, 

the agencies are discussing such plans.

 

''We have a considerable [defence] spending today, it is 

6.3 percent of GDP. Is it a lot or a little? I think it is a 

lot, and this is, of course, one of the problems,

 including for the budget, we have to solve.''

 

The Russian leader specified --- that 6.3 percent of GDP is 

13.5 trillion rubles (the total volume of GDP in monetary 

terms is 223 trillion). "We paid for it (the increase in 

budget expenditures) in inflation, but we are now

struggling with this inflation," he stressed.

 

The Russian president noted that while the country's 

plans include reducing defense spending, NATO 

countries, on the contrary, plan to increase 

spending in this area. "So ---- who, is 

behaving aggressively?" 

he asked.

 

In general... describing the economic situation in both 

Russia and Europe, he pointed out that the European 

colleagues are constantly “burying” Moscow, 

despite the fact that they themselves are 

experiencing great difficulties and are

 literally on the verge of survival.

 

''They'll be dead soon! And they're 

burying us ---- nonstop.''

 

He specified that last year, the Russian economy grew 

by 4.3 percent. At the same time, in 2025, according 

to him, this is... "much more modest, with the aim 

of combating inflation - but we are doing it 

purposefully." 

 

"And - in the Eurozone, growth is 0.9 percent," Putin recalled.


 The same happened in the country with the growth of 

salaries, which last year added 9.7 percent, and at
the 
beginning of this year - 4 percent.

 

Speaking at a Defense Ministry board last year, Putin 

emphasized that the increase in defense spending 

has its limit.... and cannot go on forever. As of 

December 2024..  spending on increasing 

defense capabilities had increased 

to 6.3 percent.

 

The President noted that in addition to defense, it is 

necessary to develop other areas as well: the 

economy, science, education, healthcare, 

and others --- that are important for 

Russian society.

 

The Russian budget for 2025-2027 ---- envisaged the following 

expenditures: 41,469.5 trillion rubles in 2025 (19.3% of GDP), 

44,022.2 trillion rubles in 2026 (19.1% of GDP), and 45,915.6 

trillion rubles in 2027 (18.5% of GDP).

 

At the same time, this week budget parameters for this year 

were adjusted with an increase in the deficit from 0.5% to 

1.7% of GDP. Also.. the annual decrease in the share of 

defense spending in the budget was laid in the plan 

until 2027. And in 2026, there is an increase in 

spending on social policy, and the national 

economy, but in general in the structure 

of spending in 2025-2027, the largest 

volume will be spent on national 

defense, social policy and 

the national economy.

 

At the end of last year, the head of the State Duma Committee 

on Defense Andrey Kartapolov provided specific figures for 

the National Defense section: 13.49 trillion rubles in 2025, 

12.79 trillion in 2026, and 13.07 trillion in 2027.

 

"The allocated funds will allow us to continue developing our 

army, which includes the needs of the special military 

operation and, of course, the social protection of 

our soldiers. This is an absolute priority,"

 he said.

 

Global military spending has skyrocketed

 

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research 

Institute (SIPRI), global military spending reached almost

$2.72 trillion last year. By 2023 --- it had increased by a 

record-breaking 9.4% since the end of the Cold War.

 

Europe and the Middle East showed the fastest growth 

in this area, while the US, China, Russia, Germany, 

and India, accounted for 60 percent of global 

defense spending. 

 

In total - 100 countries increased 

their defense spending last year.

 

 

 

___________________________________

 

 

 

Carney announces that Canada and the US

 will continue their negotiations after

 Trump's harsh remarks

by Alina Kochneva

June 27th, 7:25pm

(Komsomolskaya Pravda)

 

TO SHARE

 

Canadian Prime Minister Calls 

Talks with Trump "Difficult"

 

The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to 

the statements of Donald Trump about negotiations.


 He emphasized - that the parties will continue 

the dialogue. At the same time, Mark Carney 

admitted that he had not yet spoken with 

Donald Trump after the statement about

the termination of US contacts with 

Canada. The Prime Minister 

said this to journalists.

 

Mark Carney described the dialogue as "difficult." The Prime 

Minister also declined to answer a question about Canada's 

readiness to eliminate the digital services tax, a topic that 

sparked a heated reaction in the White House.

 

"We will continue to conduct these difficult negotiations 

based on the interests of Canadian citizens," 

Mark Carney concluded.

 

Donald Trump also described the dialogue with Canada 

as difficult. He condemned Ottawa for imposing a tax 

on US digital services.

 

 

_____________________________________________







Human Rights Council: More than 90 percent


 of political fake news is generated by AI


by Anna Spitsyna


June 27th, 1:28pm


(Rossiyskaya Gazeta) 


 


More than 90 percent of all political fakes are generated 


by artificial intelligence, said Elina Sidorenko, head
of
 the White Internet NGO and a member of the 


Presidential Council for Civil Society 


Development and Human Rights.


 


According to her, AI has become very involved in politics: 


more than 90 percent of political fake news --- is
generated
 by artificial intelligence.


 


According to her, AI generates such fake news 


that "strikes at the heart of problems" and


 affects a wide range of people.


 


"People sometimes don't have time to counter this 


by verifying the information......... because the 


avalanche - is huge," she emphasized.


 


According to experts, the use of deep fakes will grow 


by 300 percent per year. Experts from the Human


 Rights Council believe that this will have to be


 countered "very soon and very seriously."


 


According to their estimates, deepfakes are also being 


used in militarized areas. The current "era of drones"


 is proof of this.


 


In this situation, the need to regulate the digital sphere is 


becoming increasingly urgent. According to Sidorenko, 


such regulation is already taking place through


 "pilot modes." 


 


However, it is crucial to consider 


comprehensive legal protection.


 


 








This gentleman picks holes in the intellectual
''mistakes'' of the West and points to the
best solution for the world's people.



Britain's enemy is not Russia
but its own ruling class,
UN report confirms
by John Wight
November 19th, at 2:48pm


John Wight has written for a variety of newspapers
and websites, including the Independent,
Morning Star, Huffington Post, Counter-
punch, London Progressive Journal,
 and Foreign Policy Journal.


As the UK political establishment rips itself to pieces
over Brexit, a far greater crisis continues to afflict
millions of victims of Tory austerity.


A devastating UN report into poverty in the UK provides
incontrovertible evidence, that the enemy of the British
 people, is the very ruling class that has gone out of its
way these past few years to convince them it is Russia.


Professor Philip Alston, in his capacity as the United
 Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and
human rights, spent two weeks touring the United
Kingdom. He did so, investigating the impact of
8 years of one of the most extreme austerity
programs among advanced G20 economies
in response to the 2008 financial crash
and subsequent global recession.


What he found was evidence of a systematic, wilful,
concerted and brutal economic war, unleashed by
the country's right-wing Tory establishment, 
against the poorest and most vulnerable
section of British society – upending the
 lives of millions of people who were not
responsible for the aforementioned
financial crash and recession, but
who have been forced to pay
the price.


From the report's introduction:


"It…seems patently unjust and contrary to British values
 that so many people are living in poverty. This is
obvious to anyone who opens their eyes: to see
the immense growth in foodbanks, and the
queues waiting outside them, the people
sleeping rough in the streets, the
growth of homelessness, the
sense of deep despair - that
leads even the Government
to appoint a Minister for
Suicide Prevention - and
civil society to report in
depth, on unheard of

levels of loneliness
and isolation."


Though as a citizen of the UK, I respectfully beg to differ
 with the professor's claim, that such social & economic
carnage, seems "contrary to British values,"(on the
contrary - it is entirely in keeping with the values of
the country's Tory establishment, an establishment
for whom, the dehumanization of the poor and
working class, is central to its ideology), the
point he makes about it being "obvious
to
anyone who opens their eyes,"
is
well made.


For it is now the case that in every town and city centre in
 Britain, it is impossible to walk in any direction for more
 than a minute, before coming across homeless people
begging in the street. And the fact that some 13,000
of them, are former soldiers, casualties of the
country's various military adventures in
recent years, undertaken in service
to Washington, exposes the pious
platitudes peddled by politicians
& the government as reverence
for the troops & their 'sacrifice,'
 as insincere garbage.


As inequality increases, the wealthy and powerful
become more desperate to cling onto their gains
and distract us - with imagined threats and
political sideshows - such as Jingoism,
Russophobia and red-baiting...


Overall, 14 million people in the UK are now living in
poverty, a figure which translates into an entire fifth
 of the population. Four million of them are children,
while, according to Professor Alston, 1.5 million
 people are destitute – that is, unable to afford
the basic necessities of life.


And this is what the ruling class of the fifth largest
economy in the world, a country that parades itself
on the world stage, as a pillar of democracy and
 human rights, considers progress.


The values responsible for creating such a grim social
landscape, are compatible with the 18th, not the 21st
century. They are proof positive, that the network of
elite private schools – Eton, Harrow, Fettes College
 et al. – where those responsible for this human
carnage are inculcated with the sense of
entitlement and born to rule ethos that
defines them, are Britain's hotbeds
of extremism.


Professor Alston: "British compassion for those who are
 suffering, has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited,
 and often callous approach, apparently designed to
instill
discipline where it is least useful, to impose
a rigid order
on the lives of those least capable
of coping with today's
world, and elevating the
goal of enforcing blind
compliance, over a
genuine concern to
improve the well-
being of those at the
lowest levels
of British
society."


Here, set out above in bold relief, is the barbarism that walks
- hand in hand - with free market capitalism. It is the same
 barbarism that was responsible for pushing post-Soviet
Russia into a decade-long economic and social abyss, 
in the 1990s, and the values that have pushed 14
million people in the UK into the same economic
 and social abyss, in our time.


Austerity, it bears emphasizing, is not and never
has been,
a viable economic response to
recession, in a given
economy.


Instead, it is an ideological club, wielded on behalf of the rich
and big business, to ensure that the price paid for the said
economic recession, is borne exclusively by those least
 able to bear it - namely the poor and working people.
It
is class war by any other name, packaged and

presented, as legitimate government policy.


However in Britain's case in 2018, this is a war like no other, 
because, as Professor Philip Alston's report lays bare, one
 side in this war has been throwing all the punches
and
one side has been taking them.


As the saying goes, wars take place when the government
 tells you who the enemy is; revolutions take place when
 you work it out for yourself.


(Source - RT)



_______________________________________________


Keiser Report: Reality
of Creditor Jubilees

- fantastic - asks ''why don't we act like
Jesus preached - and forgive debt?''


When what we do now,  is what led to the slavery
of feudalism: by refunding the creditors, instead!













 Marx's theory still
shines with truth: Xi
May 4th, at 10:53am


Xinhua - Two centuries on, despite huge and profound
changes in human society, the name of Karl Marx is
 still respected all over the world and his theory
still shines with the brilliant light of truth,
Chinese President Xi Jinping said
on Friday.


Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China
(CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central
Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand
 gathering in Beijing to celebrate the 200th
 anniversary of Marx's birth.


Xi said Marx is the "teacher of revolution for the proletariat
and working people all over the world, the main founder of
 Marxism, creator of Marxist parties, a pathfinder for
international communism and the greatest
thinker
of modern times."


"Today, we hold this grand gathering with great veneration
to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth, to
remember his great character and historic
deeds and to review his noble spirit and
brilliant thoughts," Xi said at the event.


''With noble ideals and no fear of difficulty or adversity,
throughout his life, Marx devoted himself to
perseveringly striving for the liberation of
humanity, scaling the peak of thought in
his pursuit of truth, and the unremitting
fight to overturn the old world and
establish a new one'', according
 to Xi.


''Marx is not only a great figure who bore the weight
of the world, but also an ordinary person with a
passion for life, who was sincere and true to
his friends'', Xi said.


''The most valuable and influential spiritual asset that
Marx left us is the scientific theory named after him
 -- Marxism. Like a spectacular sunrise, the theory
 illuminated the path of humanity's exploration of
 the law of history, and humanity's search for
 their own liberation'', Xi said.


"The thought and theory of Marx are of his times and
go beyond his times," Xi said. "They are the essence
of the spirit of that times and the essence of the
spirit of all humanity."


Xi said Marxism is a scientific theory that reveals the
rules of human society's development, in a creative
 manner.


Having developed the materialist conception of history
and surplus value theory, Marx showed how humanity
would leap from the realm of necessity, to the realm
of freedom, and also showed the road for people to
realize freedom and liberation, Xi said.


Marxism, the first ideology for the liberation of the
 people themselves, is a theory of the people.


"Marxism, for the first time, explored the path for humanity's
 freedom and liberation from the stance of the people, and
 pointed out the direction, with scientific theory, toward
an ideal society with no oppression or exploitation,
where every person would enjoy equality and
freedom," Xi said.


Stressing that practicality is a prominent characteristic of
Marxism that makes it different from other theories, Xi
 said Marxism is a theory of practices that directs
 the people to change the world.


It is an open theory that is constantly developing and
always stands at the frontier of the times, Xi said.

"That is why it is always able to keep young,
explore the new issues in the development
of the times and respond to the new
challenges for human society."


The general secretary said that over the 170 years
since publication of The Communist Manifesto,
Marxism had been spread around the world,
 unrivaled in the history of human ideology
 in terms of the breadth and depth of its
influence.


After the end of World War II, a large number of socialist
countries were established, Xi said, stressing that the
founding of the People's Republic of China, especially,
has greatly increased the socialist strength in the world.


"There might be setbacks in the development of socialism
in the world, but the overall trend for human society's
 development has never changed, and it will never
 change," Xi said.


"Marxism has not only profoundly changed the world,
but also China," Xi said.


The reverberations of the October Revolution in Russia
brought Marxism-Leninism to China, pointing out the
direction forward, offering a brand new choice for
 the Chinese people in their struggle to survive,
and setting the scene for the birth of the CPC.


Since the CPC's birth, it has combined the fundamental
principles of Marxism with the reality of the Chinese
 revolution and construction, transforming the
Chinese nation from "the sick man of East
Asia" to one who has stood up, by
uniting and leading the people
through long-term struggle.


"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof
 that only through socialism, can we save China," Xi said.


Since reform and opening up, the CPC has combined the
fundamental principles of Marxism, with the reality of
China's reform and opening up, and the nation who
 stood up, has grown rich.


"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof
that only through socialism with Chinese characteristics, 
can we develop China," Xi said.


In the new era, the CPC again combined the fundamental
principles of Marxism with the reality of China in this
new era, uniting and leading the people in "under-
taking the great struggle, building the great
project, advancing the great cause and
 realizing the great dream."


The Chinese nation has come to embrace a tremendous
transformation, as the one who has grown rich, now, is
becoming strong.


"This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof
 that only by adhering to and developing socialism with
Chinese characteristics, can we realize national
rejuvenation," Xi said.


"It is perfectly right for history and the people to choose
 Marxism, as well as for the CPC to write Marxism on its
 own flag, to adhere to the principle of combining the
 fundamental principles of Marxism, with China's
 reality, and continuously adapt Marxism to the
 Chinese context and the times."



_____________________________________





 China lifts 740 mln rural poor
out of poverty since 1978
September 3rd, at 12:57pm


Xinhua - China lifted 740 million people in rural areas
out of poverty from 1978 to 2017, roughly 19 million
each year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
 said on Monday.


The poverty ratio in rural areas dropped 94.4 percentage
points during the same time period with an average
annual decrease of 2.4 percentage points,
 according to the NBS.


NBS data shows that China's poverty relief achievements
have contributed more than 70 percent to global poverty
 alleviation work, in the past 40 years.


The average annual income of rural residents in impoverished
areas rose an average of 10.4 percent each year from 2012
to 2017, up 2.5 percentage points from the average for
rural residents.


Over the past five years, over 68 million people were lifted out
of poverty in China. The country aims to further lift 10 million
 people out of poverty this year and eradicate poverty by 2020.


China recently released guidelines on winning the battle
against poverty in the next three years, in order to
prepare the nation for eradicating poverty
by 2020.


According to the guidelines, the impoverished people
should be guaranteed food & clothing, and children
from poor families should be guaranteed a 9-year
compulsory education. Basic medical needs and
living conditions of the impoverished, should
 also be guaranteed.


People whose annual income is lower than 2,300 yuan
(337.3 U.S. dollars), are defined as living below the
 poverty line, in China.



Image: international community thugs






Almost half of Russians
 see USSR collapse as
 shameful – poll
January 17th, at 12:11pm


The collapse of the Soviet Union is considered a reason
 to be ashamed, by 45 percent of Russians, according
to
a recent opinion poll. The only option that scored

higher, is Russia’s failure to eradicate poverty.


The poll, conducted in late 2018, by the Levada Center
is
its latest study of what Russians are proud and

 ashamed of, about their nation. The demise of
the USSR, saw a rebound in popularity from
a
low point of 28 percent in mid-2015, and
is
at a level comparable with the late
1990s
and early 2000s.


The only more popular answer is Russia’s failure to
eradicate poverty, which was named as a reason
 to be ashamed, by 61 percent of the people
 polled. This answer has topped
Levada’s
polls, for decades.


Russians are also ashamed of fellow countrymen
 treating each other disrespectfully (37 percent),
Russia’s failure to catch up economically with
the Western powers (24 percent), the out-
come of Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms
 (24 percent), and Joseph Stalin’s
 reign of terror (21 percent).


On the opposite side of Russians’ national identity
 are the qualities and events, people are proud of.


Defeating Nazi Germany in World War II remains the
 one thing Russians are overwhelmingly proud of
 (87 percent).


There is also the role that the country played in
space exploration – about half are proud to
belong to a space pioneering nation.


The third most popular option is accepting Crimea
(the breakaway former Ukrainian region) as part
of Russia again, which is seen as a point of
 national pride, by 45 percent.


Many people are also proud of Russian literature,
 science, and martial prowess, Soviet-era
industrialization and the best qualities
of the Russian character, like
resolve and patience.


A record 75 percent said Russia is definitely, or most
 likely, a great nation today, while 88 percent believe
that it should be one.

There was no apparent
correlation between wishing
greatness for
Russia and regretting the USSR’s
collapse,
the agency noted, suggesting that
Russians expect a great nation to - first
and foremost - provide
social
justice, and protection.


Sixty-two percent said the Russians are a great people.

Levada remarked that about 80 percent of the people
polled, identified themselves as Russians.


When asked what makes them feel connected to their
 people, most respondents named national history
(53 percent), Russia’s land (35 percent), their
place of birth (33 percent), and the nature
 that they call their own (25 percent).


The formal national symbols, including the flag,
the coat
of arms, and the national anthem,
was the least popular
option (5 percent).


Interestingly, religion is a relatively small factor
in Russian national identity (9 percent).


(Source - RT)



____________________________________________








Number of Russians who

 regret collapse of USSR
hits 10-year high
December 26th, 2017, at 7:20am

The number of Russians who regret the collapse of the
 Soviet Union has reached its highest level since 2009,
with almost an equal share saying the event could
have been avoided.

A public opinion poll conducted by the independent Levada
Center in late November this year found that 58 percent of
Russians now regret the collapse of the USSR. Twenty-five
 percent said they felt no regret about this, and 16 percent
 could not describe their feelings in one word.

When researchers asked those who regret the end of the USSR
 what the primary reasons were behind their sentiments, 54
percent said that they missed a single economic system,
36 percent said they had lost the feeling of belonging
 to a real superpower, 34 percent complained about
the drop in mutual trust among ordinary people,
and 26 percent said that the collapse had
destroyed
the ties between friends
and relatives.


The same research showed that 52 percent of Russians think
 that the collapse of the USSR could have been avoided, 29
percent said that the event was absolutely inevitable, and
19 percent did not have a fixed opinion on the matter.

The share of those who regret the demise of the Soviet Union
has risen continuously over the past decade, but in 2009 it
was even higher than today – at 60 percent. The all-time
 high – 75 percent – was recorded in 2000.

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly addressed the issue of
the collapse of the USSR in his speeches. In an address to the
Russian parliament in 2005 he called the event the greatest
geopolitical disaster of the 20th century and a cause of
 major disruption for the Russian people. In September
2016, Putin said the Communist Party should have
 transformed the Soviet Union into a democratic
state,
rather than see it break into
separate nations.


At the same time, Putin has always emphasized that he and
other Russian officials have no plans to revive the USSR,
and has expressed anger that people cannot accept this.
He's also accused Western governments of deliberately
confusing modern Russia with the USSR and harming
the interests of ordinary people, on the pretense of
preventing an imaginary threat.

(Source - RT)


___________________________________________________



Historian: Russia's October Revolution
 Was Inevitable, Relatively Bloodless
November 10th, at 4:33pm
by Ekaterina Blinova

The October Uprising of 1917 became the logical conclusion
of the February Revolution, Michael J. Carley, a professor of
history at the Universite de Montreal has told Sputnik.
According to the academic, the Russian Revolution
 was inevitable and occurred because evolutionary
 processes of change to benefit the lives of
ordinary people had failed.

"February 1917 marked the beginning of a revolutionary change
in power in Russia, that was accomplished in October," Michael
Jabara Carley, professor of history at the Université de Montréal
and the author of "Silent Conflict: A Hidden History of Early
Soviet-
Western Relations," told Sputnik, commenting on the
100th
anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution.

"The tsarist order was bankrupt and doomed. Almost everyone
 at the time said so. The immediate cause of the bankruptcy
was the Great War [The First World War]," the Canadian
 academic stressed, adding that "the result was calamity
marked by millions of casualties, large territories lost
and an economy thrown into chaos, by the
 unsustainable financial and economic
demands of fighting a world war."

Russian Provisional Government:
'Neither Revolutionary, Nor Democratic'

The so-called February Revolution, which is regarded as a
combination of a popular uprising with an elitist anti-
monarchist plot, led to the abdication of Russian
Emperor Nicholas II and the establishment of
 the Provisional Government.

Still, the Provisional Government "was neither revolutionary
 nor democratic," the academic pointed out: The crux of the
matter was that it was largely controlled by the "bourgeois"
 urban and rural elites and old tsarist establishment "that
was opposed to the revolution and attempted to block
its
further development."


October Uprising Was Relatively Bloodless

The professor explained why, contrary to popular belief, the
October Revolution of 1917 that took place on November 7
(October 25 in the Julian calendar) was relatively bloodless.

"Well, in the first instance because the Provisional Government
 was utterly discredited. It had no popular support. It was a head
 without a body. It could give orders or issue decrees, but had no
power to enforce them. In a revolutionary period, power comes
from the support of the insurgent masses and the Provisional
Government had none," Carley told Sputnik.

The professor suggested that 1917 could have been averted if
old elites as well as their forebears had not blocked "political
and economic evolutionary processes" in Russia.

'Provisional Government Became a Cork in the Bottle'

"The Provisional Government became a cork in the bottle
holding back the revolution," the historian said. "The
 revolutionary masses in Petrograd [Saint Petersburg]
and elsewhere put pressure on their socialist leaders
to blow the cork out of the bottle…. It was the
Bolsheviks who put themselves at the head of
the mass movement & articulated its demands,
essentially peace, bread and land."

He pointed out, however, that "the Bolsheviks themselves
 were not united on all the big issues and most importantly
on the seizure of power in October (the Julian calendar)."

"I would propose that the Provisional Government collapsed
 of its own rot. The insurgent masses led by the Bolsheviks
only had to kick it over," Carley remarked.

Was the October Revolution of 1917 Inevitable?

"It is a question impossible to answer except in this way:
popular revolutions come about because political and
economic elites over time are too selfish to share
 wealth and power with the masses," Carley
responded. "Like the tsarist autocracy, they
treat the masses as a resource to be
exploited and rung dry. When
evolutionary processes of
change fail, revolution is
often the result."

According to the academic, it is wrong to think that such
revolutions succeed "because of the evil genius and
cruelty of a small revolutionary elite"

"They succeed
because of mass support
and effective, responsive
leadership."


The question then arises as to whether it was possible
 to follow an evolutionary path, rather than go through
 a revolution.

"A revolution occurred because evolutionary processes
of change to benefit the lives of ordinary people had
failed," the professor responded. "Serfdom, inequality,
exploitation, violence, continued unabated until 1917."

October 1917: 'Driver of Transformations Across the
 Globe'. Revisiting the October Revolution of 1917.

Addressing the 14th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion
Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that "the largely
 utopian social model and ideology" the Soviets tried to
implement initially following the 1917 revolution became
 "a powerful driver of transformations across the globe,
caused a major revaluation of development models,
and gave rise to rivalry and competition, the benefits
 of which were mostly reaped by the West."

The Canadian professor disagrees that the term "utopian"
could be used with regards to the "Communist model,"
for instance.

"Is free, public education for everyone, no matter what their class,
nationality or religion, utopian? Is the elimination of illiteracy, utopian?
 Are women's rights, or universal health care, utopian? Was the desire
to create a more equal society, socially, economically and politically,
utopian?" Carley asked, adding "in fact, that Soviet society was
eventually able to withstand and then to destroy almost single-
handedly, the so-called invincible Nazi 'colossus.'"

Still, he believes that the 1917 revolution certainly was "a powerful
driver of transformations" around the world since it "inspired
successful revolutionary movements in China, Vietnam,
Korea, and Cuba."

As Putin noted during his Valdai speech "many Western achievements
of the 20th century were an answer to the challenge posed by the
Soviet Union," such as "raising living standards, forming a strong
middle class, reforming the labour market and the social sphere,
 promoting education, guaranteeing human rights, including the
rights of minorities and women, overcoming racial segregation."

Red October: Allied Intervention and 'Beginning of Cold War'

The October Revolution became the trigger for the Civil War
(1917-1922) and prompted the Allied intervention of major
foreign powers in Russia.

The Canadian academic pointed out that the October Uprising
 "produced an immediate violent reaction by the United States,
France and Britain, whose elites attempted to overthrow the
Soviet government."

"The foreign intervention against Soviet Russia fed a civil war
and exacerbated the violence of the counter-revolution by
many times over," Carley said. "On its own, the former
tsarist elite could never have mounted such violent
resistance to the October Revolution."

The professor underscored that after their failure to overthrow
the Soviets, "the Western powers spent the next 70 years,
with the exception of a truce between 1941-1945, in
trying to harm or bring down the USSR and all
those
revolutions to which it had given birth."


According to the academic, the Cold War
started in October (November) 1917.

"Just ask the Chinese, Vietnamese, Cubans, or N. Koreans
 about the frightful price of resistance to US and Western
hegemony," Carley remarked. "Or for that matter, we
might ask, if we could, the soldiers, sailors and
workers of Soviet Russia, what price they had
to pay, to defend their revolution."

(Source - Sputnik)

_______________________________________



Communist leader dispels
new Russian budget as
"oligarch orientated"
October 28th, 2017
 Fort Russ News - KtovKurse
translated by Inessa Sinchougova

Communist Party leader, Gennady Zyuganov, called the draft
federal budget for 2018-2020,  "a budget of the oligarchy",
which will increase stagnation and poverty.

On Friday October 27th, the State Duma considered the first
reading of the draft budget for 2018 for the planning period
 2019-2020. According to the draft of the Ministry of Finance,
the budget deficit in 2018 will be 1.3 trillion rubles or 1.37%
 of GDP, in 2019 it will be 867 billion rubles or 0.84% of GDP,
and in 2020 - 960 billion rubles or 0.87% of GDP.

Such a budget Zyuganov considers "a budget for the oligarchy,
 where further stagnation and deepening of poverty in the
country will occur."

In his opinion, the draft budget does not meet the current
challenges and can only aggravate the split in Russian
civil society.

The Communist Party leader stressed that incomes and
expenditures are constantly declining. Zyuganov noted
that "in plain language" this means that the "share of
the national pie" created by the working people is
 constantly shrinking in the budget.

Zyuganov's main issue with the budget was the reduction in
government expenses for 14 out of 13 articles listed within.
He explained that for eight of these articles, expenses are
simply cut, and for four other articles, a small increase is
 offset by inflation, and as a result, real costs are below
the ones prophesized.

According to Zyuganov, the current budget policy "creeps
of the old Gaidar-Chubais reforms. It does not smell of
modernization, nor a breakthrough for the future."

"I do not know why the president has not reacted to this
helplessness, to this impotence of the financial and
economic blockade on behalf of the government,"
Zyuganov said.

President Vladimir Putin does not oversee forthcoming bills
until they pass all the stages of parliamentary negotiation -
that is until his signature is required. It remains to be said
that a majority of Russia's parliament and governmental
organs, are liberal representatives, both economically
and culturally, whereby it is only the President that
stops certain bills being passed.

Without looking at the document in detail (which is not yet
available to the public) it makes sense to assume that the
Communist Party leader has every right to become
concerned at this early stage.

Zyuganov's Communist Party enjoys the second most
popular rating in the Russian political sphere, after
United Russia (Vladimir Putin.)


_____________________________________________



And a Record Number of Russians

 Want Socialism Back !!!

First published in Komsomolskaya Pravda
Translated by Kristina Kharlova

The number of those nostalgic for the
 Soviet Union, is now growing steadily.

According to the findings of sociologists,
56% of respondents now express regret
 for the collapse of the Soviet state.

A majority of Russians regret the collapse
of the Soviet Union, and do not mind if it's
restored — conclude the sociologists of
"Levada-centre".

2016 sees a record number of respondents
 nostalgic for the Soviet Union, in the whole
history of public opinion surveys.

 At the same time, the percentage of those who
 don't long for the Union, decreases over time:
 if, in November of last year it was 37%, today
 only 28% do not feel any pity.

58% of Russians would like a socialist system
and the Soviet Union to be restored, and 31%
say they don't want the Soviet Union back.

Over half of respondents, 51%, believe that it
was still possible to save the country in 1991
while 33% of Russians say the collapse was
'inevitable'.


Experts, meanwhile, note that those most
nostalgic for the Soviet Union don't yearn
 so much for the Soviet ideology, as for the
 stability, justice, confidence in the future,
 secure jobs, free education, medical
care
and housing.




Image: serbs say no to NATO


Serbia: Mass anti-NATO demonstrations silenced
 
Nothing has been the same since NATO brutally
bombed
Yugoslavia 17 years ago. The 5th column,
trained by
NATO, took over the destroyed country
to continue
the job that the West had started.

The economy
collapsed, the country was
ripped apart, and the
Army, dismissed.


Year by year, malicious plans brainstormed by
NATO, and executed by the government, are
 pushing all of the Balkans into the deep maw
 of the West's 'modern' imperialism.

 The latest move was the Agreement with NATO
 about logistics. Parliament has approved, and
the President has signed, an agreement which
 gives NATO soldiers immunity and freedom of
 movement on the territory of Serbia. The same
 people who killed thousands of innocent Serb
 civilians are now given freedom and immunity.
 
NATO personnel rule the roost in Serbia

NATO personnel are exempt from paying taxes,
VAT and/or customs duties. The adoption of the
 Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), lets
 NATO soldiers use Serbia's infrastructure, with
free transit across the whole territory of Serbia,
as well as protection from the law -- being given
 'special status' while staying in Serbian territory.

However, although almost two decades have
passed since NATO's cruel attack, most Serbs
 have not forgotten how important freedom is --
 which is the main problem for the ruling elite.

 In the mainstream media, news about signing
the agreement with NATO, was published as
small & irrelevant. In a couple of sentences,
 mainstream journalists wrote about it, as if
 it was tomorrow's weather forecast, but
 they couldn't fool people.

Boiling situation hidden by Government

The situation was boiling. A few patriotic parties
 and war veterans managed to organize a protest
 -- & expected no more than a thousand people in
Belgrade, to show their disagreement with the

ruling party's decisions.

On the 20th February, more than 15,000 Serbs,
mostly youth, came onto the Belgrade streets 
 to join in with the protesters. Even the police
were surprised, quickly trying to reinforce --
  fearing nonverbal shows of disagreement.

The mainstream media weren't at all interested
 in massive protests in the capital city. They just
 reported, after the protest, that there were only
a couple of hundred demonstrators.

 Amongst all media, just one, the alternative
 patriotic website, Srbin info, sent reporters
to the vicinity, to cover the whole protest.

 It was the only media that had pictures and
 videos of the massive protests, showing the
 huge number of protesters.

During the protest, over 2,000 readers per
 second were following their live streaming
 of the demonstrations. Each minute, their
website was gaining more followers.

 Just a couple of minutes after the end of the
peaceful protest, huge cyber-attacks began.

The weak website couldn't defend itself from
 the biggest attacks in its history, & the web-
site eventually crashed. Attacks continued
 for 24 hours, never letting the website repair.

The only possible source of the attacks on
 the website & freedom of the speech, is the
ruling elite. There is no one else who would
 be able to manage such strong attacks.

 The main problem for the alternative, free media
in Serbia is that the web providers, most of them
 belonging to the SBB company, part of the Soros
 foundation, don't want to reveal who was behind
the attacks. However, some opposition forces,
also attacked by hackers, discovered that the
IP address of the hacker belongs to one of the
 directors of SBB company.

It is also interesting that 25% of web providers
 and some mainstream media in Serbia - belong
 to David Petraeus, former director of the CIA.

Despite their crashed website, Srbin info reporters
 managed to find way to send the real story & used
 Facebook to spread the truth. A video showing the
 masses of people protesting, was viewed by over
1,700,000 Facebook users --- a huge number for
 Serbia, with its 7 million population.

For 48 hours after the attack, the website was
 closed.

Thanks to its loyal readers, who appreciate Srbin
 info's fight for freedom of speech, donations were
 collected to make a new website, with better
 protection.

But the problem of having a neutral web provider
 who will not sabotage the website -- after orders
from the Government -- still exists. A much worse
 problem.... is that the once proud and honorable
 Serbia, is now under the boots of imperialists.




Image: keep the guard on the train

Image: I support my postal worker

Image: Len McCluskey RE-ELECTED

LEN RE-ELECTED - VICTORY FOR LEFT!

"Serving you, our members, is the greatest privilege
of my working life. I'm proud to have stood shoulder-
to-shoulder with you in your struggles and proud to
 have been asked by so many, to continue to fight
for you"

_________________________________________________


The Corbyn Supporters From Hell -
Attila The Stockbroker, 15th Oct 2015
 at The Blue Boar Hotel, Maldon, Essex, UK






ONE UNION

Two weeks before Brexit, the African Union
 announced a new single African passport
that permits holders to enter any of the
 54 AU member states without a visa –
an interesting turn in African history
which NO-ONE in the West knows
or cares about !  What a stunning
reflection of how far our mindset
and media are, from the 'world
community' we say we love.

__________________________________



ADAM JOHANNES, CO-CONVENOR,
PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY

“Most people under 40 have never been a member of
 a trade union. So unions are irrelevant, right? Wrong.
Unions are more relevant than ever before. With in-
work poverty, zero hours contracts and precarious
employment, trade unions urgently need to make
inroads into the private sector where the majority
 of us work, but a majority are still un-unionised.”

3 recent campaigns show how this might be done -

1. BETTER THAN ZERO

"Better than Zero" is an exciting campaign launched
 last year by the Scottish TUC to combat employers
 using zero-hours contracts. It is run by young people
 for young people to take on the issue of insecure
 work. Its activists are mostly in their teens or
twenties. The campaign calls upon an older
generation not to stand by while a generation
of young people are forced into insecure work.

It has responded to tip off from employees in
 workplaces charging staff for training or uniforms,
 and bars and restaurants where workers tips are
taken by the company. It's fought against people
 routinely expected to work additional late hours
at short notice, with little or no thought given to
how they'll get home & whether they will be safe.

The campaign uses direct action, stunts and creative
 protests such as targeting bars and restaurants with
 'flash mob choirs', activists and former staff posing
 as customers, before each stand up in a restaurant
to make speeches while other activists leaflet out-
side, Halloween funeral marches on exploitative
employers, or, memorably, activists clad in
chemical-spill clean up garb placing several
 popular bars & restaurants in 'quarantine',
for exploitative work practices. A recent
campaign victory saw restaurant chain
Las Iguanas end a policy of deducting
money from staff tips.

2. SPORTS DIRECT

Unite has waged a dynamic fightback against Sports
 Direct including pickets of over 30 stores across the
 UK, occupations, direct action such as the unfurling
 of a #SportsDirectShame banner by Newcastle
United fans at the club owned by Sports Direct
boss, Mike Ashley, other banner drops from
bridges, shareholder action, and a social
media campaign,

Sports Direct is Britain's biggest sportswear
 company. It made over a billion in profits last year,
 but the majority of its workers agency staff are on
 zero hour contracts with no holiday or sick pay, and
 no guaranteed work from one week to the next. It
has been called more 'workhouse' than workplace
with intense surveillance and searches of staff, a
 culture of fear, bullying and intimidation rife.

Unite's campaign had forced the issue of its
Victorian working conditions into national media
& a company review. Unite demands all staff are
 re-employed on permanent contracts on a living
 wage. So far they have won a pay rise for staff
and the company is now being investigated by HM
 Revenue & Customs after the union exposed it for
 effectively paying under the minimum wage.

3. PIZZA EXPRESS

Unite scored a victory against Pizza Express after
exposing and ending the company deducting a
proportion of staff's hard earned tips as an 'admin
 fee', recruiting new members. The campaign
 involved union activists going into Pizza Express
 branches to speak to waiting staff, weekly pickets,
handing out hundreds of flyers with customers given
 a ‘scrap the admin fee’ postcard to leave with their
 cash tips, and finally a 'meal of justice' when
 protesters went into a restaurant, enjoyed a meal
 and when the bill came, one person stood up and
 told customers about the admin fee while others
handed out postcards. Customers often respond
 with spontaneous applause.

We need to think creatively of how to bring politics
 into the workplace whether collections for refugees
 in Calais, foodbanks or local homeless, organising
 delegations from our work to local protests, or even
 setting up People's Assembly networks with
 likeminded people we work with.

Cardiff People's Assembly is part of The People's
 Assembly Against Austerity, a UK anti-cuts network
 sponsored by eight trade unions. Locally we have
 worked with Unison defending our city's library
 service & PCS to organise solidarity with museum
 workers, we will be supporting Unite Community's
day of action against benefit sanctions. With much
 of our nation's workforce unorganised in their
 workplace in unions, joining movements like ours
can boost people's confidence to stand up to their
employers and build workplace organisation.

In the 1980s Thatcher declared war on the unions
--- as a prelude to letting the market rip through
society --- transforming us into a highly unequal
low pay, low skill economy. The assault on the
 'social wage' means we now have the highest
private rents, highest energy bills, highest rail
 fares, and most expensive university education
 in the EU. Now the Trade Union Bill aims to take
 out a key part of the resistance to extend the
 cuts, privatisation and outsourcing agenda and
 shift even more power and wealth from the 99%
 to the 1%.

Our economy is dominated by low paid jobs. Low
pay makes people insecure. A low pay economy
and tax avoiding corporations make it hard to
invest in public services. Joining a union is
one way to fight back.


______________________________________
______________________________________


Profit Is The Only Concern
 For Railway Privateers
2016 Thursday 29TH DEC

The only way to have a public transport system
 worthy of the name is to have a fully nationalised
railway, says GORDON MARTIN

All things transport have been making the news in
 Scotland for a number of months and the signs are
this isn’t going to change in the dark winter months
 ahead.

Scotland’s railways have been subjected to an
 unprecedented level of scrutiny and criticism with
 opposition politicians, media columnists and some
 trade union officials calling for Nicola Sturgeon to
sack her Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP.

In my view the roots of the public’s dissatisfaction
with Scotland’s railways goes back to the Scottish
 government’s ill-conceived decision to award the
ScotRail franchise to a state-owned rail operator.

Unfortunately for passengers and the ScotRail
 workforce, the state in question was not our own
 — and the Netherlands now benefits from profits
 made by its state company, Abellio, out of ScotRail.

A public-sector bid from Scotland was not allowed
 when the franchise was awarded to Abellio for a
10-year period. With profit the first and only
concern of the profiteers at Abellio, a major
 dispute with Scotland’s biggest rail union
RMT was highly predictable.

Abellio’s attack on the role of the guard on our trains
 brought a summer of discontent as industrial action
 spread across much of the Scottish rail network.

The Scottish government quickly showed its true
colours. The normally very assured and competent
 First Minister committed a monumental blunder
 when she disgracefully inferred the strike was
only about who pushed a button to open and
 close train doors.

While the SNP government very often claims to be
 on the side of working-class communities, it remains
 very much a political party wedded to capitalism.
The First Minister should have taken the trouble to
 speak to disabled passengers or those travelling
on Scotland’s trains who feel vulnerable in any way
 about how crucial the role of the guard is in making
their journey a safer, more relaxing experience.

Thankfully the Scottish government and Abellio
 ScotRail finally saw sense and a negotiated
 settlement was reached which was favourable
 to RMT and which will see safety-trained
guards remain in place.

Following on from our successful efforts to Keep
The Guard on the Train, RMT has launched a high-
profile “Safer Scottish Trains” campaign designed
to ensure trains, stations & rail infrastructure in
 general are properly resourced and managed to
 ensure the best possible service is delivered.

Everyone, in particular disabled people, should be
able to travel on a 21st-century rail network without
 having to check ahead days in advance to ensure
 staff will be in place to assist them.

At the same time, Westminster and the European
Union have also intervened in a negative way
which may have serious repercussions for rail
workers and passengers in the years ahead.

 Earlier this month Chris Grayling, Transport
Secretary in Theresa May’s rotten Tory
government, delivered a speech which
potentially takes the rail industry back
to the complete fragmentation foisted
upon the people of Britain by the hapless
 government of John Major in the 1990s.

 Grayling now seeks to reintroduce “competition”
into rail infrastructure, maintenance and repairs.

Inevitably this will eventually lead to the complete
break-up of Network Rail. The centralised standards
implemented by this public-sector organisation will
be discarded and profit and loss will become the
decisive factor in deciding the standards for
maintaining the rail infrastructure. This is a
frightening scenario with potentially deadly
outcomes and RMT will fight this
 with everything we have.

The latest plans for railways across the EU,
the ultimate bosses’ club, are contained within
 the Fourth Railway Package which MEPs are
 voting on. These proposals make it mandatory
to put rail passenger services out to competitive
 tender. With the Scottish government recently
 beginning to engage with the rail unions and
others regarding a public-sector bid for the
ScotRail contract, the 4th Railway Package
 underlines how fragile and fleeting this
public-sector bid could ultimately be.

Scotland’s ferry sector also had a fair amount
of publicity in the last year or so, with RMT
engaged in a high-profile, long-running and
 ultimately successful campaign to keep
CalMac ferries in public ownership.

RMT stands by our assertion that the Clyde and
Hebridean ferry service did not have to go out
to tender under the Teckal exemption.

Unfortunately, the Scottish government are keen to
 be seen as good Europeans, despite the negative
 impact on the Scottish people, and meekly went
along with directives from the EU.

The uncertainty for island communities and the
stress for the CalMac workforce while their future
 was unclear, was not high on the government’s
 agenda.

Unfortunately it looks highly likely that the workforce
 and the islanders on the Northern Isles are about
 to be put through the same uncertainty as their
counterparts on the west coast.

The government is once again meekly following
diktats from Brussels by putting the Northern Isles
 ferry service out to a competitive tendering process,
despite the people of Britain voting to leave the EU,
 including a sizeable section of the Scottish working
 class.

RMT has a clear and principled position which is to
 insist that the Northern Isles contract is brought
back into public ownership forthwith.

We demand an immediate end to the exploitation
of eastern European seafarers. These workers,
employed on a Scottish government contract, are
 being paid wages at a derisory rate while being
 denied the protection of a trade union agreement
 with wages and conditions covered by collective
 bargaining agreements.

As part of our ongoing Save our Seafarers campaign,
 we have highlighted this disgraceful fact to the
 media and the public with our slogan SNP —
Ships of Shame.

This is causing the government and, in particular, the
Transport Minister a great deal of embarrassment. I
 make no apologies for this and I sincerely hope the
 embarrassment will lead to action before too much
 longer.

It is clear to everyone, with the possible exception
 of right-wing profiteering zealots, that the only
way to have a public transport system worthy
of the name is to have a fully nationalised
railway, properly resourced, with adequate
staffing levels --- together with a publicly
owned ferry operator, working exclusively
on behalf of ferry users and the Scottish
government, & money raised reinvested
--- instead of lining the pockets of private
shareholders.

Gordon Martin is Scottish
 regional organiser of the RMT.

(source - Morning Star)



_____________________________


Tory aid-dumping revelation means
the money should be seized and used
by Mike Sivier

The worst part of this is, it suggests that people
 who said the International Aid budget could be
 used in better ways, were right.

The Times reports that the Tories have been
 ‘dumping’ billions of pounds in aid into shady
World Bank funds, to sit unused indefinitely
– in order to "keep up the appearance" of
 meeting the government’s commitment
to donating 0.7% of the UK’s GDP in
foreign aid.

According to the Times, at least £9 billion has
 been transferred like this in the past 5 years.
Rather than helping developing countries,
the money, which is spread across over 200
 different bank accounts, simply sits there –
 doing nothing except rack up World Bank
‘administration fees’.

UK International Development Secretary Priti
 Patel’s only qualification for her job appears to
 be the fact that she had previously wanted to
 get rid of it and the funding it oversees. This
seems to be the standard Tory qualification
 for any ministerial role that is supposed to
 help people – Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt
 infamously wrote a book, before becoming
Health Secretary, that called for abolition
of the ’60-year-old mistake’ of the NHS.

Clearly, to a Tory, maintaining the appearance
 of doing something is far more important than
 actually doing it – especially if it helps you put
cash into the bank accounts of your backers
 and allies and ideally while you get rid of the
 very thing you’re supposed to be looking after.
 If you hear Tories say ‘reform’, run for cover –
 or better yet, get the pitchforks out.

Source: Keeping up appearances: aid-dumping
shows Tories care for PR, not people
 The SKWAWKBOX

Join the Vox Political Facebook page.

__________________________________


Left Looks To Unite To
Protect Its Power Base
CHARLEY ALLAN

The Labour right was desperate to see the
back of 
“Red Len,” as the tabloids call him. 

But Len won his victory.


Now’s the perfect time to join Unite, with full
membership costing just £3.50 a week,

reduced to 50p for the unemployed.

The AWL and its allies may have won the national
committee battle, but they won’t win the OMOV
war --- if the movementists get organised.

A new current called Opening Momentum has
rallied round the point that anti-OMOVers had
denied members their advertised right to
“vote in national-level elections.”

And it’s crucial that every member who really
 believes in the fabled “new kind of politics”
turns up to their local branch meetings - if
 they have them - to halt plans for a
 parallel party.

This is bigger than Momentum. We need to see
 much more direct democracy in Labour itself,
 although there will always be resistance
 from those who benefit most from the
delegate system.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of
new
 Labour members and Momentum’s top
priority --- should making
 sure their voice
is heard at next year’s 
party conference.

The Labour left can’t afford to be crushed again
 on the conference floor, as happened this year.

While Momentum was dazzling everyone with its
 World Transformed free festival, right faction
 Labour First was distributing fliers to let
delegates know when and where vital
votes were taking place.

Critically, Momentum must:-  have slates of
candidates ready when local constituency
 parties select conference delegates in
the
coming months.

The new left movement needs to get serious if
 it wants to win the looming electoral battles
within Labour, the trade unions and the
 grassroots.

Defending, strengthening and expanding this
power base at the ballot box, will take back
the leadership, and keep the  movement
 fighting fit for the general election.

• Chat to Charley on Twitter:
@charleyallan.

(source - Morning Star)






A New Lucas Plan For The Future
by David King

The ideas pioneered by the Lucas workers are just
 as, or more, relevant now than in the 1970s, and
there are strong political similarities in the situation.

As in the ’70s, we have an economic crisis caused
by unjust economic policies and the failure of
successive governments’ industrial strategy.

As usual, this has hit the working class hardest,
and anger over this is being channelled into racism
 against immigrants. Now, the environmental effects
of industrial capitalism are far more evident than 40
years ago, already creating wars, militarisation and
widespread concern about insecurity.

Finally, introduction of new technologies threatens
structural unemployment on a scale considerably
greater than the ’70s.

The Tory government’s response to the economic
and political crisis, despite continuing to publicly
 espouse neoliberal principles, looks a lot like a
 classic Keynesian economic stimulus package.

In the last few months it has made decisions to go
 ahead with a range of industrial infrastructure
megaprojects — Hinkley C, fracking, HS2 and the
Heathrow third runway, as well as pressing ahead
with spending £200 billion on Trident renewal.

A key element in the case for all these projects is the
 jobs that they will generate or preserve, although the
 jobs estimates are bound to be inflated, while the
 price tag will be massively underestimated.

Compared to the ’70s, far fewer jobs will be
created in this way because, due to automation
 and mechanisation, they are all highly capital
rather than labour-intensive.

The Lucas Aerospace workers’ idea of socially
useful production suggests a far better way
forward.

Even in the early phase of the environmental
movement, before most socialists realised the
 significance of these issues, the Lucas Plan
acknowledged that protecting the environment
 is part of the concept of socially useful
production.

With the exception of HS2, all the new projects
 are environmental anathema, and the damage
 that project would do to the English countryside
 and people’s homes and communities, for the
 sake of saving 30 minutes of executives’ time,
makes it emblematic of neoliberalism.

The working-class people who voted for Brexit
 are demanding jobs and regeneration of their
communities, but these industrial vanity
 projects are not the solution.

Now is the moment to realise the proposals of the
 Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union
Group (Million Climate Jobs Campaign), which is
 often seen as a successor to the Lucas Plan.

We should be investing in renewable energy,
home insulation, public transport etc as part
of the international trade union initiative of
Just Transition, ie transition to a low-carbon
economy with job protection for workers
 in industries that need to be phased out.

Imagine what could be achieved in regional
 economic renewal and environmental benefits
 with the Trident billions.

But exactly how that money should be spent
should not be decided by economic planners
alone.

One of the great strengths of the Lucas Plan was
that it came from the bottom up, from workers,
 not managers.

Recognising that they could not, by themselves,
define what people need, the Lucas workers began
to work with various regional communities to
 develop “popular planning for social need.”

In London, the Greater London Council created
 technology development networks that involved
users, for example disabled people, in
 technology design.

These traditions of bottom-up local planning have
 been continued by various citizens’ local planning
initiatives, such as Just Space in London, and
would be vital to a democratic solution to the
 crises.

The current economic and environmental crises
 are symptoms of a deeper crisis in the industrial
capitalist mode of production, and they demand a
fundamental rethink of how we produce the basic
things that people need for a decent life.

One of the less well-remembered, but crucial aspects
 of the Lucas Plan was the workers’ struggle against
 the automation and deskilling of their work with
 computer-controlled machinery, a struggle shared
with trade unionists around the world in that period.

As Phil Asquith of the Lucas Combine puts it, “Harold
Wilson’s ‘white heat of the technological revolution’
was burning up workers’ jobs.’

The continuation of this trend over the last 40 years
 is a major source of the jobless recoveries and
 income polarisation that are creating the
“squeezed middle” of angry, Daily Mail-
reading, Brexit voters.

Forecasts suggest that digital technology will
eliminate half the jobs in the economy over the
next 20 years, but its track record shows that
it creates far fewer new jobs to replace them.

One response to this that has become popular on the
 left is the belief that automation will usher in a post-
capitalist society, if we can only feed those useless
 human workers with basic income.

This is a complex argument, but one thing for sure
is that this was not the Lucas workers’ philosophy.

Instead of: “Demand Full Automation, Demand
Universal Basic Income, Demand the Future,”
they would have reminded us that the romance
of high-technology leads to what historian of
technology David Noble aptly called:
 “Progress without people.”

The Lucas workers’ slogan would likely have been:
 “Demand Democratic Control of Technology, Demand
 Socially Useful Production, Demand Equality and
Sustainability.”

They were very clear that the idea of socially useful
 production is also about how things are produced.

There is no point in socially useful products if they
are made in a way that alienates and deskills the
 workers who produce them.

They went on to design “human-centred
technologies,” in which the point was to
 use and develop workers’ skills, rather than
 design them out of the production process.

A skills and people-based, more labour-intensive
 approach is, in the era of Brexit and environmental
 crisis, a much better way to create a socially just,
 sustainable economy than old-fashioned, capital-
intensive high-tech mega projects. This is the
 agenda we will be discussing in Birmingham
today.

(source - the Morning Star)





Construction Workers
Can’t Be Expected
To
Work Into Their Sixties

by Brian Rye
(source - The Star)

British governments seem to think one of two
things about construction workers: they're
 either superhuman, or they don’t give a
toss about
them. That would be the
logical conclusion,
given the raise
in the pension age, to 68.


With the state pension age due to rise to 67 by 2026
and 68 by 2044, our political elites seem to believe
 that we are breeding a race of human beings with
 quite exceptional physical capabilities.

While professional sportspeople are pretty much done
by their mid-thirties, with their strength, speed and
 stamina leeching away by the day, the British
 construction worker - if you believe our politicians
 - lives in a world that defies conventional science.

Despite the early starts, the exposure to the
elements, the heavy lifting, the long hours,
the
poor diet & susceptibility to minor injury,

 these lions of the labour force are all going
 to get their telegram from the king - because
 the stats say we’re all living longer.

Sadly, if you have a shred of common sense
you will immediately know this is not true.

Construction workers are the same as any other
human being. Like professional sportspeople,
they can feel their physical abilities start to
wane from their mid-thirties.

The only difference being: construction workers
 have to stay in the game. & not only that, given
 the increase in the pensionable age, the game
 just went into extra time.

Empathy is a wonderful characteristic for a human
 being to possess because it creates understanding
 and caring for others.

So we have to ask ourselves, as our besuited,
overweight politicians sit back in their comfy
chairs before skipping off to their subsidised
 three-course meal in the House of Commons -
 with a glass of wine or two — how much
empathy are they feeling with their
compatriots in construction?

Can they imagine the freezing mornings, the
 hours of standing up, the repetitive physical
 work or the greasy chips for lunch? It would
 seem not.

Recent research carried out by the TUC, in a
report called Postponing the Pension, shows
 that a significant proportion of the population
 won’t reach the pensionable age of 68 in any
 fit state to enjoy their retirement.

The results show that half a million workers within
five years of the state pension have had to leave
 work for medical reasons, and that nearly half of
 60 to 64-year-olds stopped working before
 their official retirement age.

This is why Ucatt is currently trying to get the
Labour Party to support policies that would
 mean a future Labour government would
introduce a flexible pension age for
physically demanding professions.

Construction work is hugely physically demanding
 because it involves prolonged standing, highly
 repetitive work, heavy lifting, working with the
hands lifted to shoulder height or higher, and
working with the back twisted or bent forward.
It can lead to musculoskeletal disorder,
 cardiovascular disease and long-term
sickness absence.

These work conditions and their effects need to
 be factored into the calculation of a pensionable
 age. It is only fair.

At 60, most politicians are on a few company boards,
 are picking up consultancies, maybe writing a book
 and reaping the benefits of a lifetime’s work.

The current presidential candidates in the US
are 68 (Hillary Clinton) and 70 (Donald Trump)
- beneficiaries of a lifetime of comfort, good
 food, little or no physical exertion and
 excellent healthcare on demand.

These individuals see no reason to retire -
 they’re feeling fine. Construction workers
 often aren’t feeling fine.

We all know that one in four people in Britain will
 now live to 100 — but what about the other three?
 At what age will they be checking out? And
what jobs are they doing?

According to figures from the government’s
own Office for National Statistics, doctors
and accountants are outliving builders and
cleaners, by as much as eight years.

Men in professional occupations can expect to
live to 80, almost eight years longer than those
 in unskilled jobs, whose life expectancy is 72.7.
So people are not all the same - shock, horror!
Comparing the accountant to the construction
worker is comparing apples with oranges - and
yet our governments conveniently ignore this.

Our ageing population and the fears surrounding
the viability of the state pension in the future has
caused the political class to legislate in a heavy-
handed, insensitive and unsophisticated way.

The phrase “we’ve all got to work longer” is bandied
about by those sitting comfortably behind a desk. For
 those leading a more active life, this phrase is just a
 plain, old-fashioned threat.

To quote ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: “Living longer
doesn’t mean we are able to work longer in physically
 demanding jobs like that of the firefighter, police
officer or paramedic. And it’s not just in the
 emergency services. Construction workers, care
 workers and prison officers cannot be expected
to work into their sixties. We need a flexible
pension age that allows people to work for
as long as they want to.”

Ucatt’s campaign plainly states “68 is too late.”
It’s a campaign that needs to be fought to a victory
 - for the sake of thousands of British workers. We
need to present our case, find broad support and
build empathy within the country. And we have to
 find acceptance that it may cost us all a little
 bit more while we’re of working age.

Otherwise we will all be using another well-
known phrase: “flogging a dead horse.”

We’ll leave the last words to Mr Corbyn: “If we
want dignity for all in old age, then it has to be
 paid for.”

Brian Rye is acting general secretary of Ucatt.


_________________________________________


Britain’s workers feel stressed and insecure
(originally in the Morning Star)
by Carolyn Jones


The UK's 31 million workers are among the most
insecure, stressed and unhappiest in Europe.

No wonder! According to the latest report by
 the Institute of Employment Rights (IER), the
 evidence is damning.

On average, UK workers work more hours per week,
 more days per year, more years before retirement --
 after which, they receive lower levels of pension --
 than most of their European counterparts.

In comparison to other European workers they
 generally receive less education and training,
 and (because of lack of employer investment)
their productivity is lower.

They get fewer paid holidays than almost all
European comparators and their pay is so low
that a great proportion of them are in poverty
--- with the state subsidising employers’
low wages.


And it doesn’t end there. The UK has a high
 proportion of its workforce in so-called “self-
employment,” agency work, temporary work,
 and/or on zero-hours contracts.

It has more part-time workers who want full-
time jobs, than other European countries.

UK workers have less entitlement to redundancy
 pay, sick pay, and maternity pay, than most
 European workers.

Workers’ rights to remedies for unfair dismissal
and discrimination are set low and have been
 made practically unenforceable by the
imposition of high access fees.

In the UK, unlike most European countries, there
 is no ministry of labour, no labour inspectorate
 and a negligible complement of health and
 safety inspectors.

All this in the fifth richest nation in the world.
 It is obscene. So what’s to be done?

An excellent starting point is the establishment
 of Jeremy Corbyn’s Workplace 2020 initiative.
 Launched in May 2016, the aim of the project
 is to start a national conversation on what
 work should be like in 2020.

Under the chairmanship of Ian Lavery, shadow trade
 union minister, the Labour Party wants to hear the
 good, the bad and the ugly stories about working
 life in Britain.

On a recently launched website people can submit
their comments, complaints and suggestions on a
 range of workplace issues.

So whether it’s job security, pay and pensions,
 training and apprenticeships, diversity and
equality, trade unions or health and safety
 that raises your passion, there’s scope to
 feed into the policy agenda.

Once again the Labour leadership team is turning
 out to the country for ideas rather than assuming
 it knows best in the corridors of power.

Labour is already committed to raising the
 minimum wage, banning zero-hours contracts,
 ensuring workers are given access to justice,
 and giving temporary workers the same rights
 as permanent staff. But it recognises that more
 needs to be done -- not just to secure fairness at
 work but to rebuild the UK's economy and industry.

So, at the request of Jeremy Corbyn and Ian Lavery,
 the IER drafted a contribution to the review, using
 15 of its academic and legal experts. At the heart
 of our proposals is the need to ensure the voice of
 the UK’s 31 million workers is heard & respected --
in government (via a ministry of labour), in the
economy (via a national economic forum) and in
 industry (via sectoral employment commissions).

The manifesto offers 25 major policy
 recommendations for consideration.

It proposes changing the way in which working
 conditions are regulated. It moves responsibility
 for workplace regulation from legislation to
 collective bargaining.

It calls for the repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016,
 the removal of tribunal fees and the introduction
 of fundamental & enforceable rights for workers,
 enforceable in a labour court with the assistance
 of labour inspectors.

The Thatcher concept of individual rights for
 individual workers has to go. It does little for
 workers, it’s costly to enforce and it fails to
 deliver fairness at work.

IER’s manifesto offers a system based on
 the collective voice of workers, negotiating
 collectively agreed standards & delivering
 collectively enforced fairness at work.

A new framework of labour law should
 be built on the following 10 points:

A ministry of labour

A national economic forum

Sectoral employment commissions

Sectoral collective agreements and
wages councils’ orders

Workplace bargaining

A strengthened framework of statutory
employment rights

Labour courts and labour inspectors

Employment tribunals

Stronger support for freedom of association
 and collective rights

The right to strike

Carolyn Jones is director of the Institue of
Employment Rights

A manifesto for labour law: Towards a comprehensive
 revision of workers’ rights --- is available from IER.
Go to www.ier.org.uk for more information.


______________________________________



 Why Labour is putting energy reform
 at the heart of its green agenda
Jeremy Corbyn

No issue better connects the environment to
people’s lives than energy. To deliver clean,
 affordable electricity, we need to change
our undemocratic system of supply.

We are on course for a climate catastrophe. 2016
is set to be the hottest year on record. Unless the
 Paris agreement’s target of limiting the rise in
 temperatures by 1.5C is met, heatwaves like that
 in 2003, which killed tens of thousands of people
 in Europe, will become the norm. And that's before
 considering rising sea levels and desertification,
 that will sink cities, and kill and displace millions,
 or the fact that the Earth has already lost half its
 wildlife, in the past 40 years.

The task for politicians is to propose real solutions
to the single most important issue facing humanity.
Too often, the environment is considered a matter
 for scientists, enthusiasts & activists. To increase
 public understanding and energise the political
 debate, we need more than facts – we need a
 programme that resonates with people’s every-
day experiences, offering not just warnings,
 but opportunities and improvement.

No issue better connects the environment to
people’s lives than energy. In Britain today,
 7 million households struggle to pay their bills
 because of spiralling costs, while the big six
energy companies have seen their profits rise
 by more than tenfold since 2007. The energy
 market is not just expensive, inefficient and
 polluting – it is, above all, undemocratic.

In order to deliver clean, affordable heating and
 electricity we need to change the whole system
 of energy supply. When energy is driven by the
 needs of people, it will be greener – because
saving the planet is in the interests of
everyone.

That is why I am today announcing a bold new set of
policies which will pioneer a democratic, community-
led system of energy supply. Over the course of the
 next parliament, we will use public investment and
 legislation to promote the creation of over 200 local
 energy companies, giving towns, cities & localities
 the powers they need to drive a clean, locally
 accountable energy system with public,
 not-for-profit companies.

At the heart of this policy will be a new generation
of community energy co-operatives. We will create
 1,000 of these co-operatives with the support of a
 network of regional development banks, and
 legislate to give them the right to sell energy
directly to the communities they serve.

At the same time as building a new publicly run,
locally accountable energy system, we will invest
 in the high quality homes & insulation needed to
 make Britain environmentally sustainable. We will
 create a National Home Insulation programme to
 insulate at least 4m homes to energy efficiency
 standard B or C. In the private rented sector, we
 will set compulsory standards at the same level
& end the misery of cold rented accommodation.
 This would save millions of people money on
 their bills as well as saving energy that is
currently wasted on poorly insulated homes.

In order to have any hope of keeping the rise in
temperature to 2C – let alone meeting our Paris
 agreement target of 1.5C – we need to keep 80%
 of fossil fuels in the ground. This can and must
 be done. Scotland is already on course to
generate 100% of its electricity by renewables,
& Britain has an ample supply of wind & water.
In government, I'll commit to generating 65% of
 Britain’s electricity from these sources by 2030.

All of these measures will create secure, skilled
 employment for hundreds of thousands of people.
 As part of our transition to a low-carbon economy,
 we estimate that we will create 316,000 jobs in
 wind, solar and wave power. We'll use a £500bn
national investment programme, with a National
Investment Bank and a network of regional
development banks, to ensure that these jobs
 and opportunities are created in places where
 they are most needed – in coastal towns and
areas with high unemployment.

Too often, environmental catastrophe is explained
 in the same terms as an asteroid hitting the earth.
 But the problems and the solutions are political –
they are about the prioritisation of profit over the
 needs of people and, at the heart of it all, a lack
 of democracy in how decisions are made. By
 democratising our energy supply, and giving
people power over their own destinies, we
can rebuild and transform Britain so that
no one and no community, is left behind.

_________________________


Together --- Stronger!


Change, when it comes, will not come from
 Westminster. The campaign to save our NHS
 must become a visible reality on every high
street and a priority for Labour members.

The NHS is at breaking point, and as
Keep Our NHS Public secretary John
Lister says: “by 2020 it will all be over.”

To reverse the damage of four more years of A&E
 closures, outsourced or pared-down services and
 reduced access, could verge on the impossible.

MPs who obsess over the need to attract Tory
 voters may find that the champions who saved
a local A&E win more hearts and minds than a
lorryload of anti-immigration mugs ever could.


________________________________________


HELP JOHN DUNN

John Dunn, ex-miner and a Labour Party member
 for 45 years, was blocked from voting for Corbyn,
because he challenged Owen Smith
for exploiting
the legacy of Orgreave for electoral
purposes.


He has been told he is suspended from the
 Labour Party.

John says: "45 years continuous membership
and they couldn't even address me by my name"

It looks like the NEC are creating
their very own blacklist.


Help John, if you like, by going here:

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions
/re-instate-john-dunn-s-membership-of-
the-labour-party?bucket&source=face
book-share-button&time=1472075728




Image: wage-change

Image: average-UK-salaries


NEC "FIXERS" FOUGHT
TO KEEP CONTROL!


Labour grew hugely under Corbyn
  and the ''guess'' is --- most of new
members we
re Corbyn supporters.


A DREAM COME TRUE

Support for Jeremy Corbyn from Tyrone O’Sullivan,
a fourth-generation south Wales miner, who led a
workers’ buy-out of Tower Colliery, to save it
 from closure.

"I’ve been close to Jeremy since the miners’ strike.
 Knowing the man, knowing his abilities and his
education, it was a dream come true for me when
 he became leader. His ideas and values are more
 necessary, here in south Wales, than probably
 anywhere else in the country. He wanted
victory
 for Labour, but only under
our terms -
 for a change."


O’Sullivan, a lifelong Labour member, says
Jeremy is the only true socialist we have
had as leader --- for
20 or 30 years.



____________________________________



PEOPLE DESERVE RESPECT

Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership opponent
flaunted his contempt for democracy
by backing a second referendum on
UK
membership of the EU.


And MPs pressured Jeremy Corbyn to resign,
by constant smears, media lies 
and attacks
on Labour's membership !!!


No wonder the Unite policy conference
has overwhelmingly backed mandatory
reselection of MPs - to ensure genuine
democratic accountability in the party.


____________________________________


Unite pushes for
reselection of MPs

 by Conrad Landin

Candidates ‘should reflect members’ views’

Labour's largest affiliate is now behind the
push for mandatory reselection of MPs, as
Jeremy Corbyn critics have “destabilised”
the party, to ditch 
anti-austerity policies.


Delegates at general union Unite’s conference
are resolved to support the approach, in order
 “to ensure democratic accountability, and the
 rights of party members to select candidates
 that reflect their views.”

Currently, sitting MPs are only subject to a
 “trigger ballot” -- where they automatically
 become the candidate -- unless a super-
majority of branches in the constituency
support a new selection.

London  and eastern region's delegate,
Kevin
Parslow: “The current trigger

mechanism is difficult, & weighted
in favour of the incumbent.


“We put ourselves up as reps and
branch officers for election regularly.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for MPs to
 put themselves up for re-selection. They
 should be accountable to us, and not to
Murdoch’s press: they're there because
they have the Labour Party name on
 the ballot paper.”

Mike Hedges, another London delegate:
 “Four weeks ago I would have spoken
against this motion --- but after the
treachery of 172 MPs --- we have
 no option.”

The union’s leaders are also mandated to
 “support moves to bring more democracy
 into policy-making -- by returning powers
 to the party conference.”

A Unite spokesperson:

 “This vote simply reflects the immense
 frustration that our members feel. They
look
at the conduct of some within the
party, the
challenge to the elected
leader, and they
feel angered.


“They want Labour fighting the
Tories, not among themselves.”



Image: Join Labour Party now


KEEP FIGHTING FOR MORE DEMOCRACY!

Momentum and Labour are engaged in a huge
consultation to expand democracy in Labour...

WHY NOT PASTE THE LINK BELOW
AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION?

http://www.peoplesmomentum.com/democracy-review


*         *         *

With 640,000 members - and a huge 200,00
 joining in just 2 weeks - Labour was the
largest left-wing party in Europe.


If you haven't done so already, join Labour,
join Momentum, and let's rebuild
#‎BuildOurMovement.


join.labour.org.uk

join.peoplesmomentum.com


_________________________________



GMB Wins Lidl Recognition
by Peter Lazenby
 
Ruling affects hundreds of warehouse staff

The Star - General union GMB has won a landmark
 legal ruling giving hundreds of warehouse workers
 at giant cut-price supermarket chain Lidl the right
 to be represented by the union.

The German-owned chain opposes union
 recognition and resisted the union’s claim.

But the Central Arbitration Committee, whose
 decisions are legally binding, supported the
 GMB case, and gave the union full rights to
represent and negotiate on behalf of its 223
members among warehouse workers at
 Bridgend, south Wales.

GMB now presses ahead with its campaign
 for recognition at 8 more Lidl warehouses
 across England and Scotland.

National secretary Justin Bowden says:
“Lidl’s attempts at union-busting were quite
 properly thrown out by the judge --- in a
massive
victory for rights at work.


“[Wednesday’s] ruling opens the gates to not
 only improving employees’ pay & terms and
 conditions at the Bridgend site, but is also a
major victory for the GMB’s campaign for
a trade union voice at the workplace.

“The suggestion that Lidl’s workers don't
 need the option of a trade union to stick
 up for them and fight for their interests
 is baloney, pure and simple.

“As a result of today’s ruling, employees
 will get the chance to decide for them-
selves, if the company’s own ‘personal
personnel hotline’ is any match for an
independent union taking their side &
 defending their interests in the
workplace.”

GMB Wales and south-west regional secretary
 John Phillips adds: “Regrettably, Lidl continues
 to show both hostility towards GMB & shameful
 disregard for the wishes of its own workforce,
 with expensive challenges against fair and
objective decisions made by independent
third-party organisations.”

Lidl is also resisting attempts by shop workers’
union Usdaw to recruit and represent staff in
its supermarkets.

An Usdaw spokesperson said: “Lidl will not
even let our representatives into stores, to
talk to staff.”

Lidl has 637 stores & 9 regional distribution
 centres --- employing over 18,000 staff. Its
ambitions to expand in Britain, could see it
more than double in size --- with plans for
1,500 stores & 2 more distribution centres.


_______________________________



Tax offices’ own cleaners
don’t get minimum wage


Cleaners at 6 government offices on Mersey-
side
walked out over their employer’s failure
to pay them the legal minimum wage.


The staff began the two-day strike, because
they
have not received that £7.20-an-hour
rate the
government introduced on April 1.



_____________________________________



Wales: 50,000 days lost
due to teacher stress



The number of teachers off sick due to stress
 in Wales has soared by thousands in just one
 year, new research shows.

Stress-related illness caused the 51,795
 sick days: an increase of 2,568 on 2014,
 freedom of information figures revealed.


______________________________



Unions stood by
Corbyn & McDonnell



The entire labour movement could have
been concentrating all of our efforts -
on
bringing down this mean government.


Instead, 172 Labour MPs launched an attempted
 coup on Corbyn. If it's true that Angela Smith MP
 described the 10,000 activists, including general
 secretaries of affiliated trade unions, who were
at
a recent pro-Corbyn rally, as “dogs,” --- then
serious
questions need to be asked about the
relationship
between the PLP and the trade
union movement.


Every trade union in Britain has regular elections
 for shop stewards, branch secretaries, and their
general secretary.

It's time those who fund the Labour Party
demanded
the same level of democracy
for sitting MPs.


Anything less than a mandatory reselection of
MPs
before every parliament is now untenable.


Let’s get this straight: none of these MPs backed
 Corbyn for leader, most of them abstained in the
 Welfare Reform Bill, many of them voted for the
Iraq war, & to this day, hero-worship Tony Blair.

The 172 Labour MPs aren't just trying to change
 the Labour leader -- they are plotting to drag the
 movement back to a Blairite view of politics.

The vote of no confidence wasn't just an attempt
 to oust Corbyn --- it was a declaration of war on
the entire organised left.

The gloves are off and there’s no going back.
 Everyone will need to decide: which side are
 you on? I stand with Corbyn and McDonnell.

    Dave Smith is co-author, with Phil Chamberlain,
of Blacklisted: The Secret War between Big
Business and Trade Unionists,
 (New Internationalist Publications).


________________________________



RMT: We Must Fight
Assault On Our Rights

Union ‘disappointed’ with
lack of action from TUC



Unions should move to take “generalised” strike
 action: with or without a go-ahead from the TUC,
RMT activists insisted.

The union was meeting in Cardiff that week --- but
 you wouldn't know it, if you'd read the Welsh press!

Delegates at the transport union’s annual general
 meeting in Cardiff expressed disappointment that
 fiery rhetoric about defeating new anti-strike laws
 was not followed up with action.

The union unanimously passed a motion expressing
 concern at the TUC’s “lack of campaigning” on the
 issue and called for a “high-profile campaign.”

Leeds delegate Trevor Howard said: “Personally,
my own view is that the TUC is a waste of space
 and it needs to be reorganised.”

The Trade Union Act, which received Royal Assent
last month, imposes arbitrary thresholds on strike
 ballots & other curbs on labour movement activity.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It’s
 fundamentally undemocratic when you put
these thresholds in.”

He said unions must respond to the law by ramping
 up their organising. “Whatever we do, we’ve got to
 make sure we get our members’ support,” he said.

And he praised Jeremy Corbyn’s Workplace 2020
agenda, which aims to introduce new labour rights.

 “What we need to be doing is turning the tables,”
 he added: “We’ve got to get an alternative to
this legislation --- to get us positive rights.”



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



RMT AGM: Labour traitors
 have ruined our moment

Cash blasts ‘self-indulgent MPs’
for sabotaging left’s moment

“Self-indulgent” Labour MPs have squandered
the left’s best moment to go on the offensive,
RMT's general secretary, Mick Cash, stressed.

He used his address to the transport union’s
annual general meeting to warn of “massive
fights ahead” amid “political and economic
 turmoil.”

He said the divisions in the Tory Party and
 shockwaves in the world of capital should
 have been an opportunity for the left to get
 its message across. But he said this had
been sabotaged by the frontbenchers
resigning and calling for Jeremy
Corbyn’s head.

He fumed: “What have they done? Self-indulgence.
They’ve created division, they created a lack of
 leadership of progressive forces.

“They’ve created a situation where, if we’re not
 careful, we’ll have a Tory government ------ and
worse, a Tory government supported by Ukip.

“We need to seize the opportunity to put forward
 an agenda to fight against austerity, against cuts
 and for workers’ rights. But that won’t happen if
our politicians in London are playing the game
 they’re playing.

“Ordinary working people are sick of the
political class and what they’re doing ---
 and yet they’re doing it again.”



_______________________________________




Putschist MPs ‘Let The
Tories Off The Hook’

Unions rally round previous Labour leader



Union reps on Labour’s ruling executive signed
a
defiant statement to show that Mr Corbyn
still has
institutional support.


The leader of Labour’s most recent affiliate Fire
Brigades Union
general secretary Matt Wrack
pointed his hoses at
the quitters, saying their
action was “co-
ordinated to cause maximum
damage” to Mr Corbyn.


“It is bizarre that some of the MPs making the
loudest
criticism of Jeremy Corbyn over the
referendum --
completely failed to convince
the electorate in
their own constituencies,”
he said.


“After the referendum, Labour should be
setting
out policies to defend jobs, public
services &
wages, as an exit from the EU
is negotiated.
Instead, some Labour MPs
are playing irresponsible
& silly games,
from their Westminster bubble.”


Unite south-east secretary Jenny Formby, one of the
 executive members behind the statement in support
 of Mr Corbyn, said it was “nonsense” to blame him
 for the result. “Now, more than ever, is a time for
loyalty and unity,” she stormed.

Communication Workers’ Union leader Dave Ward
 fired off a missive, stating Mr Corbyn “has our full
 support” as leader.

“Jeremy Corbyn is, and remains, the catalyst for
change in the Labour Party and the country,” he
said.
“Those who seek to oust him, represent
the politics
that forgot ordinary people.”


And food union BFAWU turned up the heat.
They said plotters would “only serve to let the
 Conservative government off the hook for the
 damage they've heaped upon our communities
& the crisis they've caused in pursuit of power.”


Image: solidarity



Visit our new, interactive website


International Health Workers
for People Over Profit


want to engage with you!

We've launched a new, interactive website

Our pages are open to all who share our goals
for better social services, better working
conditions and a healthier world for everyone.

Our Solidarity Page is dedicated to promoting
causes & struggles intersecting with our own.

Our Debates page is open to discuss
and clarify the way forward.

Our Upcoming Events page will feature
timely events, anywhere in the world.

We are looking for useful information
to post on our Resources page.

And, as before, all of our past newsletters
are posted in the Newsletter Archives.

We invite you to comment on our newsletter,
our articles, anything at all!


Please Use Us!

Send your submissions to

info@healthworkersinternational.org.

Please limit the length of each submission to
1 page or less, and include links and photos
when possible. All submissions are moderated
and may be edited for length and clarity.


==================================


International Health Workers
for People Over Profit
(IHWPOP)
has joined the Boycott, Divestment
&
Sanctions Campaign against Israel.

We oppose
Israel’s repression of the
Palestinians and
support a single
state in Israel/Palestine
with equal
rights for all.



Image: Stop the closures and cuts in Wales, Clegg !



WHERE IS MOST UK YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT?

WALES!


(WHERE IN WALES? GUESS !!!)

Youth unemployment rates in some parts of
Britain, such as the North East, have reached
the highest recorded level ever, recent data
gathered by the GMB union shows.

The GMB report says unemployment rates
 among people aged between 18-25 have
hit
record levels.


Wales is top of the unemployment
 list, with almost 23,000 claimants.
The GMT reveals that some parts of
 Wales have a jobless rate of 37%.

Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary:

"In the UK there are nearly 400,000 young
 workers aged 18-24 claiming jobseeker's
 allowance. When you add to that number
 the rest of the young people not in jobs,
but seeking work, the real number is
 more than double that figure.”

The number of young UK job seekers is
 really almost one million;- which makes
 this young generation the real victims of
the current recession in Britain.

Kenny again: “The Government is in
denial that it is deliberately creating
 unemployment.”

This is while reports say almost 150,000
 jobs are under threat across the country.


What Wales needs is AN ECONOMY

ONE THAT WILL LAST

"Regional aid" - artificially importing factories
that owe no allegiance to Wales - has failed.

Innovation means NEW ! New thinking.

Stop moaning about the past. Start building
an
economy NOW, for our youngsters.

Or else!!!


New means old, if you want to build a
genuine economy. From the ground
up, means exactly that!

Agriculture, producing smart new food
and drinks. But based on our strengths.

All the land we need is here, and if we
 look up, 80 percent of Wales' "valley"
 land is up in the air, like Penrhys!

And it's almost unused. Imagine! All that
 land from the Rhondda over to Aberdare
 and beyond.

I'm sure people with vision can see orchards
and new products... new ways of working, etc.

All it requires is a WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE.


Image: Try and Stop US


ALL TOGETHER NOW FOR PEACE

The UK's TUC is calling on the UK government
to
end its meddling policies in the Middle East

and North Africa.

“The “war on terror” is still continuing and has
failed, after ten years, to bring the promised
peace and stability to either the Middle East
or the wider world,” the motion says...


Image: solidarity



UK FOLLOWING US DOWN THE DRAIN

Last year’s table of 10 top EU economies
- assessing income, prices, working culture
&
public spending, put the UK in last place.



The UK now has the 4th-highest retirement
age
of any country averaging 63.1 years -
and this,
thanks to the Tories AND a
supine work-force,
is set to keep
rising
higher and higher.


Average net household income after tax, (and
remember, this "average" includes the stinking
rich) is £37,172 a year, but even after ignoring
the ridiculously high "average", this is now
much
lower than the average amount
earned in Ireland,
the Netherlands &
Denmark, where there are
less of the
obscenely rich, to distort the figures.


In Wales, we know that the "average" worker
earns far less than this: (£15,000 after tax)

Life for most in the UK is set to get even worse
- if people don't fight back - as  public services
 are to be cut more, after the next Spending
 Review ..and will lead to budget cuts of up
 to 40% in many public service departments.

France and Spain again top the quality of
 life index, as workers there have more paid
 holidays, earlier retirement, lower prices,
 longer life expectancy and, just to rub it
in...
better weather.


There are no separate figures for Wales.... why?

Could it be that knowing...  might lead to
discontent
or is it because Welsh workers,
with their vibrant
economy, as they stop
mindlessly following London... 
and build
their new economy, are now so well off,

that the English might get jealous?
Yeah, right!


The lesson is obvious. Strong unions with
gutsy
membership abound on the continent,
while UK
residents sink apathetically down
& down & down.


As Tony Blair said: we British are "special".

We think life gets better for us if we let the
bankers of London exploit the rest of the
world, and
our non-working workforce
sinks into apathy
and selfishness...

Makes you proud, doesn't it!

Does it?


Image: EU workers unite against cuts

Image: eaten alive cuts cuts cuts


WORKERS ACROSS EUROPE
UNITE & FIGHT TO STOP CUTS
PEACE - NOT WAR AND LOOTING !

Workers from across Europe took part in a major
demonstration in Brussels --- to demand that
austerity measures be dropped in favour of

an end to wars & for peaceful reconstruction.

Europeans took to the streets of Brussels to
 demonstrate against wage & pension cuts
and diminishing job opportunities.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC),
one of the EU's leading unions, says that about
100,000 people from 30 countries took part, and
police estimates say 20,000.

“Cutting in a recession's crazy and we must
fight it,” AFP quotes the ETUC's general
secretary, a prominent UK union leader.


Marches also took place in Portugal, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Cyprus,
Serbia, Romania, Poland, Ireland and France.

The rallies coincided with a general strike in
Spain where the government froze pensions
and cut the salaries of government workers.

“This is the worst economic crisis in the post-
war history of Western Europe,” the eTUC
leader adds.


"We call for a rethink and a change - in Spain
and in Europe. We are mobilizing, and they
will
have to listen to us."


The union says European workers could be
the main victims of a financial crisis set off
by bankers and traders.

Many European governments have imposed
 reductions in wages, pensions & employment
 - to deal with the escalating economic issues.



__________________________________________________



UNIONS WELCOME OECD PLAN TO STOP TAX DODGERS


The OECD has released its long awaited Action Plan
to curb "base erosion and profit shifting" (BEPS) by
large multinational enterprises.

"The OECD Action Plan has the ambition to effectively
curb tax evasion by large multinational enterprises –
but it is a plan, and it needs effective commitments
by governments and effective implementation,”
says ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.


The Action plan consists of 15 measures to strengthen
corporate income tax rules and prevent tax avoidance
through manipulating intra-group transfer pricing
between subsidiaries, and the use of empty shell
companies in low tax jurisdictions.


Tax challenges created by globalised production and
service systems, the digital economy and increasing
importance of "intangibles" – r & d, and intellectual
property – feature prominently in the OECD
Action plan.


Read the action plan here






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