Viet Nam -- reiterates support for
victims of Agent Orange/dioxin
by Khanh Phuong
June 26th, 2:44pm
(VGP)
Spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang
said that Viet Nam supports victims of Agent Orange
/dioxin ---- seeking justice.
She made the above statement at a press briefing in Ha Noi on
Thursday after the French Court of Cassation held a public
hearing for the appeal of Ms. Tran To Nga, a French-
Vietnamese victim suing fourteen U.S. chemical
corporations for supplying Agent Orange
/dioxin during the Viet Nam War.
Decades after the war, the devastating consequences continue
to profoundly affect Viet Nam and its people ---- including
the longstanding and serious impacts on Agent Orange/
dioxin victims, said Pham.
"We strongly support the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin --- in
demanding that the chemical companies that manufactured
and supplied Agent Orange to the U.S. military during the
war in Viet Nam be held accountable for remedying the
consequences - they - have caused," Pham stressed.
Monsanto must be liable for compensation
for Agent Orange ------- Vietnamese victims
This case has so far centred on whether the companies can
claim jurisdictional immunity because they acted under
contracts with the U.S. Administration, rather than
on the merits of the case itself.
Lawyers representing Ms. Tran have argued that the defendants
are private commercial entities and therefore cannot be
shielded by immunity normally reserved for states
or bodies exercising sovereign authority.
If the Court of Cassation overturns an August 2024 ruling by the
Paris Court of Appeal, which upheld the companies' immunity
claims, the case could be sent back to a lower court --- for
reconsideration and, for the first time, open the way for
a judicial examination of the companies' alleged
responsibility for the consequences
of Agent Orange.
Statistics showed ---- that around 4.8 million Vietnamese people
were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin during and after the war.
Of those, about three million are considered victims, suffering
from illnesses, disabilities or birth defects linked to the toxic
chemical that was used widely by the U.S. military as a
''defoliant'' ...during the war.
________________________________
Women... are the majority of
victims of crime in Uruguay
Montevideo, June 26th, 1:53pm
(Prensa Latina)
Most of the victims and witnesses of crimes in Uruguay
during 2025 were women, according to data from the
Attorney General's Office that is published today.
This was reported by the director of the Victims and
Witnesses Unit (UVyT) of the Attorney General's
Office, Manuela Reguera.
He told La Diaria that the agency attended to 4,043
victims or witnesses of crimes last year, and 80%
......were women.
Reguera said that ------ of the total,
1,334 were minors or adolescents.
Three out of four ---- of these children and
adolescents are victims of sexual crimes.
"It is not news that in our country, unfortunately,
the victims have the face of women, girls and
adolescents," said the director of the UVyT.
76%of the people served were victims
of crimes of gender-based violence.
Of these, 58 percent were sexual crimes that
include sexual abuse, rape, violent indecent
assault, among others.
Another 18% were associated
with domestic violence.
Last year, care was provided to 12 minors and
adolescents who were orphaned by femicide,
according to the source.
_______________________________________________
Viet Nam targets to search for and recover
3,000 remains of martyrs in 2026
by Thuy Dung
June 25th, 7:39pm
(VGP)
The above figure is part of the ongoing 500-day campaign to
search for, recover and identify remains of fallen soldiers,
as the country prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of
War Invalids and Martyrs Day in 2027 (July 27).
As of June 22nd, the authorities had recovered 1,255
martyrs' remains out of a target of 7,000 set out in
the campaign.
DNA-related samples had been collected from 12,127 graves
lacking identifying information, out of an estimated 230,000.
The Ministry of Public Security had analysed approximately
53,000 DNA samples and integrated nearly 18,000 results
into a national database.
So far, the identities of 25 martyrs have been
successfully confirmed .......and returned to
their families.
______________________________________________
Four countries.. try to team up --
to back 'Taiwan independence'?
Not a chance: Global
Times editorial
June 25th, 7:35pm
On Wednesday, "representative offices" of the UK, France and
Germany in Taipei issued a "rare" joint statement expressing
"concern" over the Chinese mainland's intensified law
enforcement and patrol operations in the waters
east of China's Taiwan island, claiming that
these actions "threaten regional stability,
and the freedom of navigation and
safety of international shipping."
On the same day, the US Institute in Taiwan also chimed in - to
"support" the statement. The "concerns" expressed by these
four countries, in lockstep with the "protests" from the
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities,
staged a political farce.
These external countries think they can back "Taiwan
independence" separatist forces by simply making
irresponsible claims about China's legitimate law
enforcement patrols? Not a chance.
The relevant Chinese authorities' law-enforcement patrols, were
mainly aimed at Japan and the Philippines for illegally initiating
so-called "delimitation negotiations" concerning the waters
east of China's Taiwan island. Japan and the Philippines
are attempting to use China's maritime rights and
interests as bargaining chips in their own deals,
the nature of which is extremely reprehensible.
China certainly cannot accept this and will
absolutely not stand idly by.
The coordinated statements by the US, UK, France and Germany
not only "hand a knife" to the "Taiwan independence" separatist
forces, but also provide cover to Japan and the Philippines ---- in
their illegal actions, in a vain attempt to portray the waters east
of China's Taiwan island as a new foothold for external forces
to intervene in the Taiwan Straits.
China's legitimate actions to safeguard its rights and enforce the
law are aimed at protecting its national rights --- and interests,
upholding the fundamental bottom line under the one-China
principle as well as maintaining peace and stability in the
region. The so-called "concerns" -- expressed by the US,
UK, France and Germany are tantamount to criticizing
a homeowner for cleaning their own yard - an utterly
preposterous notion. The prime minister of one of
these countries has just resigned, and a new one
has not even been selected; yet they still have
the leisure time ---- to take the lead in stirring
up trouble in the Taiwan Straits.
China has an exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in
the waters east of China's Taiwan island. Chinese authorities'
law enforcement and patrol activities there are legitimate and
lawful actions to exercise China's jurisdiction, safeguard
regional stability and uphold order at sea in accordance
with the law.
The law-enforcement patrols conducted this month by the China
Coast Guard task group led by CCGS Daishan, the Ministry of
Transport's special maritime traffic enforcement, and the
marine environmental survey organized by the Ministry
of Natural Resources all fully comply with China's
domestic laws and international laws, including
the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea.
This series of well-organized actions demonstrates that China's
management and control of the waters east of Taiwan island
has entered a new phase, with a coordinated management
model involving multiple departments --- now in place.
The US, the UK, France, and Germany...... have jointly hyped up
"freedom of navigation" and "maritime security," appropriating
the terminology of international law while in reality conflating
concepts and shifting the focus away from the core issue. No
country has the right to interpret "freedom of navigation" as
"the freedom to disregard China's sovereignty and maritime
rights and interests."
For years, the US and other Western countries have used
"freedom of navigation" as their cover for maritime
hegemony and "a rules-based order" to mask
their military encroachments.
US military vessels and aircraft have frequently conducted
close-in operations near China's coast. Meanwhile, Japan
has accelerated efforts to break free from its postwar
constraints, and the Philippines is colluding with the
US and Japan to create trouble in the South China
Sea and east of Taiwan island.
These actions have already gone beyond normal commercial
passage and routine navigation, instead bearing the clear
hallmarks of military deployment, political coercion, and
strategic containment.
By criticizing China's law enforcement activities today --- in the
name of "freedom of navigation," they are in effect demanding
that China relinquish jurisdiction, abandon its legitimate rights
protection, and forgo its ability to shape order in waters off its
own coast. This approach by the West --- is the real threat to
freedom of navigation.
Through routine patrols, special law enforcement operations,
and marine scientific surveys, China is steadily building a
framework for protecting its maritime rights and interests
and improving governance in the waters surrounding
Taiwan island.
For example, the marine environmental survey organized by the
Ministry of Natural Resources this month - collected data on
seawater environmental DNA, birds, whales and dolphins,
marine chemistry, hydrology and meteorology.
During the survey, researchers recorded brown boobies and
masked boobies, both of which are listed as protected
animals of national class II in China, providing a
scientific basis for marine biodiversity
conservation in the area.
External forces have sought to portray China's efforts to
strengthen governance capacity as "coercion," which
only reveals their real concern: China's growing
ability to lawfully govern, effectively manage,
and shape order in the waters surrounding
Taiwan island.
The DPP authorities have turned a blind eye to Japan's and
the Philippines' infringements, yet have eagerly aligned
themselves with external forces to attack and smear
he central government's legitimate rights protection
efforts while promoting the fallacy of "Taiwan
independence." This once again exposes
their entrenched separatist agenda and
their betrayal --- of the fundamental
interests of the Chinese nation.
CCG vessels broadcasting routine inquiries to merchant ships
about their ports of departure and destinations is a standard
means of asserting jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the DPP
authorities have claimed that three merchant vessels
were "harassed" by the CCG, a baseless accusation
that distorts facts - and serves only to put on the
guise of a "victim" to solicit external sympathy
and seek "independence" ---- by relying on
external forces.
The waters east of Taiwan island are not a strategic testing
ground for external forces, nor are they a political vacuum
where Japan and the Philippines can privately draw
boundaries. No amount of external backing can
change the indisputable fact that both sides
of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China,
nor can it halt China's efforts to lawfully
safeguard its rights, strengthen
governance, and shape order
in the Taiwan Straits.
The more external forces want to stir up trouble under the
pretext of "freedom of navigation," the more China will
exercise control over the maritime areas that fall
under its jurisdiction - and fully enforce the laws
that should be enforced, ensuring that national
sovereignty and maritime rights and interests
remain firmly in its own hands.
This is also a proper step for a responsible major power
to take in order to maintain regional peace and stability.
___________________________________________________________
Cuban medical personnel share
their altruism with the people
of Venezuela
Caracas, June 25th, 6:20pm
(Prensa Latina)
The altruism of Cuba's health personnel was once again evident
in Venezuela, when members of the Medical Mission came to
the aid of those affected today by the earthquakes of the
day before.
The solidarity of these men and women, was not long in coming
and immediately after the earthquakes occurred, they went out
to the communities to offer not only their knowledge, but also
their love to those who need it most in these fateful hours
of pain and death.
The state of La Guaira (north) was declared in emergency, by the
president in charge Delcy Rodríguez due to the magnitude of the
damage caused to the infrastructure by the earthquakes of 7.2
and 7.5 magnitude, whose destructive power --- caused 250
buildings to collapse, most of them in that coastal region.
At this juncture, the Havana ambassador in Caracas, Jorge
Mayo, and the head of the Medical Mission, Dr. Yusleivis
Martínez, visited health centres there --- where their
compatriots provide services to the Venezuelan
population, affected by the earthquakes.
In statements to the accredited Cuban press, Martínez
commented that once the magnitude of the disaster
was known, they took on the task of contacting the
24 state coordinators to be sure that they were all
in "optimal health."
He pointed out that immediately the aid workers
began to ask to be integrated into the health
and care functions.
The Cuban doctor pointed out that in this way all the
aid workers from La Guaira to all the states of
Venezuela that suffered the impact of the
earthquakes --- were incorporated.
Martínez said that Cuban health personnel kept working all
night on Wednesday, early morning and Thursday morning
with "total dedication and commitment" to the health of
the Venezuelan people.
In a message sent to all the families with collaborators in
Venezuela, the doctor conveyed tranquility.... by saying
that they were "in perfect health", providing medical
assistance, solidarity --- and showing the great
commitment they have had for many years.
Young doctors narrated the immediate way in which they
joined the humanitarian aid work without barely
collecting their clothes and equipment to
attend to.... the extremely dissimilar
pathologies ------ from wounds, to
contusions --- and stress crises.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan patients recognized the "Cuban
doctors, who have helped us a lot and are excellent
and wonderful," said a dark-haired woman.
"They --- are wonderful, wonderful," said an older man
when he pointed out that "there is nothing more to
talk about, they are the best doctors here in
Vargas state," now La Guaira.
The Cuban Ministry of Public Health reported today
that the head of the sector, Dr. José Ángel Portal,
spoke with the teams of the 24 states where the
collaborators are, who are out of danger and
many of them were incorporated into the
care work -- from the first moment.
The Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela ratifies its
commitment to the health and well-being of the
Venezuelan people in the midst of the difficult
situation that this sister nation is going
through, Miranda said.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel also revealed that he had
a conversation with Mayo --- in which he was able to
confirm that "the collaborators are well, providing
from the first moment --- all possible help to the
brotherly Venezuelan people."
___________________________________
Russia and Indonesia want to
develop mineral processing
--- together
by Ekaterina Shcherbakova
(night line editor)
June 24th, 11:48pm
(Lenta.ru)
Russia and Indonesia plan to develop the processing of
critical minerals together. This -- was stated by the
Indonesian Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang
Kartasasmita, in an interview with RIA
Novosti and RT.
"An area where Russia can make a key contribution to
Indonesia's efforts, is in the processing of critical
minerals. Indonesia --- has many raw materials,
such as -- nickel, cobalt, bauxite, and tin. We
want these raw materials to be processed
in Indonesia, so that the added value
....stays in the country," Agus
Gumiwang Kartasasmita
explained.
The Minister emphasized - that Russia has world-class
competencies in technology and metal processing.
Therefore, such cooperation can become... not
only one of the promising areas of industrial
partnership, but also --- allow Indonesia
to move away from its raw materials
-based economic model.
Kartasasmita added that Jakarta considers the
development of the processing industry as one
of the priorities of the Golden Indonesia 2045
strategy --- which aims to transform the
country into one of the largest
economies in the world.
Earlier, Indian state-owned companies
considered buying Russia's
coal companies.
__________________________________________
Elderly citizens to receive free
annual health checks
from 2026
by Kim Loan
June 24th, 7:21pm
(VGP)
Elderly citizens will be entitled to free annual health
examinations or health screenings right from 2026,
according to the revised National Program on
Health Care for the Elderly through to 2030
adopted recently by the Government.
Under the program, at least 90 percent of elderly citizens are
to expect free-of-charge screening for non-communicable
diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases,
and dementia, by 2030.
The program also targets that 90 percent of commune-level
administrative units will establish at least one elderly care
club and one volunteer care team.... by the end of
this decade.
All provinces and centrally governed cities are required to
have elderly care facilities operating under a socialized
model - through private investment or public-private
partnership arrangements - by 2030. In addition,
every locality must have either a dedicated
geriatric hospital, or a general hospital
with a geriatric department.
The program calls for the development of digitally
enabled care services utilizing social media
and internet-based platforms.
The Ministry of Health... was assigned as the lead agency
responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Finance
and other relevant ministries and agencies to mobilize
resources and implement the program nationwide.
Viet Nam currently has around 16.5 million people aged 60
and above....... accounting for approximately 16% of the
population, and the proportion is increasing rapidly.
Projects related to elderly care will be incorporated into
the Ministry of Health's medium-term and annual public
investment plans and submitted to the Ministry of
Finance for consolidation, before being reported
to the Government.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified the "silver
economy" as a strategic priority for the third quarter
of 2026, aiming to harness the potential of Viet
Nam's aging population and transform
demographic changes into
sustainable economic
opportunities.
The initiative reflects a fundamental shift in mindset ---- from
viewing older persons as a "welfare burden" to recognizing
them as a "development opportunity" and a valuable
resource that should be both empowered and
cared for.
Meanwhile, a separate Politburo resolution on public health,
has set a target of increasing average life expectancy to
75.5 years by 2030, with at least 68 years expected to
be lived...... in good health.
___________________________________________
Delcy Rodríguez affirms that
Venezuela is stronger today
Caracas, June 24th, 3:33pm
(Prensa Latina)
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said that Venezuela is
stronger today and has a different spirit that leads to
understanding the value of peace, tranquility
and independence.
From the headquarters of the Courtyard of Honour of the
Military Academy of the Army, the president, together
with the senior officers of the Bolivarian National
Armed Forces (FANB) and members of her
Cabinet, commemorated the 205th
anniversary of the Battle of
Carabobo, in 1821, and
National Army Day.
"Happy Army Day and Battle of Carabobo for all the soldiers
of our country," said the Commander in Chief of the FANB
when she was received by Major General and Army
Chief, Rubén Darío Belzares.
Rodríguez ...was accompanied at the military ceremony by the
head of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez; the sectoral
vice president of Politics, Citizen Security and Peace,
Diosdado Cabello; the Minister for Defense, Gustavo
Enrique González, among other senior commanders
of the Armed Forces.
When speaking, the head of state said that "today is a national
holiday" and conveyed her congratulations to all Venezuelans,
in an act that leads to rethink Carabobo and the words of
Bolívar that beat in the hearts --- of what it is to "defend
every hour, every day, the freedom and independence
of Venezuela", she pointed out.
The dignitary commented that these days in which the
Bolivarian Republic is observed, criticized, attacked
by external forces, and sometimes from within by
"those who do not comprehend, or understand
history, of knowing and understanding that
it is a new Venezuela."
In the face of the misfortune of external aggressions and
threats, today Venezuela "is stronger," it has a different
spirit, which leads to a deep understanding of the
"value of peace, tranquility, independence and
freedom, in a new spirituality," she said,
evoking the Liberator.
She stressed that this new stage seeks in society the reunion
between Venezuelans, as well as burying forever the hatred
and intolerance that on January 3 became bombs
and missiles.
She also valued that Carabobo taught many lessons such as
national unity, which demonstrated the virtues that "when
we act together seeking a sublime objective such as
freedom and independence, we are invincible -- as
our Father Liberator said."
In his speech, Rodríguez recognized the sovereign will of the
people of Colombia in the recent presidential elections in
which the right-wing candidate Abelardo De la Espriella
triumphed in the second round, congratulated the
electoral process, the elected government and
called to take a step forward.. and not to
look back.
She recalled that those who in the past attacked Venezuela
from that neighbouring country ----- and caused suffering,
and economic disaster, found themselves with the
"resounding failure" of two brother peoples
united in blood ---- by the same sword.
Darío Belsarez, for his part, called for holding on to the legacy
of the heroes and heroines who are today the "moral
sustenance of the nation" --------- to keep the
homeland alive.
________________________________________
Ho Chi Minh City to set off fireworks to
celebrate 50th founding anniversary
by Kim Loan
June 24th, 2:49pm
(VGP)
Ho Chi Minh City will set off fireworks at 16 locations from 9:00
PM to 9:15 PM on July 2 to mark the 50th anniversary of the
City of Sai Gon- Gia Dinh honorably named after President
Ho Chi Minh (July 2, 1976 – 2026).
All 16 locations will simultaneously set off fireworks
from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM on July 2, 2026.
Especially, five high-altitude and low-altitude fireworks display
locations are Saigon River tunnel head area, An Khanh ward,
New City Centre area, Binh Duong ward, Tam Thang Square
area, Vung Tau ward, Cu Chi Tunnels historical relic site,
An Nhon Tay commune, Can Gio sea-encroaching
tourist urban area.
Earlier, the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports hosted
a songwriting contest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sai
Gon – Gia Dinh officially being named after President Ho Chi
Minh (July 2, 1976 - 2026).
The program aims to promote the significant historical and
political values of the city's special occasion, and affirm
the pride, love and responsibility of the city's Party
Committee, government and people, towards
Uncle Ho.
Ho Chi Minh City will organize an exhibition showcasing the
50-year journey of the city named after President Ho Chi
Minh from July 1 to 11 at multiple venues.
An international artistic performance program and 3D mapping
cultural exchange will also take place from July 1 to 5 in front
of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters.
A special live television broadcast will connect Ho Chi
Minh City and Ha Noi on the evening of July 2nd.
__________________________________________________
Iran, Pakistan forge blueprint for
Islamic economic integration
June 23rd, 8:58pm
(PressTV)
President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday
at the head of a high-ranking delegation that includes the
ministers of interior, foreign affairs, roads and urban
development, and agricultural jihad.
The one-day visit is taking place at a moment when Tehran-
Islamabad relations have transcended traditional
neighborhood ties to assume strategic
convergence in the domains of
transit, energy, and
border security.
What distinguishes this visit from earlier meetings is the new
geopolitical context amid the Iran-US negotiations which
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army
Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir ------- personally
attended in Switzerland, as key mediators.
With President Pezeshkian’s visit, Iran is signaling that
Islamabad has become politically invested in the
outcome of the process.
Pakistan opened its land transit routes to Iranian commercial
shipments when Iran's ports were under US naval blockade,
effectively becoming a lifeline for Tehran's economy.
Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce, citing the 2008 Road Transport
Agreement, authorized the transit of Iranian goods through six
land routes connecting Karachi Port to the Gabd-Rimdan
and Taftan border crossings.
These routes, dormant for nearly two decades, suddenly
became vital arteries for Iran's trade. According to
estimates from Iran's Chamber of Commerce,
approximately 20,000 containers had
traversed the route ...by May.
US blockade crumbles as Iran turns to overland routes
Iran is bypassing the US naval blockade by using
overland routes, allowing Tehran to maintain
trade and oil shipments to key partners
like China and Russia.
President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad is taking place at a
moment when Pakistan has been elevated from an eastern
neighbour to a strategic partner and geopolitical anchor
for Iran.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-kilometre border, yet bilateral
trade has historically remained far below its potential.
Both governments now appear determined to
change that trajectory.
Discussions during the visit, centre on expanding trade volumes
toward multi-billion-dollar targets, formalizing cross-border
markets, and reducing friction in customs and logistics
systems. The tone - is increasingly forward-looking.
In their previous meeting in Tehran on May 17, 2025,
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and
President Pezeshkian discussed new
transit routes, border security, and
the barter mechanism.
Iran's Ambassador to Islamabad Mohammad Ali Hosseini
has explicitly stated -- that the barter system is an
efficient mechanism for circumventing sanctions
and increasing trade, and that the two countries
have agreed to establish 3 new border markets
to boost exchanges.
The announced target of increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion
within a two-year requires fulfillment of fundamental conditions.
Current figures show significant trade growth, approaching
$3.2 billion, but the gap to $10 billion demands --- a leap
in infrastructure and security.
Pezeshkian in this visit is seeking not only immediate economic
openings but also the institutionalization of north-south and
east-west corridors --- with Pakistan as their axis.
Energy cooperation - is one of the most promising pillars of this
renewed engagement. Pakistan’s growing energy demand and
Iran’s significant natural gas reserves ---- create a natural
economic complementarity.
The Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline, stalled for three decades
due to sanctions, has now returned to the negotiating table
following the shift in political atmosphere and the
US announcement of a 60-day waiver
on Iran's oil sanctions.
To preempt a potential $18 billion penalty, Pakistan has initiated
construction of an 80-kilometre segment of the pipeline from
the Iranian border to Gwadar, and with the new political
environment, the possibility of completing the project
....is greater than ever before.
Another area gaining renewed attention is borderland economic
development. The Iran–Pakistan frontier, particularly around
Balochistan, has long been economically underdeveloped
despite its strategic location.
The current diplomatic momentum is pushing for the expansion
of border markets and special trade zones that could formalize
informal commerce, create jobs, & integrate local economies
into broader supply chains.
Beyond border trade, there is growing interest.... in regional
connectivity corridors. Both countries sit at the crossroads
of South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia, making them
natural participants ----- in broader transit and
logistics networks.
What makes the current phase particularly notable is the tone
of optimism surrounding it. The focus has shifted from
abstract agreements to practical mechanisms with
border infrastructure, logistics coordination, and
sector-specific cooperation.
Iran and Pakistan together represent nearly 350 million people
and are the two most strategically positioned Muslim-majority
states at the crossroads of South Asia, West Asia, and
Central Asia.
Their alignment signals a shift in how Muslim-majority nations
are approaching regional integration through concrete
economic interdependence, infrastructure
connectivity, and coordinated security
frameworks .....that transcend
sectarian divisions.
President Pezeshkian has explicitly cast the partnership within
a larger vision of Islamic world solidarity. He has called for the
expansion of economic, scientific, and cultural ties among
Islamic nations ---- as an essential necessity.
He has also proposed... reviving historical trilateral economic
agreements between Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye with a fresh
approach, suggesting that solidarity among Islamic
countries could serve as a global model against
the hegemony of major powers, with Iran and
Pakistan positioned to take a leading role.
Pakistan's leadership has reciprocated this vision. Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that Pakistan
and Iran, as brotherly Muslim nations, share a strong
commitment to global peace and unity within the
Muslim Ummah.
In previous high-level meetings, Sharif has stated - that
strengthening cooperation between Iran and Pakistan,
as two important Islamic countries in the region, can
be effective --- in solving regional problems.
This partnership carries unprecedented implications
for the Islamic world in several specific dimensions.
Iran, with its Shia-majority identity, and Pakistan, with
its Sunni-majority population, are building a model of
cooperation that demonstrates that shared
economic and security interests --- can
override confessional divisions.
The economic dimension extends beyond bilateral trade to
encompass broader Islamic economic integration. Iran
connects Pakistan to Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the
Caucasus, and through those routes to Europe
and Eurasia, while Pakistan connects Iran to
China and South Asia.
Iranian officials have emphasized that this connectivity is
about creating a new geo-economic order in which
Muslim-majority nations are active architects
of their own integration.
Iran has supported Pakistan's membership in BRICS and
is working toward a free trade agreement, moves that
would further embed this partnership in broader
South-South cooperation frameworks.
For the broader Islamic world, this partnership offers a
template for how Muslim-majority nations can assert
their interests collectively by building the economic
and security infrastructure necessary --- to engage
from a position of strength.
_________________________________________
China's supercomputer returns
to top of global ranking
by Zhang Yiyi, Li Xuanmin,
Tao Mingyang and
Chen Qingqing
June 23rd, 8:05pm
(Global Times)
China's fully domestically developed "LineShine" super-
computer., ranked first on the global TOP500 list with a
sustained double-precision performance of 2.19EFlops
(10¹s floating-point operations per second), according
to the ISC 2026 conference... held in Hamburg,
Germany, on Tuesday. The ranking marks
China's return ---- to the top of global
supercomputing... after nine years,
China Media Group reports.
Chinese experts said the achievement represents more than
a performance milestone. They said LineShine's break-
through and practical applications mark a major step
forward --- for China's supercomputing industry in
overcoming foreign technological constraints
and building an independent, controllable
hardware and software ecosystem.
At the ISC 2026 conference, China's National Supercomputing
Centre in Shenzhen --- announced that its new-generation
"LineShine" supercomputer - has achieved a sustained
performance of 2EFlops, becoming the world's first
supercomputer to surpass 2EFlops in
sustained performance.
The system is said to outperform leading E-level super-
computers in the US and Europe, marking China's
return to the top of the global supercomputing
rankings, CMG reported.
Performance leap
"LineShine" ..is positioned as a full-stack integrated infra-
structure for scientific, engineering and AI computing,
per CMG. At the chip layer.... the in-house LX2 CPU
integrates multi-precision & matrix acceleration
capabilities, enabling tighter convergence of
supercomputing and AI workloads, while
also incorporating... China's first
domestically developed HBM
memory -- boosting memory
bandwidth ------ by 10 times
compared to conventional
CPUs.
The announcement has attracted widespread attention.
US tech media Engadget said - that "China's new
machine was able to beat its US counterpart
despite technology embargoes because it
doesn't rely on GPUs --------- like other
leading models."
The New York Times quoted Jack Dongarra, an organizer
of the TOP500 list, as saying that LineShine is "an
impressive system." They upped us by
developing a system that is not
reliant on GPUs, he added.
Zhang Yunquan, a researcher at the Institute of Computing
Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told
the Global Times that the "LineShine" system's return to
the top of the global rankings marks China's renewed
leadership in the TOP500 list, following the success
of the "Sunway TaihuLight" supercomputer.
Unlike most current US supercomputers, which adopt a
hybrid CPU+GPU architecture, "LineShine" follows a
pure CPU-based integrated technical route built
on the ARM architecture.
He noted that --- while this approach is more technically
challenging to implement, it offers strong compatibility
advantages in traditional supercomputing application
scenarios ...such as scientific computing.
Chen Jing, a vice president of the Technology and Strategy
Research Institute, told the Global Times that the most
striking feature of the "LineShine" system is its pure
CPU architecture, without the use of GPU
acceleration cards.
This, he said, reflects that China's progress in supercomputing
is not driven by a single hardware breakthrough, but by
comprehensive advances in system-level capability,
including.... independent ecosystem development,
architectural innovation, full-system integration,
as well as improvements in storage and
cooling technologies.
LineShine's test results --- were more than 20 percent faster
than those of El Capitan, a system at Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory in California that has topped a twice
-yearly ranking of supercomputer performance since
November 2024, NYT reported.
''China is no longer keeping a low profile and has returned to
global benchmark competition," Ma Jihua, a veteran tech
analyst told the Global Times.
He noted that earlier restraint.. was largely due to external
sanctions and a cautious approach to disclosure, but with
breakthroughs in indigenous supercomputing capabilities,
China is now re-engaging in top-level competition, with a
performance reportedly ahead of Western systems ----
by a significant margin.
He added that China's supercomputing sector has strong
foundations, and although... it has participated less in
international rankings in recent years, capability
development... has continued.
Since deployment, "LineShine" has supported applications
across ....atmospheric and ocean science, engineering
simulation, materials science, drug discovery, brain
science, scientific AI, and large-model inference.
"LineShine" reflects China's long-term push to build an
indigenous computing system. By mid-2025, China
ranked 2nd globally, in total computing power,
with 14 national supercomputing centres
approved, official data showed.
Experts said its TOP500 result marks not only a
performance breakthrough, but also a shift
towards... a more integrated national
computing infrastructure.
Breakthroughs amid constraints
China first took the top spot on the TOP500 in 2010 and traded
titles back and forth with the US and Japan... until 2023, when
China stopped submitting its systems after years of chip- and
computing-related export controls from the US,
Reuters reported.
Engadget wrote that "there is no single dominant technology
path to leadership-class computing," while Reuters reported
that the Chinese victory on the list more likely shows that
China wanted recognition for its chip design efforts,
which is a change - from recent years.
Chen said China is now able to build exascale computing
systems without relying on US' GPUs, Nvidia's CUDA
ecosystem, or specific Western interconnect
standards, indicating that a system-level
technological framework.... is largely
in place.
However, he also noted that underlying constraints
remain, in areas such as architectural licensing,
advanced manufacturing processes, and parts
of chip fabrication, meaning -- China's high-
performance computing sector ----- is still
transitioning from external dependence
toward full system autonomy.
Chen said "LineShine" reflects a system-level innovation path
similar to that of Chinese tech firms under external pressure,
echoing Huawei's "Tau Law." Both have shifted from single-
point competition to system architecture innovation and
engineering optimization.
He noted that "LineShine" relies on a pure CPU architecture
to achieve exascale performance - while Huawei advances
through chip design, algorithms, and advanced packaging,
with both representing a "change of path" rather than
catch-up competition.
On January 4, China's National Supercomputing Internet
Platform announced that its user base had surpassed
1 million, marking a key step in the shift of super-
computing resources from centralized supply
to universal service.
Ma said China's supercomputing breakthrough should not
be seen as a sudden "overtake on a bend" ...but as the
result of long-term technological accumulation and
capability rebuilding.
He noted that this achievement represents not only success
in technological innovation, but also China's institutional
strengths and development model under sustained
external pressure, underscoring --------- the
country's resilience.
_____________________________________________
India's Prime Minister
Highlights BRICS for
Global Security
New Delhi, June 23rd, 11:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today - highlighted the
growing importance of BRICS to address current security
challenges in a continuously changing global landscape.
In a meeting with the advisers and senior security officials of
the countries of the intergovernmental bloc, the Indian head
of government said that the BRICS plays a fundamental role
in deepening cooperation on key issues in this regard.
He underscored the need for greater collaboration among
member countries to address common challenges, such
as terrorism, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Modi reiterated that India's presidency pro tempore, this year,
is focused on fostering practical cooperation among member
nations & reaffirmed the South Asian nation's commitment
to advancing the priorities of the Global South and
contributing to building a safer and more
inclusive world.
Earlier, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that at the BRICS
National Security Advisers Meeting, held in Delhi on
Tuesday, they exchanged views on the security
challenges facing the world.
They discussed challenges related to energy, food and supply
chain security, the emerging technologies used by terrorist
networks, cybersecurity, and instability stemming from
climate change.
The participants also discussed the activities and results of
the BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counterterrorism held
on May 21 and 22 and on Information and Communication
Technology Security ...on June 8 and 9.
In this regard, they expressed their support for greater
cooperation within the bloc, particularly -- in terms
of strengthening members' capacities, improving
information sharing, and coordination among
domestic law enforcement agencies, to
combat terrorism and cyber risks
collectively.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism
in all its forms and manifestations, including by countering
the use of new technologies by terrorists, according to
diplomatic sources.
The meeting was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi,
Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu; the
Undersecretary for Defense of Iran's Supreme National
Security Council, Ghadir Nezamipour; Secretary of
Multilateral and Political Affairs of Brazil, Carlos
Cozendey; Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister
in the Presidency of South Africa; the
Executive Director of Analysis of
the National Intelligence... and
Security Service of Ethiopia,
Million Lema Tadesse;
among others.
________________________
The international forum of the State
of the Union.. concludes in Belarus
Brest, Belarus, June 22nd, 5:01pm
(Prensa Latina)
With messages from the presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin,
and Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, the 2nd international
forum of the State of the Union in the city of Brest....
closed today.
According to Prensa Latina from that Belarusian town on Monday,
the forum, which was held under the slogan of "a Great Common
Legacy and Future", was attended... by more than 1,000
delegates --- from 16 nations... on several continents.
Prior to the closing, the plenary session of the event was held,
where representatives of Russia, Belarus, Vietnam, Serbia,
China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela,
Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Cuba, participated.
All without exception referred to the importance of the historical
legacy of their predecessors in the years of heroism, shown by
their grandparents and great-grandparents when they were all
part of the Soviet nation that defeated fascism and offered
the lives of 27 million of its children ---- for the sake of a
better future ....of peace and independence.
The head of the Russian delegation and chairman of the State
Duma (lower house of the Russian parliament), Vyacheslav
Volodin, said that today we see with amazement how
some countries..... try to rewrite history and do
everything possible..... to forget the feats of
their predecessors, and there is no right
---- to forget.
Volodin added that it is also necessary to prevent these same
forces -------- from continuing to destroy the monuments to the
liberating Soviet soldiers.
For his part, the head of the Cuban delegation, the ambassador
of the Caribbean nation in Minsk, Santiago Pérez, said that
many condemn the neo-fascism that resurfaces in Europe,
but the phenomenon is also present.. in other regions of
the world.
Pérez gave as examples ---- the kidnapping of the constitutional
president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, the attack on the
Persian nation, the genocide --- against the Palestinian
people, the threats ---- and the inhumane blockade
against Cuba, which he classified, as another
act of genocide.
The second international forum of the State of the Union,
organized by the parliaments of Belarus and Russia,
began the day before - in the city of Brest - with
panel sessions, and ended on Monday, with
a plenary session... coinciding with the
85th anniversary of the start of the
Great Patriotic War.
___________________________________
President in charge of Venezuela
--- defends Latin American unity
Caracas, June 22nd, 4:55pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president in charge of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, today
defended the integration and unity of Latin America and the
Caribbean at the closing of the International Colloquium
"Our Homeland IS America," which was held for three
days in Caracas.
From the Teresa Carreño Theatre, in the presence of delegates
from twelve Latin American countries, intellectuals, deputies,
councilors, professors, teachers and students, the president
affirmed that "a united Latin America is not a threat," but
hope --- for this continent --- and humanity.
"Venezuela puts its hand, to add to this path of Latin
America as hope - for all the peoples of the world,"
she said.
Rodríguez pointed out that for years they have worked
bicentennial after bicentennial... and behind these
activities what is present and ratified more and
more ...every day ---- is the value of the
Venezuelan people ---- and the Patria
Grande, who had to face serious
dangers through epic feats.
The dignitary read excerpts from Simón Bolívar's Jamaica
Letter and pointed out that, in the face of the project of
union, integration and political expansion, based on
equality, there was also "the manifest destiny and
the historical contradiction... that accompanies
us today."
She pointed out that this contradiction is currently translated
into US exceptionalism - versus the idea of creating a true
union, which is today --- the "dilemma we have here."
In her speech, the head of state in charge declared that January
3 marked "a turning point in national politics and in our vision of
international relations," which led to a return to the diplomatic
path ...with the United States government.
She commented that almost six months have passed and "I feel
that it has been the right path" to settle the controversies and
differences, which "there are --- and exist," through the
diplomatic space, to guarantee the tranquility, peace,
sovereignty and independence of Venezuela,
she said.
In the opinion of the president in charge.... they are in
the process of "an historical time of great difficulties
and hunts".
Rodríguez pointed out that, as a development of capital
accumulation (in reference to the United States) it
establishes strategies for countries.... with
particular assets.
In this regard, she added that, in the case of Venezuela,
being an energy power in its reserve, we.... have said
"We want to develop that power" so that what is in
the subsoil becomes the social happiness of the
people who, for more than a decade,suffered
an economic blockade.
She said that they are in a process of "removing knots
in relations" and her message to the countries of the
region: is to "find our own way in the continent and
in the hemisphere."
_____________________________________________
Cuba installs more than 300 photovoltaic
systems ..........with Canadian support
Holguin, Cuba, June 22nd, 4:39pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Forman Project, an alliance between Cuba and Canada
aimed at the development of renewable energy ------ for the
benefit of women, has installed 344 photovoltaic systems
in 10 municipalities of this eastern province.
The head of the Photovoltaic Group of the Base Business Unit
(UEB) Renewable Sources, Tania Hidalgo Gómez, reported
that of the 502 equipment pieces planned for the territory,
244 of one kilowatt ---- and 100 of two kilowatts ---- have
already been implemented.
Hidalgo Gómez explained that the affected areas, which
previously had only four hours of electricity through
generators, currently have a stable energy service
24 hours a day.
The initiative, whose execution stage will conclude next July,
prioritizes social development and community infrastructure
through the placement of 30 solar heaters in health and
social care institutions in the region.
The Octavio de la Concepción... and de la Pedraja Pediatric
Hospital, as well as various children's centres, polyclinics,
maternity homes and grandparents' homes are among the
centres that benefit from these clean technologies.
The program also includes a water pumping system in the
hospital of the municipality of Moa, a solar park for a
laundry and the construction of a scientific
reference demonstration park at the
University of Moa.
In the field of education ---- three classrooms specialized in
renewable energies were inaugurated, fully equipped with
measuring instruments, practical tools, air conditioning
and furniture ---- in polytechnic institutes and at the
university headquarters of Moa.
The technical training, given by Canadian experts in wind,
photovoltaic, hydraulic and thermal technologies, led to
the graduation of professors in charge of replicating
the knowledge on the use and maintenance of the
systems ---- in the communities.
With a gender focus, the Former Project directly assists women
from vulnerable communities who lead farms and enterprises,
with the purpose of promoting their economic independence
and leadership in local socio-energy change.
______________________________________________
The "King of the North" is running for
Prime Minister of the UK.
Five facts ---- about
Andy Burnham
June 22nd, 2:17pm
(Izvestia.ru)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
...has announced his resignation!
Fact 1. Unsuccessfully tried to lead the Labour Party
Fact 2. Became the "King of the North"
Fact 3: He was booed by football fans
Fact 4. Everton and rugby league fan
Fact 5. A Catholic and a critic of the Vatican
After Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime
Minister of the UK, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater
Manchester, emerged as the most likely candidate for
the position. He will lead the government ---- after
winning the election within the Labour Party.
Burnham is known as the "King of the North" for his advocacy
of the interests of the northern regions of England and his
opposition to the influence of London. In this article, we
will explore the other notable achievements of the
future Prime Minister.
Fact 1. He unsuccessfully tried to lead the Labour Party
• Burnham was born in a suburb of Liverpool, the son of a
telephone engineer and a receptionist at a medical clinic.
His political views were shaped during his youth, when
he witnessed the miners' strikes of the 1980s and
watched a documentary about unemployment
in his hometown. As a schoolboy, Burnham
won debates as a Labour candidate, and
he officially joined the party at the
age of 15.
• In 2001, at the age of 31, Burnham was first elected to the
British Parliament. He held several ministerial positions in
the government of Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2010. After
the Conservatives came to power, Burnham began to try
to gain popularity among the Labour Party in order to
lead his own party.... and have the opportunity to
become Prime Minister in the future. However,
he was defeated in the party's internal
elections both times, finishing 4th
in 2010 .....and 2nd in 2015.
• Not wanting to remain an ordinary MP, Burnham accepted an
offer from his party... to participate in the first-ever mayoral
election in Greater Manchester, the country's third-largest
metropolitan area. He won the election in 2017 and has
since been re-elected twice.
If Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, he will be the sixth
British Prime Minister in 10 years. Since 2016, this post has
been held by Theresa May (2016-2019-3 years, 12 days),
Boris Johnson (2019-2022-3 years, 45 days), Liz Truss
(2022-2022 — 50 days), Rishi Sunak (2022-2024 — 1
year, 255 days), Keir Starmer (2024-2026 — 1 year,
353 days on the moment when the resignation
was announced). David Cameron, who was
replaced by Theresa May in 2016, served
one full term and resigned at the start
of his second term, after Brexit.
Fact 2. Became the "King of the North"
• As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham earned the
nickname "King of the North" --- which is a reference
to the TV series "Game of Thrones." This nickname
emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,
when Burnham became known..... for his vocal
advocacy for the northern regions of England.
He openly challenged Prime Minister Boris Johnson
and demanded that the imposed restrictions be
accompanied by additional funding for the
affected northern areas.
• For many, Burnham became a symbol of the struggle against
the London establishment and the entrenched inequality
between northern England and the rest of the country.
Many in Manchester and neighbouring cities were
impressed by his decision to resign from his
position in the British Parliament in order
to focus on regional politics.... and
improving the quality of life on
the ground.
Burnham's political philosophy - was characterized by his
advocacy of "Manchesterism." This term referred to his
belief in the importance of decentralization, breaking
away from the control of London, achieving financial
independence from the central authorities, and also
promoting a business-friendly form of socialism.
Fact 3. He was booed by football fans
• From January 2008 to June 2009, Burnham served as Minister
of Culture, Media & Sports. In this capacity, on April 19, 2009,
he participated in the 20th anniversary.... of the Hillsborough
disaster, where 97 Liverpool fans were killed in a stampede
during an FA Cup match between Liverpool and
Nottingham Forest.
• Burnham... was supposed to speak at Liverpool's stadium in
front of 30,000 fans who had gathered for a memorial service.
However, the minister was booed.. when he began to read a
message from Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The message
stated that the victims of the tragedy won't be forgotten,
which angered the audience, as no police officer had
been held accountable for the stampede. Burnham
paused for a few minutes, but eventually
continued his speech.
• After this incident, Burnham proposed a re-examination of the
circumstances of the tragedy. This led to a new, extensive
investigation, which confirmed that the stampede was
caused by the police - and that all the victims were
killed in a non-fatal accident. Prior to this, it was
widely believed that the fans were responsible
for their own deaths. Although no one was
actually punished, Burnham was given a
standing ovation at the next memorial
service in 2014.
Fact 4. Everton and Rugby League Fan
• Football - is very important to Burnham. He has been a lifelong
passionate Everton fan, a fierce rival of Liverpool. Already, as a
politician, Burnham commented on his favorite team's matches
on the radio, and once he himself went on the field against it.
This happened in 2003, when Everton played a pre-season
friendly match against the amateur club "Lee RMI".
Burnham also regularly plays for the Labour
Party team against journalists.
• Another of Burnham's favorite sports... is rugby league, a
variation of rugby that was historically played by workers
in northern England. While he served as Mayor of Greater
Manchester, he spent a year leading the Rugby Football
League, which governs the sport in England.
Fact 5. A Catholic and a critic of the Vatican
• If Burnham becomes the leader of the Labour Party, he will
become the first Catholic to lead the British government. Of
his predecessors, only Johnson was baptized into the
Catholic faith, but he converted to Anglicanism and
back again throughout his life. Burnham, on the
other hand, has been a Catholic since birth,
attended a Catholic school, and served as
an altar boy in the church.
• Although Burnham says that Everton, the Labour Party, and
the Catholic Church have shaped his life, he does not
consider himself to be overly religious. He has
criticized the Vatican for its conservatism
and lack of openness, but he has also
expressed positive opinions about
Pope Francis, whom he has met
in person.
"Terrible - and chaotic": Keir Starmer
to step down - as UK Prime Minister
With his departure, the government's
problems are unlikely to be resolved,
and trust in the traditional parties...
has been undermined.
_____________________________________
Greater presence --- of foreign
forces announced in Ecuador
Quito, June 22nd, 12:55pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Government of Ecuador announced today an increase in the
presence of foreign forces under the protection of Executive
Decree 424, and that political sectors question it --- for its
impact on sovereignty and human rights.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo argued in an interview
with local media TC Television that the regulation, signed
by President Daniel Noboa, expands the scope of
operations against structures considered "a
threat" to the country's security.
Opposition legislators rejected the provision, including Héctor
Rodríguez, of the Citizens' Revolution (RC), for whom ----- "no
president has the right to mortgage national sovereignty to
make up for his inability to govern."
This -- is part of the Monroe Doctrine, promoted by Trumpism
to control Latin America, warned parliamentarian Fernando
Cedeño, also of the RC.
In addition to the opposition, human rights organizations warned
that Decree 424 promotes tolerance for possible abuses by the
public force by empowering the president to grant pardons and
commutation of sentences to police, military and civilians.
According to the Defense Minister, international cooperation
is already active and will be progressively strengthened,
alluding to U.S. troops participating in joint operations.
"Even more troops are going to begin to arrive to start acting
together with our forces," said the minister, who ruled out
independent patrols by foreign contingents.
With Executive Decree 424, Noboa -- ratified the existence of an
internal armed conflict and provided international cooperation
mechanisms to confront, according to the claim, the criminal
organizations operating in the country.
Ecuador is facing a security crisis and closed 2025.. with more
than nine thousand homicides, a figure that places the nation
as one of the most violent in the region despite militarization
and states of emergency.... implemented by today's regime.
____________________________________________________________
Mexico works on mechanism: for
companies to bring oil to Cuba
Mexico City, June 22nd, 12:14pm
(Prensa Latina)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said today that they
are working on mechanisms ---- for private companies to
transport fuel to Cuba, currently besieged by the U.S..
"We are working on it. Mainly through – it's not that it has
been restarted – but the mechanism would be through
private companies that have permission to take the
fuel to Cuba," she said, in response to a question
about whether oil trade between the two
countries... was resumed.
During her usual press conference, the head of the Executive
said from the National Palace that work has been done on it
for some time.
"We hope that it can be resumed soon in a commercial way.
It is not a humanitarian issue, but in a commercial way,"
she clarified.
"The humanitarian support - continues," she added, "(now it
will be) the commercial part, which has not been closed
either, but with the new characteristics approved by
Congress and the Government of Cuba, because
from there, there can be a greater commercial
relationship with Mexican businessmen
--- in Cuba."
On June 9, the head of the Executive reaffirmed her country's
decision ---- to continue sending material aid to the Caribbean
nation, amid the strengthening of the economic, commercial,
financial and energy blockade ------- imposed by Washington.
For more than six decades, the US has applied a siege against
Cuba, which was tightened last January .....by an executive
order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The lack of access to fuels derived from this -- affects
such sensitive areas as the generation of electricity,
the operation of hospitals.... the production and
distribution of food, and the pumping of water
in the Caribbean nation.
The Republican's threats and other measures against Cuba
have unleashed rejection and denunciation from popular
sectors, governments and politicians in Mexico ....and
various nations around the world.
___________________________________
Cuba and Vietnam ratify
solidarity & cooperation
Havana, June 22nd, 11:56am
(Prensa Latina)
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez held official talks today
with his Vietnamese counterpart, Le Hoai Trung, in which the
historic solidarity between the two nations was ratified.
The island's foreign minister stressed that the visit of the
Vietnamese foreign minister comes at a very complex
time for Cuba ----- marked by the tightening of U.S.
sanctions and their impact on development.
Rodriguez stressed that Vietnam is "a benchmark of the
heroic - and extraordinary - struggle of its people for
national independence - and the construction of
a much more beautiful homeland," and also
an example ----- for its economic and
social advances.
The Cuban foreign minister thanked Vietnam for its cooperation
pointing out that, although both countries are "geographical
antipodes," they are "closely united" by a shared history
of struggle against imperialism, and their defense of
self-determination.
He also stressed - that Vietnam has established itself as the
largest investor in Asia and Oceania in Cuba, with projects
in strategic sectors such as agri-food, the production of
basic necessities, construction materials and
renewable energies.
In the agri-food field, joint initiatives for rice, coffee and corn
production have strengthened bilateral cooperation, and
Vietnam has become the main supplier of rice to Cuba.
The Cuban minister also expressed his gratitude for the
donation of photovoltaic solar parks for the generation
of 80 megawatts, which will be located in the province
of Mayabeque.
For his part, Le Hoai Trung described his visit as "a sign of the
special relationship between the two parties and respect for
bilateral ties," and conveyed a greeting from the Secretary
General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, to
President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the leader of the
Revolution, Raúl Castro.
During the meeting, the Vietnamese foreign minister informed
his Cuban counterpart about the results of the 14th Congress
of the Communist Party of Vietnam and expressed his
country's condolences for the recent death of
Commander of the Revolution.... Ramiro
Valdés Menéndez.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensive
cooperation, as well as their willingness to continue
working together in areas of common interest.
________________________________________________
Cuba invites you to enjoy
its culture in the summer
Havana, June 22nd, 12:13am
(Prensa Latina)
Organizations in institutions in the Cuban capital today
outline a series of cultural initiatives.... for families to
enjoy the summer.. to the rhythm of music, cinema,
dance .....and other manifestations of art.
Aimed at diverse audiences, the program includes
community children's projects this Saturday at
the Artex EntreDos, Artehabana and Bulevar
66 centres, located on Boulevard de San
Rafael, in Old Havana.
That day there will be a parade, from Galiano to Prado,
with the participation of the Comparsa Los
Componedores de Batea .....and the
Carnavaleando y sus Muñecos.
Casino wheels will liven up the busy artery, where there
will also be space......... for the talent of cartoonists
collaborating with the humorous publications
of Palante and Dedeté.
The Boulevard de San Rafael will also host the presentation
of the comic book Tonito, with illustrations by the visual
artist Alexis Gutiérrez Gelabert, while at the La Rampa
cinema, the screening of the lively Festín con Pipo y
Federico is planned, along with a concert by the
singer-songwriter Enid Rosales.
In addition to these proposals.. the Hermanos Saíz Association
(AHS) joins in, with a varied artistic and sports program whose
campaign exhibits the slogan "The best is you, in our style...
and with flow".
As explained by the national president of the organization,
Yasel Toledo, the initiative will reach communities, labour
institutions and historical sites throughout Cuba, with the
aim of promoting such shows ....in scenarios with limited
access to art and culture.
Music, performing arts and permanent projects at the
organization's headquarters... make up the AHS's
proposal, which is enriched with physical
and recreational activities.
A whole cultural display for the family in Cuba
this period of the year, to the rhythm of the
most diverse artistic expressions.
______________________________
Viet Nam ..among top 10 peaceful counties
in Asia-Pacific: 2026 Global Peace Index
by Thuy Dung
June 20th, 6:28pm
(VGP)
The Southeast Asian nation's overall score in
the index was largely unchanged.... at 1.738.
With this score, Viet Nam is also in the top 4 most peaceful
countries in Southeast Asia, ranking behind Singapore
(1.435), Malaysia (1.513) and Timor-Leste (1.681).
Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace since 2007,
the annual GPI report ranks 163 independent countries and
territories according to their level of peacefulness,
covering 99.7% of the world's population.
It measures the state of peace across three domains:
societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and
international conflict and the degree
of militarisation.
______________________________________
Brazil begins childhood vaccination
with new pneumococcal injectable
Brasilia, June 20th, 4:52pm
(Prensa Latina)
Brazil's Ministry of Health today began the application of
the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneumo
20) in children, with the aim of expanding protection
against serious diseases caused by the bacterium
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The incorporation of the new injectable into the National
Immunization Program represents an advance in the
strategy for the prevention of respiratory infections
and other life-threatening conditions that mainly
impact minors, the elderly and people with
weakened immune systems.
Agencia Brasil added that Pneumo 20 will progressively
replace the 10-valent pneumococcal version used so
far in the public health network.
According to the Ministry of the sector, the new preparation
offers coverage against 20 serotypes of pneumococcal
bacteria and significantly expands protection against
variants responsible for invasive diseases and
respiratory complications.
Among the pathologies preventable through immunization..
are pneumonia, meningitis, otitis, sinusitis and septicemia.
Health authorities stress - that the expansion of vaccination
coverage will reduce hospitalizations, sequelae and deaths
associated with these diseases.
The new vaccine will be administered free of charge through
the Unified Health System (SUS) - & will initially be intended
for children under one year of age, following the national
vaccination schedule.
The scheme provides for the application of doses during the
first months of life and a booster dose later, in accordance
with the guidelines of the immunization program.
This decision is based on scientific evidence and technical
recommendations that demonstrate a greater capacity for
protection against the serotypes currently in circulation.
Likewise, the update will allow the effectiveness of prevention
strategies to be maintained in the face of the changes
observed in the epidemiological behaviour of
the bacterium.
Pneumo 20 is part of government efforts to strengthen
vaccine coverage and expand access to more
advanced public health technologies.
Brazil has recently promoted various actions to recover child
immunization rates, affected by the decrease in adherence
to vaccination campaigns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Millions of children, the Ministry of Health stressed, will be able
to benefit annually from the new vaccine, which will reduce
the circulation of dangerous strains of pneumococcus and
strengthen the capacity of the health system to deal
with respiratory diseases.
_________________________________________________________
Little Judge sends wife of
Spanish ruler..... to trial
and refuses her bail
Madrid, June 20th, 10:56am
(Prensa Latina)
Singled out for his alleged close ties with the rightwing
Popular Party, Judge Juan Carlos Peinado decided to
send Begoña Gómez, wife of the President of the
Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, to trial.
The news was known today and unleashed a wave of criticism
of the magistrate, who despite being corrected several times
by the National Court on this file, insisted on ''his'' decision.
Without any concrete evidence, except press clippings and
verbal accusations from alleged witnesses, Peinado sends
Gómez to a jury trial for the crimes of influence peddling,
corruption in business in the private sector between
individuals, misappropriation, and embezzlement
of public funds.
The tiny little judge also picked on the advisor to the
president's wife, Juan Carlos Barrabés, for the same
crimes, alleged corruption and influence peddling
in the private sector, between individuals.
In harsh terms, the Secretary and spokesman for Podemos,
Pablo Fernández, accused Judge Peinado on Saturday of
having crossed "all the limits" with his decision to send
Begoña Gómez to trial.
"The fact --- that Judge Peinado continues in his judicial career
reveals how Justice is in Spain. A shame - and an ignominy.
An absolutely deranged man who is crossing all the limits
of prevarication with total impunity," Fernández wrote
on his account on the social network X.
For his part, the Compromís parliamentarian Alberto Ibáñez was
categorical in stating that "the sadism of 'whoever can do, let
him do' smokes a cigar", in tacit reference to the invitation of
ex president José María Aznar to confront the Government.
"Every professional bar association, association of judges and
prosecutors, law professor and court journalist that does not
denounce such barbarity ------ is an accomplice to the coup
against the rule of law," he said in X.
In a statement, the majority union of the National Police (Jupol),
demanded a rectification from Judge Peinado, for arguing that
the security forces escorting Begoña Gómez, could facilitate
"her eventual escape".
"It is a real barbarity to suggest that members of the National
Police, and in particular the agents assigned to the security
of the Presidency of the Government, could collaborate in
a hypothetical escape or in any action aimed at removing
a person from the action of Justice, whoever says so,"
the union said.
From the Moncloa Palace, it was pointed out that the
magistrate's decision to withdraw Begoña Gómez's
passport and send her to trial confirms Peinado's
obsessive and disproportionate persecution.
Meanwhile, the PP, a conservative party that seeks at all costs
to unseat Sánchez from power, did not hide its satisfaction
with the performance of the judge in question.... and its
secretary general, Miguel Tellado, called the
government a "den of criminals".
____________________________________
BRICS advocates for
greater cooperation
on MSMEs
New Delhi, June 20th, 3:36am
(Prensa Latina)
The BRICS nations ....advocated for greater collaboration,
sustainability and the global integration of micro, small
and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), today - as
engines of innovation, employment and
regional development.
Gathered at the inaugural BRICS Forum on MSMEs 2026,
which took place the day before in the Indian city of
Agra, representatives of member countries and
partners of the intergovernmental bloc
deliberated on strengthening the
ecosystems ....of this type of
economic partnership, thus
promoting sustainability
and improving global
competitiveness.
According to the Indian authorities, the forum, which took
place after the third meeting of the Working Group on
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, represented
an important opportunity in advancing economic
cooperation among BRICS nations, with a
specific focus on MSMEs.
In this context, Jitan Ram Manjhi, India's minister of the
sector, stressed the importance of collective action to
shape the future of these economic associations, in
the BRICS countries.
"MSMEs are fundamental to achieving inclusive and
sustainable economic development ...and the
challenges they face today ----- whether in
terms of financing, technology adoption,
sustainability, or access to markets —
require collaborative solutions,"
he said.
He noted that the BRICS countries - possess tremendous
strengths and complementary capabilities, and through
continuous dialogue and cooperation, a strong training
framework can be built ...to become engines of
innovation, exports and employment.
The minister reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering
stronger economic partnerships and facilitating
knowledge sharing among BRICS countries.
During the session, Yogita Swaroop, Chief Economic Adviser
at India's Department for Industry Promotion and Inward
Trade, underlined the importance of policy coordination
and enabling frameworks to support business growth.
He added that the future of economic growth will
increasingly be driven by innovative and
agile companies.
MSMEs occupy a key position in this transformation and
facilitating entrepreneurial activity, improving access to
finance, fostering innovation ecosystems & facilitating
links with international markets will be critical factors
in unlocking the next phase of growth in the BRICS'
economies, he stressed.
During the opening session, a special video on MSMEs
was screened showing India's entrepreneurial
strength, its innovation capabilities and
success stories of these companies.
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